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Things to Do in Holyhead
Holyhead Maritime Museum
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Holyhead Maritime Museum

See all things to do
See all things to do
Holyhead Maritime Museum
4.5
267
#2 of 31 things to do in Holyhead
History Museums
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10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
The Museum opens again on Tuesday, 5th April 2022. Free entry for all Children 16 and under. The museum is a fascinating experience for the whole family. Step back in time at the oldest lifeboat station in Wales (circa. 1858), Which houses a wonderful collection of exhibits telling the enthralling maritime history of Holyhead. Situated alongside the Maritime Museum, in a Second World War Air Raid Shelter, is the very informative permanent exhibition "Holyhead at War".
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Full view
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
76 within 3 miles
The Harbourfront Bistro
620
44 ft$$ - $$$ • European • British • Welsh
The Beach Hut Holyhead Cafe and Bistro
186
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • British • Welsh
Langdon's
261
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • British • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Talk of the Town
49
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • British • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Green Island Takeaway
34
0.2 mi$ • Chinese • Fast Food • Asian
The Stanley Arms
138
0.3 mi$ • Bar • British • Pub
Price's Chip Shop
80
0.3 mi$ • Seafood • Fast Food • British
Spinnakers
20
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pub • Vegetarian Friendly
Simply Street Bar & Grill
129
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • International • Vegetarian Friendly
Marina Stores Cafe Bar
71
0.3 mi$ • Bar • Cafe • British
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Attractions
36 within 6 miles
Ring of Fire Ultra Marathon
3
0.3 miSporting Events
Holyhead Lifeboat Station
2
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Holyhead Library
9
0.3 miLibraries
St. Cybi Church
67
0.4 miChurches & Cathedrals
Shabby Cottage
1
0.4 miAntique Shops
Holyhead Breakwater Country Park
291
1.2 miParks
Stena Line Limited - Day Trips
864
0.7 miFerries
Caer Gybi (Roman Fort)
21
0.5 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Tabernacl Chapel
1
0.5 miChurches & Cathedrals
War Memorial Holyhead
6
0.5 miMonuments & Statues
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
267 reviews
Excellent
200
Very good
49
Average
14
Poor
4
Terrible
0
Huw L
Mold, UK33 contributions
Holyhead's hidden gem: The Maritime Museum
Hidden away on Holyhead Prom, slightly below the promenade level next to The Bistro, right on the edge of the sea , the Holyhead Maritime Museum is an absolute gem. With interesting historical accounts,artefacts and high quality models, it documents the fascinating maritime history of this important seaport which is still the prime port linking the UK with the Irish Republic via Dublin.
Small but efficiently laid out, it has enough material to keep you interested for about 2 hours , including a display of items housed in a genuine WW2 Air Raid Shelter adjacent to the main museum and included in the modest entry fee.
The staff are ever so friendly and informative . I was fortunate to have Peter Roberts as my guide, his knowledge is encyclopedic and his enthusiasm is legendary , thank you Peter for adding colour and detail to my visit.
There is a small shop at Reception selling souveneer items and a good selection of local history books at reasonable prices, with Carys giving friendly and sound advice on the day I went.
All the staff work voluntarily here which is remarkable in itself. Without them, this important piece of history would be lost for ever. Thank you for what you do.
I really enjoyed my visit and I'm sure you will too ! Don't miss this.
I will return, as there is more to take in than you can absorb in one visit !
Written September 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve N
Abergele, UK45 contributions
Great Hidden Gem
Couples
This is an excellent hidden gem. We were treated to a trip around the museum by Norman who was extremely knowledgeable about the exhibits. He really brings them to life.
I would highly recommend a visit if you are interested in the local history
Written April 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Holyhead Mariti... M
Thank you for your review and appreciation of Norman’s efforts as guide.
Written August 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tartanjohn
Olney, UK88 contributions
Great visit in a historic setting
Couples
Stumbled across this museum and decided to Pop in and see what was going on.
Concession price of £4.50 pp was reasonable and as it was housed in the oldest lifeboat station in Wales.
Very extensive collection of artifacts relating to the Maritime history of the area.
Some great models of ships and shipping backed up with exhibits, photos and tales from the area.
Facing it, is the Second World War air raid shelter packed with memorabilia from WW1 & 2 which was equally interesting.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Holyhead Mariti... M
Thank you for your review. We are pleased that you found the museum of interest.
Written August 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ukjeffrey
Pinner, UK100 contributions
So interesting and lovely to visit
Friends
I don’t normally do museums but my friend wanted to visit this one . I’m so glad I did , the gentleman who run the museum are a delight to meet and love chatting and answering your questions. I totally recommend this museum to visit.
Written May 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Holyhead Mariti... M
Thank you for your helpful review and recommendation to others to visit.
Written August 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
vivEngland
Preston, UK739 contributions
Interesting visit
The museum is in what used to be a Lifeboat Station, the oldest one in Wales. There are a lot of glass display cabinets giving information about the lifeboats that have been built and used over the years and you can read about the brave lifeboat crews who have saved so many people. There are also models of the different lifeboats and and a WW2 Air Raid Shelter with a large collection of WW1 and WW2 items with information about people who lost their lives. You can listen to Vera Lynn singing. It is £5 for adults and £4.50 for concessions.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Holyhead Mariti... M
Thank you for your very descriptive review of our museum.
Written November 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eva B
1 contribution
A gem of history
Family
This has to be the most amazing museum my family has been to in a long time.

Packed with history, stories and the most fantastic and passionate staff who bring to life the history of Holyhead and all that have passed through.

The air raid shelter is equally as fascinating.

These are real stories, important stories, make sure you listen to them.
Written October 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Holyhead Mariti... M
Thank you for your very positive review.
Written November 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
janet51London
london46 contributions
Lovely staff and interesting museum.
Couples
Fascinating little museum. The volunteers are extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. They are enthusiastic and bring the exhibits to life in a very interesting way. It's a lovely little museum, and well worth a visit. The air raid shelter is very interesting, specially the section at the far end which is full of memorabilia and a real" I had one of those " experience.
Well worth visiting by any age group .
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Holyhead Mariti... M
Thank you for your detailed and appreciative review. We are pleased that you enjoyed your visit.
Written August 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gemma W
4 contributions
Museum
Was a lovely small museum to visit. The staff there were really knowledgeable and clearly took great pleasure in imparting that knowledge to the visitors. Was a really informative museum and we all learnt a few bits about the ships and the local area. Would definitely recommend a trip here.
Written September 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Holyhead Mariti... M
Thank you for your kind review and recommedation for others to visit.
Written November 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janice L
Brisbane, Australia188 contributions
Fantastic maritime museum
What a wonderful small museum to visit. There was so much to see and there were a few people there to talk to you about the items on display or to tell you information about amything to do with the coast guard. I was very excited to find a postcard there with a steamship on it which one of my ancestors had served on when he was in the navy in the 1800's. They also have a very small Military Museum separate to the Maritime Museum.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Holyhead Mariti... M
Thank you for your kind review. Pleased that you found the post card with a link to your family.
Written February 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jane C
5 contributions
Well worth a visit
Business
I took my coach tour of 30 people.They throughly enjoyed the experience.Very interesting place. Thank you Eric Antony for a fantastic visit.Thank you to your other guides who did a fantastic job. Highley recommended
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Holyhead Mariti... M
Thank you very much for your very encouraging review. We are pleased that your group enjoyed their visit. Please come again.
Written November 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Holyhead Maritime Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Holyhead Maritime Museum
Holyhead Maritime Museum is open:
  • Tue - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM