Hartlepool's Maritime Experience is the North East's premier maritime attraction.

Children will love entering our mari-time machine to experience life on board a fighting ship. Explore the authentic quayside with its' period shops and houses and discover the Children's Maritime Adventure Centre, including a large wooden playship.

A visit is not complete without an audio guided tour of the oldest warship afloat in Europe – the magnificent HMS Trincomalee. Many children arrive in pirate costume and can almost believe they are Jack Sparrow for the day! Watch our guides demonstrating sword fighting, gun-firing and cannon-firing (check for times).

Just watch out for the stocks and you wouldn't want to be 'Pressganged' into His Majesty's Navy. Entry is free to the fascinating Museum of Hartlepool with hundreds of exhibits and interactives including the Paddle Steam Ship Wingfield Castle.

During school holidays there are craft workshops for families to join in with.

Quayside coffee shop and Coble Café on board Paddle Steam Ship (check for opening hours). Fast food outlets within a few minutes walking distance.

We will try to accommodate. Prior notice is recommended.

Maritime memorabilia, books, postcards, monkeys, fudge, pens, pirate accessories etc. Many, many small items with pocket money prices. Plus souvenirs of HMS Trincomalee.

Disabled toilets, baby changing facilities (not separate room).

Baby food not for sale, but milk warming facilities available.

From the north take the A179 from the A19 and follow the Brown Signs to 'Historic Quay'. From the south take the A1689 from the A19 and follow the Brown Signs to 'Historic Quay'. Hartlepool's Maritime Experience is located near Mecca Bingo, TK Maxx and McDonalds. Look for the masts of the Trincomalee, you can't miss us! Regular bus service (No 36) from the town centre.

This attraction is all-weather friendly with many areas inside as well as the outdoor quayside. Although it is located next to the North Sea there is no need for any special clothing. Most areas are buggy friendly.

If you've had fun on your family day out to Hartlepool's Maritime Experience, tell us about it your visit, so other people will know it's a great place to go as well.

http://www.hartlepoolsmaritimeexperience.com