About The Museum
Visiting Us
Experience Pembrokeshire's Maritime Heritage – Admission is Completely Free
Discover one of Pembrokeshire's hidden gems at the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society, located within the historic Hancock's Yard in Pembroke Dock.
More than just a museum, this is a living maritime heritage centre where traditional skills are still practised every day. Our dedicated volunteers restore historic boats, preserve maritime artefacts and keep the rich boatbuilding traditions of West Wales alive for future generations.
Explore beautifully restored wooden boats, historic lifeboats, shipbuilding tools, maritime artefacts and fascinating exhibits that tell the story of the people, industries and communities shaped by the sea. You can also visit our specialist maritime library, see our working workshops and enjoy guided tours from knowledgeable volunteers who are passionate about sharing Pembrokeshire's remarkable maritime history.
Why Visit?
Free Admission
Free Parking
Free Guided Tours
Working Historic Boatyard
Maritime Museum & Specialist Library
Wheelchair Friendly
Dog Friendly
Suitable for All Ages
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a boating enthusiast, looking for an enjoyable family day out or simply curious to discover something different, you'll receive a warm welcome.
Set on the picturesque waterfront at Pembroke Dock, the Society offers a unique opportunity to experience maritime heritage where it continues to be preserved, restored and celebrated every day.
WHAT'S HERE
HANCOCK'S YARD
2 large workshops, where members work on boats of all sizes from kayaks to yachts
A blacksmith's workshop
An open shelter housing the Charterhouse Lifeboat project
Open shelters for small boats, some awaiting restoration & others sadly a bit past it
An open dock & slipway with boats of all sizes
A pool for radio-controlled boats
There are guided tours given by members who've a wealth of information to give you in a friendly relaxed style, or you can roam freely but bear in mind this is a working boatyard - please take care.
DISCOVER OUR
MUSEUM
Our museum is packed with fascinating maritime artefacts that tell the story of West Wales' rich seafaring heritage.
Discover how coastal communities depended on small boats for everyday life.
Explore the vital role of boats in the coal, fishing and maritime industries.
See traditional tools, historic engines and, of course, beautifully preserved boats.
Enjoy hands-on puzzles and activities designed for younger visitors.
BROWSE OUR
MARITIME LIBRARY
Our specialist library contains over 3,000 books and archives, making it one of the most comprehensive maritime collections in the region.
Browse subjects including:
Boat design and traditional construction
Maritime history
Biographies of notable seafarers and boatbuilders
Original boatyard records, including handwritten Hancock's Boatyard ledgers dating back over 50 years
Whether you're a researcher, enthusiast or simply curious about maritime history, there's something waiting to be discovered.
DISCOVER OUR
MUSEUM
Our museum is packed with fascinating maritime artefacts that tell the story of West Wales' rich seafaring heritage.
Discover how coastal communities depended on small boats for everyday life.
Explore the vital role of boats in the coal, fishing and maritime industries.
See traditional tools, historic engines and, of course, beautifully preserved boats.
Enjoy hands-on puzzles and activities designed for younger visitors.
WHAT'S HERE
HANCOCK'S YARD
2 large workshops, where members work on boats of all sizes from kayaks to yachts
A blacksmith's workshop
An open shelter housing the Charterhouse Lifeboat project
Open shelters for small boats, some awaiting restoration & others sadly a bit past it
An open dock & slipway with boats of all sizes
A pool for radio-controlled boats
There are guided tours given by members who've a wealth of information to give you in a friendly relaxed style, or you can roam freely but bear in mind this is a working boatyard - please take care.
BROWSE OUR
MARITIME LIBRARY
Our specialist library contains over 3,000 books and archives, making it one of the most comprehensive maritime collections in the region.
Browse subjects including:
Boat design and traditional construction
Maritime history
Biographies of notable seafarers and boatbuilders
Original boatyard records, including handwritten Hancock's Boatyard ledgers dating back over 50 years
Whether you're a researcher, enthusiast or simply curious about maritime history, there's something waiting to be discovered.
Facilities
Parking
Parking at the museum is limited, particularly during busy periods, but there is plenty of free parking available just a short 200-metre walk away behind Y Cerrig Glas. This large public car park can be accessed from the road opposite Asda supermarket, just beyond the Asda petrol station, and offers ample space for visitors throughout the day.
The museum is only a few minutes' walk from the car park, with clear and easy access to the site. If the museum yard is full and you have restricted mobility, please drive into the yard anyway and a member of the team will be happy to make a parking space available wherever possible.
At The Museum
Facilities & Accessibility
The West Wales Maritime Heritage Museum offers a warm welcome to visitors of all ages. Families will find exhibits designed to engage younger visitors, while well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout the site provided they remain on a lead. Although there isn't a café on site, you're welcome to bring a picnic and relax at the outdoor tables and benches overlooking the water towards Hobbs Point and Neyland. A unisex toilet is also available for visitors.
Most of the museum is wheelchair accessible, with level access to the main exhibition buildings. The library is the only exception, while the Tern Shed workshop can be accessed with assistance. Please note that the Escape boat is not wheelchair accessible. The site is generally flat, with a mixture of concrete, gravel and grass surfaces, so visitors should take extra care around the waterfront and historic vessels.
Plan Your Visit
How to Find Us
The museum is located at Hancock’s Yard in Pembroke Dock and can be reached by road, rail, bus or boat.
By Road
From the East
From St Clears, follow the A477 towards Pembroke Dock...
From the North
From Haverfordwest, follow the A4076 and A477...
By Rail
Pembroke Dock railway station is less than 10 minutes away.
By Bus
Services from Haverfordwest, Tenby, Kilgetty and Milford Haven stop at Pembroke Dock station.
By Boat
Boats can normally enter the dock around two hours either side of high water.
