National Maritime Museum Cornwall

National Maritime Museum Cornwall

National Maritime Museum Cornwall
4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
With over 15 galleries, a boatbuilding workshop, exciting new exhibitions every year, interactive exhibits and a collection that spans The National Small Boat collection, artworks, maps and charts, memorabilia and other objects, there’s plenty to explore. Located in a breathtaking location overlooking aptly named Discovery Quay in the centre of Falmouth, The National Maritime Museum Cornwall is an award winning museum celebrating the sea.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • Janefandtonyj
    St Ives, United Kingdom23 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ok - ish
    We went to view the new Pirate exhibition. It was ok but overall disappointing. It’s quite expensive to go - £17 for an adult. The first part you see is the small craft area which was interesting and took about 30 mins. We then entered the Pirate exhibition. Have to say it was pretty disappointing. Quite a bit of repetition about some of the pirates. It would have been good to hear about how the piracy years finally ended and who did that. There is of course the obligatory LBGTQ section ( it’s possible that some pirates were gay said the banner - who’d have guessed !!! )and BLM area. I can’t understand the reason for this. We went to read about pirates and see artefacts - I don’t care if they are gay, white, black or a comely shade of green. About another 30 minutes for this part. The final bit was the exhibition about tattoos 15 minutes. Quite interesting this. Nice view from the tower and some interesting facts about Falmouth. So, overall it’s about an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half visit. The cafe was busy so didn’t use it.
    Dear Janefandtonyj, Thank you for the feedback on your recent visit to National Maritime Museum Cornwall. We don't cover 'how the piracy years finally ended' as piracy still happens today. The exhibition focuses on the 'Golden Age' of piracy, however when the show goes to Greenwich the team there plan to include more on modern piracy. For us, ensuring that we tell a broad range of stories is really important. We try not to look at history through one lens, and aim to look through many to understand what was truly happening at the time and how someone's experiences were shaped by who they were. I hope this provides some context on why we include a section on Queer Pirates and Black Caesar. You didn't mention if you visited our Cornwall Galleries. Across three floors we have a number of galleries dedicated to local maritime history. If you missed these, your admission is an annual pass and you can come back within a year for free to visit them. With best wishes, Lindsey Skinner
    Written 3 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 April 2023
  • Matthew M
    Enfield, United Kingdom70 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exceeded expectations for family visit
    Great experience visiting with family of 4 with two children 6 years old and 3 years old. Plenty to do and see. Exceeded expectations. Modern yet, traditional museum. Most of the exhibits are hands on, including radio controlled boats, telescope from viewing lookout, and screens to take part in activities like design boats. The temporary pirate exhibition over Easter was really good, and the pirate show was fun and entertaining. Small soft play area was clean and nicely presented. Staff in main museum friendly. Only downside was cafe from our experience which was overpriced and staff seemed to not be coping with customers. Best to bring your lunch and use picnic area provided perhaps. We would also say to make sure you park in adjacent long term car par rather than short term one next to it to allow sufficient time.
    Hello matthewmA7536DS, Thank you for taking the time to review National Maritime Museum Cornwall. I am so pleased to read that you enjoyed your recent visit to the Museum. Sorry to hear the Cafe didn't meet expectations during your visit - I'll make sure to pass on your comments to the Cafe Manager. With warmest best wishes, Lindsey
    Written 24 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 23 April 2023
  • Alexander D
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best museum in Cornwall
    One of the best museums in Cornwall! Pirates has so many stories and presents a huge collection of pirate history and physical representations. Id really encourage anyone who is interested maritime as a whole visiting. Their shows and workshops are also fabulous, and staff couldn't be more friendly.
    Dear Alexander D, Thank you very much for taking the time to write such a lovely review of National Maritime Museum Cornwall. I am delighted to read your feedback, which I'll share with the wider team - I know they'll be as pleased as I am to read it. I do hope we'll see you again soon. With warmest best wishes, Shannon McGall
    Written 17 July 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Written 11 July 2023
  • Kirsty L
    Bristol, United Kingdom8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highly recommend!
    I've been visiting Falmouth for years, bought things from the shop but never actually went into the museum! Visited finally this week and I loved it - so informative, interactive, fun and the staff were so lovely. The Pirate exhibit and Tattoo exhibit were highlights
    Dear Kirsty L, Thank you for writing such a lovely review of National Maritime Museum Cornwall. I am thrilled you enjoyed your recent trip to visit us and I hope we'll see you again soon. With warmest best wishes, Shannon McGall
    Written 25 July 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 17 July 2023
  • Greg B
    Wellesbourne, United Kingdom53 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Trip with teenage son
    We have been visiting the maritime museum yearly since just after it opened. Today I took my son and we discovered the fantastic Bartlett Library with its very helpful staff, we spent ages in there! The pirates exhibition was good as sre the regular exhibits. Thank you for a wonderful afternoon.
    Hello there, Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review of National Maritime Museum Cornwall. I am delighted to read you enjoyed your recent visit and I do hope we'll see you again soon. Best wishes, Shannon McGall
    Written 31 July 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 July 2023
  • Kirsty R
    8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great day for younger children
    We had a lovely family day at the museum and appreciated the opportunity to leave for lunch and come back instead of rushing around the museum. Our young sons really enjoyed the pirate exhibition and seeing all the sea safety equipment and boats. You could spend a good 3-4 hours here when they have craft activities on and the seagull hunt for the children!
    Dear 686kirstyr, Thank you for taking the time to write a lovely review of National Maritime Museum Cornwall. I am delighted you enjoyed your recent visit and hope to welcome you all back soon. With warmest best wishes, Shannon McGall
    Written 14 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 10 August 2023
  • pastainumbria
    82 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Much more interesting than a museum.
    The tickets were pricey to buy for a museum but once you're in you realise this is no ordinary museum. It was fun, interactive, varied, interesting. The pirate show was great. My daughter wanted to stay for more. The pirate exhibition was really interesting although I had to skip the video at the start as the movement made me feel sick. Lovely lady at the front desk. Great shop at the end. Definitely don't skip the tidal floors. Ticket allows you to go back within 12 months. I really enjoyed finding the history of the museum. Nearly didn't see this part of the museum.
    Dear pastainumbria, Thank you so much for writing this fantastic review of National Maritime Museum Cornwall. I am thrilled you enjoyed your recent visit and hope to welcome you back soon. With warmest best wishes, Shannon McGall
    Written 18 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Written 17 August 2023
  • exetergirl123
    Exeter, United Kingdom73 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A whole lot of info
    What a lot of interesting info & beaut8ful boats. Great tide tower. That was fab. Pirate shows for the kids. Great interesting Pirate exhibition. And a fabulous Tatoo exhibition too. I spent a really rainy day here. But cone on a dry day too. Its ace.
    Dear exetergirl123, Thank you for sharing this lovely review of National Maritime Museum Cornwall. I am delighted you enjoyed your recent visit and hope to welcome you back soon. With warmest best wishes, Shannon McGall
    Written 22 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 20 August 2023
  • Loves2travel!
    Dorset, United Kingdom7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Recommended.
    The staff are friendly and helpful, the museum was good, every one enjoyed it in our family (there’s 7 of us), especially The Pirates gallery (Sea of Theives). The cafe was average but pasties were lush! Shop was nicely laid out. The interactive show was good.
    Dear Kk-peanut-kK, Thank you for taking the time to write this review of National Maritime Museum Cornwall. I am thrilled you enjoyed your visit and we hope to welcome you back soon. With warmest best wishes, Shannon McGall
    Written 29 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 August 2023
  • DrofnR
    England, United Kingdom93 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sadly, Not worth the money.
    My visit to the Falmouth National Maritime Museum left me with mixed feelings. While there were certainly interesting exhibits to explore, a few aspects left room for improvement. On the positive side, the museum does offer a diverse range of maritime-related displays and artifacts that provide insight into the rich history of seafaring. The collection includes fascinating insights into maritime exploration, naval history, and marine science, making it an educational experience for those interested in the subject matter. However, I was somewhat disappointed by the pirate section. It felt somewhat lackluster and didn’t live up to the excitement I associate with pirate history. My biggest concern was the admission price, which I found to be on the expensive side for what was offered. While museums often require funding to maintain their collections, it would be more appealing to visitors if the museum could find a way to provide greater value for the admission fee.
    Dear DrofnR, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I'm sorry to read you had mixed feelings about your visit, and I'll pass your feedback on to our wider management team for review. Wish warmest best wishes, Shannon McGall
    Written 11 September 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 7 September 2023
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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles2,261 reviews
Excellent
1,130
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664
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275
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74

Cornish_surfer
Cornwall, UK67 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
Took my toddler here for something to do on a rainy afternoon. Thought it was very expensive for what it was. With 2 areas closed, there was only the main hall, soft play, pirate exhibition and one gallery open. I'd have asked for a refund if it weren't for the fact we're local and will use the re-entry on other rainy days for the rest of the year, and hope the other areas are open when we go again. If you're only going once, I'd recommend asking if all areas are open before you pay. Compare to the museum in Truro which is only £7.50 for the year and has lots for little ones to look at and play with.
Written 12 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Richard S
7 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
Given we were a great maritime nation this National Maritime museum greatly disappoints. There is little of real interest & many of the exhibits suspended from the ceiling are fairly commonplace. Several of the display areas were closed or ‘in construction’. Many of the touch screens required for information were not yet working. For 2 people the cost is £36 and time needed to see everything about 36 minutes. We went on a very stormy wet day & even that did not delayour departure. Very expensive, very boring very very disappointing.
Written 10 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Trevor L
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
DONT GO ITs RUBISH ....
I have always been looking forward to visiting the maritime museum since retiring & moving to Cornwall 3 years ago so my partner & I decided to enjoy a Saturday in falmouth & went directly to the museum on arrival the shop at the reception has some very nice gifts so after a browse we when to buy our tickets at just under £17 ie £34 for the two of us I was surprised there wasn't a oap price but was told we can visit as many times as we wished within the 12 months.
So we entered with anticipation only to find a few suspended boats and not much else but as the guide shows there are 3 upper levels & 2 lower so we thought there must be much more waiting to be discovered but sadly very little a area on the topic of packet trade, then we decided we must be missing parts of the museum so we went straight to the top floor look out and work our way down floor at a time. Ho the look out was a nice view but that's it I have in the past been to the peal tower in shanghai & the shanghai tower & with the interactive information explaing what can be seen so I know what a good lookout can offer. So we started to walk our way down & arround each floor & ended up in the tidal zone which was as uninspiring as the other floors. Well we did see there was a pirate exhibition on so we went there and yet again disappointed, the theme was arround fictional Holywood pirates nothing factual and just to be clear there was a documentary series on TV that was very factual on the subject & informative sadly this exhibition was neither & why did the curator find the need to have a LGBGT exhibit multi coloured what was supposed to look like bones & a canvas skirt.....really it had no relevance but if the curator has a political point to raise then where was the part about pressgangs & slavery ? Just a point that did cross my mind with all the nations maritime history why was there not a single referance to our Royal & Merchant Navy or our voyaging explorers ? Surely those you would think would be mandatory in Englands Maritime Museum or am i missing something ?Anyway moving on the last area was model boats we thought that would be a nice touch for younger visitors only to find they have to pay extra ...after paying the excessive price of entry & the fact all on offer was concrete & wood with very few exhibits seems to be taking the pee. I have been to the old docks in portsmouth & seem more for free to enter apart from the Mary Rose & the various other vessels but that you expect to pay for but all the rest was free & there was a lot to see.
To conclude I would advice anyone thinking of going to the falmouth maritime museum DONT it's not worth it & a waste of money I know you can go as many times as you wish in 12 months but I can assure everyone I wouldnt want to go ever again not even if they paid me.
Written 26 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sophie kidd
9 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
On a rainy day we thought this museum would be a good option to entertain the kids - we were wrong. We found it to be over priced, with alot of the interactive systems not working, and a non family friendly exhibition of tattoo history. At £67 it was the most expensive activity we did all holiday and would definately not revisit or recommend - would rather get soaked on the beach!
Written 21 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brian B
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Friends
Stark, a few dinghy boats hanging from the roof, disjointed displays. 2/10. Save your money and time and go to the Bodmin Jail museum instead. With the home of the Royal Marines just down the road we get a large display on skin tattoos instead! Very disappointing for a self proclaimed National Museum. Eat and drink before you go in or remortgage your house to eat in their café.
Written 6 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SHARON T
Milton Keynes, UK23 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
November 2023 - Very very disappointed. Half of it was closed - the boat building area and the cafe! Too much emphasis on Pirates - mostly reading information - so kids would find it boring. Pirate area very dark and gloomy. With Falmouth’s amazing maritime history and all the interesting exhibits that could have been shown - show-casing Falmouth and British Navel History at Carrick Roads - it was a sham. There was more Falmouth history offered by our hotel! The lower levels showing the rising tides could have been amazingly presented but it was a bit like going into a public toilet! Whoever is funding the Museum is not getting value for money! Real historians need to be brought in to develop and showcase the museum properly.
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JulesA73
St Just, UK184 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
Thought it would be fun to take the kids to the museum on a wet weekend. Rather wish we hadn't wasted our money.

The main hall was closed, although having a peep in I don't think we were missing out on much.
The pirate exhibition was very lack lustre and extremely boring for the children.
The tattoo exhibition seemed extremely pointless and utterly unsuitable for children. The underwater section of the museum rather reminded me of a dirty subway in London, maybe a clean up wouldn't go amiss.
The soft play wasn't for older kids so ours missed out on that.
Didn't bother with the café as we felt it would probably not be any better than the rest of the museum!

There is so much that could be done with this space but it feels like a half hearted attempt to justify the ridiculously high entrance fee. Our tickets may well be valid for a year but it is most unlikely we would waste our time visiting again.

I would not recommend this museum.
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pubnfoodfan
Henley-on-Thames, UK143 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
Sadly not as entertaining or as informative as I had expected or hoped. Seems to be targeted at young children but so much scope for more to engage with mum and dad too. c£40 for the 3 of us wasn’t good value
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

donnahL7802IG
2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Friends
The museum seemed empty & echoing. The small boats display was interesting but the touch screen information was not functioning. The small area of true interest was too small considering Falmouth’s wonderful maritime history. We were very disappointed. Too much given over to entertaining kids but in a very superficial way. The pirates exhibition was woeful with no real history of piracy. The tattoo exhibition was bordering pornographic with breasts, pubic hair, a full model of an adult male from the waist down & actually was not really reflective of sailors in Cornwall & their history. The basement underwater area needed its window glass cleaned as it was covered in barnacles & slime & there was nothing to see. Finally the cost was completely prohibitive at just under £17 with no concessions for pensioners or the disabled. My friends are from Southampton where the Titanic exhibition shows what can be successfully done. They were very disappointed indeed.
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Valerie
9 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Very expensive and hardly anything there, we spent around an hour there, really disappointing, would not bother to return if in the area even though you can use the ticket for a year. No concessions for seniors, totally overpriced
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear valeriemW125XD, I'm sorry to read your review of National Maritime Museum Cornwall. I will pass your comments to the wider management team for further review. Best wishes, Shannon McGall
Written 23 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM CORNWALL: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about National Maritime Museum Cornwall

National Maritime Museum Cornwall is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 - 17:00