Activity Detail Page

Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience brings to life the sights and sounds of an 18th century seaport and tells the story of life at sea at the time of Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar and dares you to experience life aboard a real British naval frigate two centuries ago.

Welcome aboard the North East of England’s premier maritime attraction, packed with hours of fun for all ages.

Once inside you are free to roam wherever you like. Visit any part of the attraction as many times as you wish and in any order and experience the reality of life around an authentically recreated quayside complete with the magnificent HMS Trincomalee.

Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience is an ideal day out for groups, and perfect for school visits as children can play as they learn about this important period in history.

The Historic Quay
Don’t miss the displays at the rear of each building for more insights into 18th century life.
The entire quayside is there for you to enjoy.
For added authenticity your visit is enhanced by the quayside guides, who are always in full period costume. Displays of musketry, cannon firing and sword fighting are regular events.

Also featuring
• Audio / Visual tour of a warshiop - ‘Fighting Ships’
• Short film presentation, ‘Pressganged’
• Children’s Maritime Adventure Centre and Playship
• Period dress, plus musketry, sword-fighting and cannon firing displays
• Coffee shops and gift shops
• Museum of Hartlepool (free entry) inc. the paddle steam ship Wingfield Castle


HMS Trincomalee
The sailing frigate HMS Trincomalee is one of the most important ships in the world today.

Built in 1817 of teak in India, she sailed the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans and has outlived all her contempories. She is the oldest fighting ship afloat in Europe, gloriously restored by the craftsmen of Hartlepool.

With over 60% of HMS Trincomalee still original, she is one of the world’s most authentic restorations.

This is your chance to come onboard and explore below deck… to see what life was really like on a British Navy fighting frigate two centuries ago. There is a fascinating audio guide, a lift for disabled access and the ship’s guides are always on hand to assist and give further information. Plus there’s a fun Ship’s Trail available for youngsters.

New for 2008
• HMS Trincomalee Exhibition
• Viewing Platform overlooking HMS Trincomalee
• Upgrading and Refurbishment of the Maritime Adventure Centre
• Restoration of the Paddle Steam Ship Wingfield Castle


What some of the visitors have said

“Very impressive. Equals the Victory in Portsmouth.” Stoke-on-Trent

“Very atmospheric – felt we were taken back in time. Excellent day out.” Newcastle-upon-Tyne

“Highly recommended. Good for all ages and value for money.” Doncaster

“Fantastic experience. Been passing for years but never came in until today!” Stockton-on-Tees

Enjoy your voyage back in time and don’t just learn about history, live it!