Explore Scarborough's rich maritime heritage through exhibits covering fishing, shipbuilding, smuggling, and the town's evolution as Britain's first seaside resort.

Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre is a comprehensive museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the coastal town's fascinating nautical history. The venue features extensive exhibits covering centuries of maritime culture, including the region's legendary fishing industry (herring, line fishing, trawling, and whaling), historic shipbuilding and boat design, dramatic shipwrecks and storms, and the town's connections to major historical events. Visitors can discover displays on diverse topics including pirates and smuggling, life at sea, maritime superstitions, the RNLI rescue service, and Scarborough's significant role during both World Wars. The centre also explores the town's cultural heritage as Britain's first seaside resort, with exhibits on famous hotels, churches, shops, and notable residents. Special sections highlight emigration links, women's contributions to maritime life, and connections to the Titanic. The museum is particularly suitable for families seeking educational content about maritime history and local heritage. With free entry and indoor facilities, it provides an accessible way to learn about the Yorkshire coast's remarkable seafaring past. School groups and community visitors are actively welcomed through organized outreach programs and talks.

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

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Gill Mount

3 months ago

I bought a book written by a local historian. Well recommended by the gentleman in the shop. I didn't have time to look around but there appeared to be lots to see.

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Alex Wild

3 months ago

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit! The staff were very friendly and informative. There were interesting artefacts, an exhibition celebrating 400 years since Scarborough was first designated a spa town, and a corner commemorating Anne Brontë. Thank you for a lovely time.

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Ash VSL

5 months ago

Found while wandering about. Lovely little place with plenty to learn. Very friendly people.

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aromal neo

10 months ago

Stopped here on our way to beach and met the lovely male volunteer who spent half hour going through all the displays with us, the museum is small but free and filled with information, also has a library below. Thank you for the lovely experience.

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K. Peake

a year ago

This was a fascinating heritage centre to visit, mostly focused on the history of ships in Scarborough! The lifeboats are shown and old naval ships, with the stories of their significance across decades in the town such as naval ones. Objects are also shown that were used to help the travellers on the ships and also ones they had for storage, the history of cricket is touched on furthermore!

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026