Welcome to the Hastings Fishermen’s Museum. We are open every day, except Christmas Day. From March to October our opening hours are 11am to 5pm then November to March 11am to 4pm.
Free entry – donations are very welcome and help us in maintaining the museum.
Current exhibition April 2024: RNLI 200 years and how the fishermen were involved in its history…
and a small bonus exhibition about the anniversary of a tragic incident where fisherman George Mitchell drowned when his boat Valiant RX90 collided with another vessel.
Museum Facilities
We hope you enjoy your visit to our museum and we are always on hand to help. As we are a small museum our onsite facilities are limited. Please see below for further information:
Entrance
The museum has only one way in and out so the doorway can get congested at busy times. However, we have large double church doors so access is suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and even double buggies!
Toilets and Baby Changing
Unfortunately the museum does not have toilets for visitor use, however, there are plenty of public toilets with baby changing within a short distance of the museum. Please ask staff for directions.
Luggage and Buggies
Because of a lack of space we don’t have a designated area for items to be left. However, please ask a member of staff if you need something storing. Any property left is at the owner’s risk.
Museum Gift Shop
We have a well stocked gift shop selling local artists’ art work such as Tracey Konyu Pallet &Line works, glass work by Wendoodle Designs, hand-knitted hats, history books, guide books, children’s books, fridge magnets, gem stones from all around the world with a wide range of post cards and greeting cards.
General Information
We welcome families with children and student groups, although we do prefer it if you could let us know in advance if you’re visiting with a large group.
We do ask that scooters and bikes are not to be taken around the museum. Please ask a member of staff to keep them safe for you.
There’s no need to leave your furry friends behind or walk past our door as you will find we are dog friendly! The only thing we ask is just let us know if they have an accident: we’re well equipped to deal with those awkward moments!
We do have downloadable content available on the ‘Schools’ tab of our website.
Because of the combined entrance/exit we have a clockwise one way viewing guidance so everyone can move comfortably around. The galleries are all on one level and flat so very suitable for wheelchair users. However, the ramp going over the capstan at the east end of the building is not suitable for all walking aids and chairs. In this instance you are invited to view the gallery in an anticlockwise direction. Our team are always on hand for any further assistance.
Photographs
Still photographs are permitted for personal use and we’re always happy to see your photographs of your visit on our social media pages! But please no videos. Please talk to staff is you want to use any of our content in the museum please check you have permission to use from a member of staff.
Food and Drink
Food and drink is not permitted anywhere in the museum. You can leave your food and drink with a member of staff.
Children getting bored with looking at photos and boats? Spend some time in our ‘Young’uns’ area where you can sit and watch a film and they can read or you can read with them, the choice is yours!
There is a lot of our precious collection that can not be touched but please talk to our staff if handling objects will enhance your visit. Our staff will be able to help you with safely holding and touching certain objects.
