Lancaster Maritime Museum

About this activity

The Lancaster Maritime Museum is a family day out to immerse yourself in local history, with the museum occupying two historic buildings on St. George’s Quay, which is the city’s main 18th-century harbour. 

So even before you arrive you'll be surrounded by history!

During your time at the Lancaster Maritime Museum, the family can discover all abobut Lancaster and Morecambe's fascinating relationship with the ocean, as well as learning all about the challenging lives those who worked and lived in the industry would have had. 

You can also learn about how the region's inland waterways have shaped the lives, work and leisure of the residents!

Also at the Lancaster Maritime Museum you can uncover the dark legacy of the Translantic slave trade, and the impact this had on the historic city. Kids can also look back in time at how the Quay was once a bustling place of import and trade with countries from all across the world!

The museum opened in 1985, and can be found in the former Custom House of 1764, which was designed by Richard Gillow.

The upper floor even incorporates the neighbouring warehouse, where back in the day in the height of trade, goods were stored after being shipped into the port from all over the world.   

Inside you can explore these atmospheric and fascinating buildings as you discover the history of the Port of Lancaster, along with the local fishing industry and life in the spaces between land and sea.

Kids can learn of the treacherous crossing of the sands, and even sit in a packet boat on the Lancaster Canal. 

A fascinatingly historic family day out at Lancaster Maritime Museum!