What are the 2024/2025 Museum Opening Times?

The 2024 Season has now concluded so we are closed at weekends.  We do still take bookings for private PRE ARRANGED visits for Groups, Families and Individuals on Wednesday Mornings year round. Please contact our Secretary to book. 

Our 2025 Open Season starts on Easter Saturday on 19th April 2025.

We aim to open the Museum on Saturdays and Sundays between Easter Weekend in April and the last Sunday in October from 1pm to 4pm. Last Entry is 3:30pm.

We are closed outside those dates/times unless special arrangements have been made.

Since we rely solely on Volunteers to open we sometimes have last minute changes which we post on our Facebook Page. 

Parking Facilities

The Marina is now a CONTROLLED PARKING ZONE with 24HOURS ANPR IN OPERATION. 

There are several parking bays in front of the museum and along the sea wall

When you make a purchase from The Shipwreck or stay in the Shipwreck Loft you will be able to validate your parking. 

How Much is Entry to the Museum?

Entry to the Museum is Free. We rely on Donations, Grants and our Volunteers to keep the museum running.

You do not need to book in advance to attend on the recognised open days but do check for last minute changes to opening times. 

Is there Disabled Access to the Museum?

Parking spaces are available outside the museum and we have a ramp into the building itself plus a wheelchair and walking frame available. If you require assistance our Volunteers are always ready to help.  The museum is located in a single story/ ground floor building with no steps.

Is the Museum Child Friendly?

We welcome well behaved children of all ages as long as accompanied by a responsible adult. 

We have a Children's Corner with Picture Colouring and a Knot Display with a knot tying activity.

 Can I bring my Dog into the Museum?

Well behaved dogs are welcome as long as kept on a lead and under control. 

Is Overnight Accommodation available nearby?

The adjacent Shipwreck Loft within Shotley Marina provide comfortable B&B style accommodation with balcony views over the Marina and River Stour.

Is there somewhere to Eat and Drink nearby?

The Shipwreck Bar and Restaurant within the Marina (Closed for maintenance throughout January until 23rd February 2024) and The Rose and Bristol Arms in Shotley. See our Links Page for details.

Does the Museum take Financial Donations?

Donations are most welcome as we reply on them to cover our running costs. We can accept donations in Cash, Cheque or via Debit and Credit Card within the Museum. You can donate at the reception or via the donation boxes within the museum.  

You are now able to easily Donate Online via our HMS Ganges Museum Sumup Online Payment Portal. 

Direct Bank Deposits are also welcome. Please ask for details.

Does the Museum have a Souvenir Shop?

Mementos of your visit are available to buy at our Reception Counter. We stock a wide range of competitively priced items. We take Cash, Cheques and Debit/Credit cards in payment.

May I Donate an Artefact to the Museum?

The Museum is always happy to receive donated artefacts that pertain to HMS Ganges, the boys and both naval and civilian staff.

Artefacts  can be brought to the reception desk at the museum during open hours. 

Small items may be posted to the Museum as long as they will fit through the letter box. 

Please Do Not Post Large Items to the museum because when we are closed there's no way to accept parcels. Please first contact our Secretary via phone or email for postal/shipping instructions. 

Please always provide your contact details as we will provide a numbered receipt to accept your items into our Collection. This receipt will help us to locate the position of your item/s within the museum.  

Please note that not every item can be on permanent display due to space restrictions but will be held in storage for future rotation of displays.

Are you looking for Volunteers?

YES! We are always pleased to welcome those interested in helping the Museum continue on its mission to maintain our heritage.

Suitable Volunteers aged 18+ can become public facing Attendants or behind the scenes helpers. Full training and ongoing support is given. 

Please Contact our Secretary or Chairman for more information. 

Where Can I Learn About Your Collection?

Visit our Collection page to learn more and find links to our searchable Online Photographic Databases, eHive and pBase.

Can I Search Your Online Archives?

Yes. Visit our Collection page for links to our searchable Online Photographic Databases, eHive and pBase.

Group/Family/Individual Pre-Booked Visits on Wednesday Mornings Year Round

If you are unable to visit during our regular open weekends, or you wish to organise a special trip out of usual hours, please contact us and we will endeavour to accommodate your request. We can usually offer PRE BOOKED VISITS on Wednesday mornings,  year round,  between 11am and 1pm with the exception of the 3rd Wednesday of each month. We suggest at least a £5 minimum donation per person for these pre-booked visits.

Please remember that we are all volunteers so at least 14 days notice is required and depends on Volunteer availability.   

Are Toilet and Baby Changing Facilities available?

Facilities are not available in the Museum however we do have an arrangement with the Shipwreck Bar and Restaurant (at the other end of the building) and visitors are able to use their facilities including full disabled facilities.