Hartlepool's Maritime Experience

Hartlepool's Maritime Experience, (formerly known as Hartlepool Historic Quay) is a superb re-creation of an 18th century seaport and a fantastic place to visit for families, groups and schools - in fact everybody. It brings to life the time of Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar.

Travel back in our mari-time machine to experience how it was aboard a real British naval frigate, two centuries ago. Explore the historic quayside, featuring 'Pressganged', 'Fighting Ships', realistic period shops and houses and much more.

Talk to our guides - all in authentic period dress, marvel at Britain's oldest warship afloat HMS Trincomalee, find out about all our events and discover the fascinating Museum of Hartlepool.

All your visitor information is here, so have a fabulous, fun day out at the North East of England's Premier Maritime Attraction and winner of the North East Visitor Attraction of the Year 2009.

Group Visits and School Visits

Hartlepool's Maritime Experience for your group or school visit. With so much for all ages, a place on your itinerary or in your diary is a must. We can tailor your visit to suit you and your party and with good all-round access, free on-site parking and gift shop, coffee shops and toilets, you won't want for anything.

For more details, simply telephone or email us. We're always happy to help as our main aim is to make you visit as enjoyable as possible.

School Workshops

The Learning Team provides carefully structured, curriculum linked workshops, accompanying permanent and temporary exhibitions. We have a teacher's pack for the Museum containing worksheets aimed at KS1 and KS2. It is available to download and bring with you on your visit to the museum.

All workshops are 1 hour long (unless otherwise stated) with an additional hour of topic related self-led activities in the Museum of Hartlepool. 

Workshops can be adapted for different Key Stages and children with additional learning needs.  Please call to discuss your requirements.

To book a workshop or for further information call the Learning Team.

EYFS

Each session takes place at the museum and includes interaction with current exhibitions, story and craft. Look out for further information. 

KS1

Toys and Games
This workshop offers the chance to experience Victorian and Edwardian style toys and games.  Play with a yo-yo, or a Jacob’s Ladder!  Finish by making your own toy to take home!

Transportation
Come and explore many different types of transport around the museum, from trains to zeppelins.  Includes object handling, trail around the paddle steam ship and story. 

Pirates
A Treasure chest has been washed up on Seaton Carew beach!  Can you help Professor Jones discover who the contents belonged to?  Using objects and costume to discover whether it was a sailor or a pirate?  Why not combine this workshop with a visit to Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience.

Seaside Holidays of the Past
Using objects and artwork to take a closer look at what seaside holidays were like in the past.

KS2

War Creative Writing
Use objects, images and displays to explore how the wars affected Hartlepool and create your own piece of original writing.

WWII—Mapping Hartlepool’s War
Discover what areas of Hartlepool were bombed during World War II, why and the effect this had on the residents.

Tudor Day
Visit for a full day and take part in Tudor Blind Date, Tudor Banquet and Tudor themed craft activities around the museum. You will even learn some traditional Tudor dancing!

Tudor Blind Date
Where would a Tudor man go on a date?  What is a Tudor woman’s favourite food?  What did the Tudors wear?  Find out in the workshop!

Tudor Banquet
What did Henry VIII eat at banquets?  What did the ordinary person have on their table?  Discover the different types of food the Tudors would have eaten and even learn some Tudor dancing!

Pirates
Who was onboard a sunken ship found by our archaeologist?  Learn about real pirates as you discover objects and find clues to help you solve the mystery. Why not combine this workshop with a visit to Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience.

Roman Blind Date
Surprise Surprise! Experience Blind Date Roman style with this interactive workshop.  Learn about different characters from history and decide the fate of our Roman Soldier!

Roman Handling
Become an archaeologist and discover the world of the Romans.  Handle real Roman artefacts and learn about the different materials and objects used by the Romans in Hartlepool.

Making A Mark – Exploring our history with Tees Valley Schools
The Making a Mark Project explores portraits, Victorians, World War I and local heroes and is a partnership between Hartlepool Culture and Information Service and other Tees Valley museums, supported by the National Portrait Gallery, London and the Arts Council. 

Choose between World War I and local heroes, Portraits and Art or Creative Writing sessions which take place over two or three visits to the Museum of Hartlepool. 

Each child who takes part receives a sketchbook, stickers and a badge.