Explore maritime history and sunken treasures through multi-sensory exhibits featuring shipwrecks, fossils, and dinosaurs in free admission museum.

The Shipwreck Museum is an independent charitable museum located in Hastings' historic Old Town, showcasing artifacts from numerous ships wrecked in the English Channel. The collection includes remarkable pieces such as the Amsterdam, a Dutch East Indiaman from 1749, the warship Anne from 1690, and the Charles II warship, offering visitors a fascinating journey through maritime history. Beyond shipwrecks, the museum features an impressive fossil and dinosaur display including specimens like Baryonyx, Polacanthus, and Iguanodon, alongside a 4,000-year-old prehistoric forest display. The museum is designed as a multi-sensory experience, engaging visitors through sound, touch, and smell elements that bring history to life. The venue is fully accessible for wheelchair users and welcomes families with free admission. Knowledgeable volunteers lead engaging discussions and guided walks, including special Amsterdam coastal tours that combine shipwreck exploration with geological education. The museum also operates a gift shop featuring maritime and fossil gifts, locally-made handicrafts, and educational souvenirs. School groups and organized visits are actively encouraged, making it an ideal destination for educational family outings.

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

B

BK

2 months ago

Fascinating place. A history of ships over the last 500 years. It's free. But do remember to leave a donation, so it can keep running.

Е

Евгения Смирнова

3 months ago

A brilliant museum with incredible exhibitions with no entry fee and great souvenir shop. Also has information about guided tours to some shipwrecks in the English Channel for just £6 per adult, which sounds like a wonderful opportunity.

L

life0ffthegrid

4 months ago

Dog friendly and actually a lot to see inside considering it’s a small museum! FREE entry! (Of course please donate if you’re able to as that helps them keep things running). A small gift shop at the entrance too. Plenty to see and some interactive bits for kids to do too.

C

Cristiana Nalta Cisma

5 months ago

Amazing little Museum! Visit at least one time...and the gift shop it has reasonable prices. It is a free entry Museum!

C

Cat C

3 years ago

A very neat little museum with a treasure trove of artifacts and information. We were lucky enough to be there in time for a very nice talk on local prehistoric finds! It was very informative and actually even more two year old sat and listened for most of it!! So from our 2 year old to our 60something year old, our family enjoyed our visit very much. Will definitely go back.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026