Family Day Out: National Maritime Museum Cornwall
I’m a bit of a fan of Vikings. In the abstract sense obviously, I’m not saying I’d have been cheering them on as they pillaged the coast a dozen centuries ago. But when it comes to a good Viking exhibition, I do my best to be front of the queue (and occasionally sulk if I might miss it). So there was no chance I was skipping the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, while we were staying in Falmouth.
review visit*
But even if you do miss the Viking Voyagers exhibition [EDIT: Now finished], there’s a lot to entertain at the museum, including plenty for kids, with several floors of maritime exhibits from boats and explorers to marine life.
The museum even runs storytime sessions, along with all kinds of interactive screens, puzzles and educational games, so it’s ideal if you’re visiting Cornwall with toddlers or are looking for something to do on a rainy day in Cornwall.
But first… the Vikings. There are artefacts on loan from the British Museum, National Museum of Ireland, National Museum of Denmark and Manx National Heritage, so it really does give a fantastic picture of Viking life, illustrated by the various items.
The highlight though is the Walrus. Not a real walrus, but a replica ship based upon those excavated in Denmark and designed to be as authentic as possible – while still allowing Vikings of all sizes to explore it.
There are hatches where you can enjoy the smells (well, tar and beer) of the voyage, as well as discovering some of the cargoes which might have been on board, including furs to drape around you.
But once you’ve finished setting sail, there are plenty of other interactive elements, including quizzes and videos, plus some great history and facts about the Vikings.
My own miniature beserker had got bored and wandered off with her Dad by this time, but when I’d finished my own whistlestop tour, there’s plenty more to discover in the other galleries.
Boats galore, of course, including many hung from the ceiling so you spot the various different crafts from across the centuries as you wander around.
Plenty which encourage you to climb aboard as well. And if it’s inspired any dreams of becoming a sailor, there are also examples of explorers from the most famous polar expetitions to stories like Tony Bullimore, who survived in his capsized boat, and others which brought a lump to my throat.
One a less emotive level, you could also get involved and sail mini remote controlled boats (if you had enough 50p pieces) – this is a hotspot for school groups so if it’s empty, make the most of it.
And upstairs are galleries dedicated to the days of the Empire, when this stretch of Cornwall was often the starting point for mail ships and long voyages across the sea.
Perhaps one of my favourite spots was actually underwater – at least when the tide was in.
Heading down to the basement, the deep windows let you look out into the harbour – we were there at low tide, so marine life was minimal, but there is information on different sea creatures and a rather wonderful antique diving suit.
I don’t think Minnie believed me when I told her you could go underwater in it…
At toddler speed, you still end up racing through some of the galleries and skipping others entirely though.
But then lunchtime was approaching – helpfully there are a string of restaurants very nearby, including Pizza Express and Rick Stein’s Fish, and Falmouth itself is on the doorstep with its harbour and picturesque streets.
Just as soon as I’d persuaded my own small Viking to leave…
Need to know: National Maritime Museum Falmouth, Cornwall
Tickets cost £18 for adults, £9 for children aged five to 17 (under-fives go free). Entry entitles you to a 12-month annual passport so you can return during the year.
The museum is open from 10am to 5pm excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. There are several car parks nearby (you can pay using the RingGo app, although take change just in case).
During the summer, there’s a park and ride in Falmouth which takes you into the city centre (around 10-15 minutes walk). Even better there’s also a ‘park and float’ option if you fancy arriving by boat.
Babies and children are welcome, with room to store buggies, a baby care room and facilities to warm milk and baby food in the cafe. There are also extra activities for kids during school holidays.
For more ideas of things to do in Falmouth and South Cornwall, check out my guide to Cornwall with kids
PIN FOR LATER: NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM CORNWALL
Disclosure: Our entry was courtesy of the museum and Visit Cornwall. All opinions and miniature Vikings remain my own.
Images copyright MummyTravels
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Great post. It brought back memories as we visited last year although the Viking exhibition wasn’t on then 🙁 one of the stories still stays with me about the family who were on a round the world trip and their boat capsized and they miraculously survived. It puts any minor airport stresses etc in a bit of context doesn’t it?
I can definitely recommend Rick Stein’s Fish too, it was the best fish and chips we had in Cornwall and we had a few 🙂
Oh yes – I remember that story too, the hairs stand up on my neck just remembering it. That’s definitely an adventure beyond my comfort zone, I think. And I shall have to go to Rick Stein’s Fish if/when we go back, although we were a bit fish&chipped out at the end of our Cornwall trip, including out other Rick Stein stop in Newquay! 😀 (Well, my husband was, I don’t think I could ever eat too much fish and chips)
What a wonderful museum – it looks interactive for the kids but interesting for adults as well. Adding to our list of places to visit
It was – one of those great ones which works on different levels. The slightly older kids visiting the Viking exhibition seemed to be really enjoying that as well.
What a terrific sounding place to visit, especially with that exhibition on. So much to do in Cornwall, I think. We really need to make it there soon….
The exhibition was fantastic, so much work had gone into it, but the museum had loads to discover without it. I hadn’t been to Cornwall for a while, but there is so much that’s great for families.
Looks like all of you had a great time. The remote control boats is something I would love to do, it sounds so interesting.
That was definitely a highlight for a lot of people!
Sounds great – Harry is studying the vikings in yr 3 next year so I know this would be of particular interest to him. Love the viking hat! I had one myself for a fancy dress party once 😀 Thanks for linking to #traveltales
I think this would be perfect for him, just the right age (although I’m guessing Northumberland has plenty of its own Vikings too as Cornwall is a bit of a trek). The hat was very fun, and suits her personality I think – shame it was way too big 😉
What a great day out! I do love a Viking too – which is, like you say, a bit odd considering if we had actually met one for real, it probably wouldn’t have ended well!
Their history is fascinating though, and all the craftsmanship they did at a time when you wouldn’t expect such intricate work.
I love the sounds of the basement that’s underwater when the tide was in, that’s sounds really cool!
The West Country is one of our favourite areas to visit – I’ve made a mental note to visit the Maritime Museum now, in particular it seems a great wet-weather attraction.
Much more fascinating at a safe distance, I agree. And it’s a wonderful exhibition, although some very clever touches even when that closes. I agree, it’s a great one for a rainy day too.