Lancaster Maritime Museum

A Tribute to Maritime Heritage

Situated in the historic port of Lancaster, the Lancaster Maritime Museum is a fascinating establishment dedicated to the maritime history of this significant North Western English city. Housed in the Old Custom House and adjacent warehouse buildings along the River Lune, the museum explores Lancaster’s maritime, industrial, and social history.

Maritime History
Lancaster’s connection to the sea is a central theme, and the museum hosts an impressive array of exhibits that reveal its maritime past. This includes the history of the local fishing industry, shipbuilding, and the role Lancaster played in global trade, particularly during the 18th century.

The Slave Trade
An essential part of the museum’s exhibition is devoted to Lancaster’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. It highlights the city’s role in this dark chapter of history, providing a sobering and thought-provoking insight.

The Lancaster Canal
Learn about the origins and construction of the longest lock-free canal in the country. Sit inside a reconstruction of one of the fast packet boats that carried passengers, and imagine your own journey on the Lancaster Canal.

Industrial Revolution
The museum also explores the impact of the Industrial Revolution on Lancaster, focusing on the shift from maritime industries to manufacturing and the changes in social and working life that ensued.

Crossing the Sands
Discover the unique history of the over sands route across Morecambe Bay and listen to first-hand accounts of this dangerous crossing. For thousands of years people used the intertidal sand flats of the bay as a shortcut to travel between Lancaster and the Furness Peninsula, on foot, with horses, or on the daily stagecoach.

Local Art and Crafts
The museum celebrates local culture by displaying traditional Lancashire art and crafts, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Temporary Exhibitions
The Lancaster Maritime Museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, ranging from contemporary art inspired by maritime themes to historical explorations of specific topics related to the sea.

Film Show
A 15 minute video gives an overview of the area’s connections to the sea, from prehistory to the present day.

Visitor Experience
Educational Programs
The museum offers various educational programs for schools and groups, including guided tours and workshops, tailored to different age groups and interests.

Accessibility
The Lancaster Maritime Museum is accessible to visitors with disabilities, with features such as ramps and accessible restrooms.

Café and Gift Shop
Visitors can enjoy light refreshments at the on-site café, and the gift shop offers maritime-themed souvenirs and books.

Conclusion
The Lancaster Maritime Museum is not just a repository of objects; it’s a vibrant and engaging space that tells the story of Lancaster’s profound connection with the sea. Whether it’s the tale of trade and shipbuilding, the sobering history of the slave trade, or the celebration of the unique ecology of Morecambe Bay, the museum captures the essence of a city shaped by its maritime heritage.

With its diverse exhibits and commitment to education, the Lancaster Maritime Museum provides a unique and enriching experience for visitors of all ages. Its location, in the beautiful and historic Custom House, adds to the sense of connection with a past that is both proud and complex. For those interested in maritime history, ecology, or simply in exploring an integral part of Lancaster’s identity, a visit to the Lancaster Maritime Museum is highly recommended.