Services — Tours
Guided tours
Ninety minutes through galleries, decks and boatshop with a guide who has salt in their biography. No scripts — just stories.
What's included
The grand circuit
Daily at 11:00 and 14:00: all three collections plus fifteen minutes aboard the smack Skerry Maid. Included with admission.
Storm & battle
Saturdays at 11:00: wrecks, sea fights and rescues in the North Gallery, with ships' plans unrolled. Booking advised.
Private charters
Your group, your pace, your subject — from scrimshaw to steam. Up to 15 guests with a dedicated guide.
How it works
Three steps to the quarterdeck
- 1Pick your sailing. Daily tours need no booking — just be at the compass rose in the entrance hall five minutes early.
- 2Meet your guide. Retired coxswains, boatbuilders and curators rotate the rota, so no two tours run quite the same.
- 3Stay aboard. Your tour ticket covers the whole museum for the day — linger, revisit, and ask the crew anything.
Good to know
Are tours suitable for children?
Very — guides carry a sea-chest of objects to handle, and the 11:00 tour includes knot-tying on deck. Under-12s go free.
Is the route step-free?
The galleries and courtyard are fully step-free. The smack Skerry Maid is reached by gangway, so deck visits depend on the tide — ask at the desk.
Can we book a private tour?
Yes — private charters run daily for up to 15 guests. Write to us a week ahead with your subject and preferred time.