Explore Wales' oldest lifeboat station with captivating maritime exhibits, shipwreck stories, and WWII artifacts spanning over a century of seafaring heritage.

The Holyhead Maritime Museum stands as one of Anglesey's premier attractions, offering a richly immersive journey through maritime history for visitors of all ages. Located at Wales' oldest lifeboat station dating back to 1858, the museum houses an eclectic collection of marine exhibits under one roof, including detailed ship models, historic vessels from different eras, and fascinating accounts of local shipwrecks and heroic rescues. Visitors can explore a genuine WWII Air Raid Shelter and discover an extensive collection of World War I and II artefacts that bring history to life. The museum tells riveting tales of seafarers, shipwrecks, legendary pirates, and the lives of those who sailed the Irish Sea over a century ago. With its captivating narratives and unforgettable exhibits, the museum celebrates the bravery and heritage of the ocean's maritime legacy. The venue is family-friendly with accompanied children aged 16 and under receiving free admission. The on-site Harbourfront Bistro offers dining with panoramic sea views, and a gift shop provides nautical-themed souvenirs and locally made crafts. The museum is open Easter to end of October (Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm, with some Monday openings). The venue is accredited and quality-assured, making it an ideal destination for families seeking educational and engaging experiences.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

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Abi McLelland

a month ago

Lovely place! Friendly staff (volunteers?) who were knowledgeable. Crammed full of interesting things to see and a great price for somewhere you can easily spend 2-3 hours. Nice wee gift shop as well. Free parking nearby.

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Julie Mitchell

3 months ago

We visited the museum today to dodge the rain having recently moved to Holyhead. We couldn't have been more delighted with the excellent displays and fabulous former lifeboat building. Edwin, our awesome guide, showed us around and was extremely knowledgeable and interesting with an obvious passion for the place. We all loved it and will be back to see more very soon. Thank you for making us feel so welcome today, it was much appreciated.

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Steve F. MacIntyre

4 months ago

A small but very informative museum. Well worth the entrance fee that also includes access to a WW2 air raid shelter. We learned a lot about the heros that head out in the worst of storms to rescue stricken ships.

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Andrew McConnell

a year ago

Fabulous small Maritime Museum that has great staff and lots of exhibits of Maritime history. Don’t miss the bomb shelter directly outside the Museum and its fabulous staff. They will show you some exhibits

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adam mctasney

a year ago

A fantastic museum with some incredible exhibitions! The atmosphere is welcoming, and the staff are friendly and extremely knowledgeable. I really enjoyed my visit. There's also a World War II air raid shelter on-site, filled with fascinating artifacts and memorabilia – a real highlight

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026