HMS Trincomalee
HMS Trincomalee
4.5
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Launched in 1817, HMS Trincomalee is the oldest warship afloat in Europe.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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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
770 reviews
Excellent
603
Very good
134
Average
21
Poor
5
Terrible
7
Jenski-Bob
Durham, UK179 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Exceeded my expectations.
I really wasn’t expecting much from visiting. Thought it would take about an hour to walk round. We ended up being there nearly 4 hours.
The kids (2 and 5) loved it. It is cheaper buying the tickets online plus its a year pass.
There is a ship play park, horrible histories event where theres soft play, interactive play and playable cannons that shoot out foam balls. Theres a small town around the ship with a pub, houses and shops to look it, bit like a mini beamish museum. Theres a exhibition room and a further things to look at where the gift shop is on the way out. There is also a cafe on site but noticed people bring picnics in.
Great day had by all.
I really wasn’t expecting much from visiting. Thought it would take about an hour to walk round. We ended up being there nearly 4 hours.
The kids (2 and 5) loved it. It is cheaper buying the tickets online plus its a year pass.
There is a ship play park, horrible histories event where theres soft play, interactive play and playable cannons that shoot out foam balls. Theres a small town around the ship with a pub, houses and shops to look it, bit like a mini beamish museum. Theres a exhibition room and a further things to look at where the gift shop is on the way out. There is also a cafe on site but noticed people bring picnics in.
Great day had by all.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike Bull
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK125 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a wonderful attraction, very easy to get to by car, and with a big free car park. We were there on a gloomy February day and virtually had the place to ourselves.
Entrance is made through the shop and then you step out into the dockyard, with the magnificent HMS Trincomalee bobbing gently afloat at the heart. (It was certainly moving about the day I went due to high winds!)
The surrounding buildings represent the various suppliers, shops, homes and trades associated with the navy of the time, and feature some wonderful settings with some very good figures and audio effects bringing things to life. (Though in the tailors, the positions of two of the figures are hilariously ill-judged. Or maybe it's just the mind it went into!)
The ship itself can be toured on your own to suit yourself, or with a guide, with entrance on board for either option seeming to be every 45 minutes or so. As with all ships of this ilk, mind your head once you're on board, as the deck heights are very low. More excellent figures bring parts of the ship to life but aren't obtrusive either, and creeping into the tiny copper-lined powder stores down in the bowels of the ship is great fun. You can explore every deck, so there's a fair bit to see.
Down sides? The gift shop was centered entirely on Royal Navy and Pirate themed goods, with nothing about the actual ship whatsoever apart from the thin guidebook. (If you want a more comprehensive book on the ship, you need to hunt about the secondhand market on Amazon.) There's a very good short film about the ship's restoration running on a loop in the exhibition in the dockyard, and there must be enough material to make a DVD about this, but again, there's nothing. Only a small niggle, I guess.
Definitely worth a visit.
Entrance is made through the shop and then you step out into the dockyard, with the magnificent HMS Trincomalee bobbing gently afloat at the heart. (It was certainly moving about the day I went due to high winds!)
The surrounding buildings represent the various suppliers, shops, homes and trades associated with the navy of the time, and feature some wonderful settings with some very good figures and audio effects bringing things to life. (Though in the tailors, the positions of two of the figures are hilariously ill-judged. Or maybe it's just the mind it went into!)
The ship itself can be toured on your own to suit yourself, or with a guide, with entrance on board for either option seeming to be every 45 minutes or so. As with all ships of this ilk, mind your head once you're on board, as the deck heights are very low. More excellent figures bring parts of the ship to life but aren't obtrusive either, and creeping into the tiny copper-lined powder stores down in the bowels of the ship is great fun. You can explore every deck, so there's a fair bit to see.
Down sides? The gift shop was centered entirely on Royal Navy and Pirate themed goods, with nothing about the actual ship whatsoever apart from the thin guidebook. (If you want a more comprehensive book on the ship, you need to hunt about the secondhand market on Amazon.) There's a very good short film about the ship's restoration running on a loop in the exhibition in the dockyard, and there must be enough material to make a DVD about this, but again, there's nothing. Only a small niggle, I guess.
Definitely worth a visit.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary W
Seaham, UK1,147 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
This frigate is part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool and has set times during the day you can board.
The staff do a safety brief but then let you board to explore at your leisure but are on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Well worth a visit and a trip back to the Royal Navy of the eighteenth century.
The staff do a safety brief but then let you board to explore at your leisure but are on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Well worth a visit and a trip back to the Royal Navy of the eighteenth century.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tranmere10
Oxford, UK38 contributions
Jun 2021
They require pre-existing booking. Nothing to do with covid, just their own policy. You should be able to scan the QR code at the door, but it didn't work. They had known about this for days but hadn't put a note on it saying so. They would however allow us in if we paid more. Sensing a possible scam we went to our hotel and booked and paid for the following day.
During the night there was about 15mms of rain. That day they closed the ship to visitors as it had rainwater leaks. Other ancillary displays were largely open, and moderately interesting, but not the reason for going. The next day, with less rain, they still had leaks and the ship remained closed.
I may have been mistaken for assuming that the Royal Navy Historic Dockyard would have been able to keep rainwater out of its ships.
They refused a refund on the grounds that the ticket is valid for a year. That may be of some use to local people but not those who have travelled long distances.
So my advice is not to visit this ship if it looks likely to rain before you get there, or you will find that they keep your money and don't deliver the service. If only those responsible could spend time at another of Her Majesty's facilities.
During the night there was about 15mms of rain. That day they closed the ship to visitors as it had rainwater leaks. Other ancillary displays were largely open, and moderately interesting, but not the reason for going. The next day, with less rain, they still had leaks and the ship remained closed.
I may have been mistaken for assuming that the Royal Navy Historic Dockyard would have been able to keep rainwater out of its ships.
They refused a refund on the grounds that the ticket is valid for a year. That may be of some use to local people but not those who have travelled long distances.
So my advice is not to visit this ship if it looks likely to rain before you get there, or you will find that they keep your money and don't deliver the service. If only those responsible could spend time at another of Her Majesty's facilities.
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry to hear that had issues visiting the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool.
We understand your frustration, the online booking system isn’t new but we do request that customers pre-book via our website in order to manage capacity due to Covid-19 to make it as safe as possible for both visitors and staff. We offer a discount online as an incentive to do this, I assure you it isn’t a scam and many other visitors attractions have the same approach. I can confirm that the issue with the QR code has been temporarily covered and a new sign is in the process of being made and will be installed ASAP.
In terms of HMS Trincomalee, we had to close the ship due to health and safety and it wasn’t a decision we took lightly. But ultimately it wasn’t safe for visitors to be onboard. I agree it wasn’t much rain however with the heat over the past few weeks the decks have contracted, followed by light but consistent rain it seeped into the ship. 200 years ago this wouldn’t have been a problem but now there’s electric throughout the vessel and it’s not worth the risk allowing visitors or staff to enter. It does state on the website we recommend phoning ahead and sometimes the ship will be closed due to weather. It’s very much something out of our hands.
Again I can only apologise that you couldn’t experience our usual level of service but tickets last a year so please do come back and visit HMS Trincomalee. If you would like to discuss this further feel free drop me a call on 01429 860077.
Thanks
Clare
Written June 29, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ben M
Nottingham, UK42 contributions
Aug 2021
Clean, informative and fascinating visit to see an old maritime warrior. Helpful staff and interesting demonstrations make for a great visit. The fee is for an annual pass so if you’re around for longer, or not too far away you should keep your ticket.
The old weapon demonstration was great and the story behind the Trincomalee really interesting too.
The old weapon demonstration was great and the story behind the Trincomalee really interesting too.
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moya B
North East England, UK2 contributions
May 2021
Tremendously interesting to see how life as a sailor was lived; both for the ordinary sailors and the naval hierarchy. The surrounding shopsof traders set around the boat, such as the tailor , the gunsmiths etc were enhanced by realistic voice- overs. A good little cafe too and a skittle alley and games area added to the experience
Written June 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JKBNY
York, UK42 contributions
Sep 2021
The trip around the ship is the star of the visit but get a guide book and read it whilst having a coffee before going onboard. I reccomend at least 2 visits one for the ship and then one for the rest of the dockyard, a lot to take in and your ticket allows you to visit as often as you like for a year. Some exhibits in the dockyard/buildings are not vey well illuminated and are difficult to read/view [hence 4 stars]. Food a bit hit or miss, not worth reading the menu as most items are unavailable but the coffee is good.
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin S
Sheffield, UK198 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Being a military history fantastic, especially the older sailing vessels, seeing this lovely and well preserved ship was one thing, but to be able to explore her with my family was a great experience. From being on deck to being in the bowels of the ship it was a great day out. The ship,is surrounded by many exhibits that compliment the ship.
With a nice little cafe that served decent food, all,in all,it was a great visit. To cap it all the tickets are valid for 12 months so a return visit is definitely on the cards.
With a nice little cafe that served decent food, all,in all,it was a great visit. To cap it all the tickets are valid for 12 months so a return visit is definitely on the cards.
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VanessaRoad
North Wales, UK4,946 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We purchased tickets online for this attraction, cheaper, and the ticket lasts a year! Lits to see and do. Loved the boat the best! Museum of Hartlepool small but informative. The little cafe had lots of visitors. Talks on the quayside. Fun play areas inside and out. My grandson would have loved it. Shame it’s not local to us
Written May 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vanessaroad, we're so glad that we were able to go above and beyond your expectations! We're glad you enjoyed your visit and we hope you get the chance to visit us again in the future. Thanks! ^SF
Written May 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tracey Morley
4 contributions
Jun 2022
We got married here on 25th June and as someone who worked in the industry for some 10 years I can honestly say this was the best wedding I have ever been to, and it was my own! I have overseen somewhere in the region of 800 weddings over my time in the industry and I know how stressful they can be. You get one chance to make it perfect. No re-runs! Katie Foster and her incredible team pulled out all the stops to make this day magical, and they succeeded with bells on! I wouldn't have changed a singe thing. It was truly perfect. Every guest i have spoken to since has said the same. Best wedding ever! The food was top restaurant quality, and plentiful. Every single member of staff throughout the day and evening was outstanding. DJ Lee From Teesside Entertainment Group was absolutely brilliant....and the venue - wow!! Beauty, drama, history, location. This place and all it staff members is priceless. Thank you Katie, Lee & team for the best day of my life. You nailed it!!
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie1957Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Are you open in November.
tweedsider
Berwick upon Tweed, UK68 contributions
Yes it is
chelsealpennick
County Durham, UK
Hi was wondering what price range is to book a wedding here tried emailing but no reply not sure if its gone through thanks
maureendarby
Scarborough, UK16 contributions
We are going to this hotel for Xmas with Shearings, can we expect to eat the same food as guests who have booked independently or will be given special menus, and can we expect Christmas Fare?
HMSTrincomalee
Hartlepool, UK5 contributions
Hello
I think you've asked the right question to the wrong business! HMS Trincomalee is one of the sailing warships from Nelson's navy, not a hotel. Hope you get a satisfactory answer though and have a great Christmas:)
joanna A
Beirut, Lebanon
hi is there any entrance fees?
HMSTrincomalee
Hartlepool, UK5 contributions
Hi - thanks for your enquiry. We do charge an entrance fee and there are a range of fees depending on your circumstances, size of party etc. Can I suggest you peruse our website for up to date information? Just search Google for HMS Trincomalee
The entry ticket gives access to the Historic Quay as well as HMS Trincomalee. To complete your visit, there is a free access Museum of Hartlepool too - this is all on the same site.
I hope this helps and that you are able to pay us a visit. You will be most welcome.
Best wishes,
David McKnight
General Manager
HMS Trincomalee (Hartlepool) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about HMS Trincomalee
- HMS Trincomalee is open:
- Sun - Sat 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near HMS Trincomalee:
- (0.19 mi) Brafferton B&B
- (0.21 mi) Melbourne House Hotel
- (1.55 mi) Altonlea Lodge Guest House
- (1.25 mi) Premier Inn Hartlepool Marina hotel
- (1.01 mi) Travelodge Hartlepool Marina Hotel
- Restaurants near HMS Trincomalee:
- (0.04 mi) Foster's Fish Grill
- (0.18 mi) Hungry tums
- (0.19 mi) New Chow Kee
- (0.20 mi) Ye Olde Durhams Social Club
- (0.21 mi) Melbourne House Hotel Restaurant