Harwich Museum

17/06/2026

For Sale.

Model of St.Nicholas Church, Harwich.
made from matchsticks.

Sizes.
L. 28 Inches x W.12 x H 16
Collection only.
£30
Dontation to Harwich Museum.

12/06/2026

Harwich Secret Gardens is in its 16th year and will have a very large number of hidden gardens and courtyards open.

All gardens are easily reachable on foot.

In addition to the gardens there are plenty of historic buildings.

Entry brochures are now available from Harwich Museum.

Tickets £5.00 (cash only). will gain entry into all of the gardens – accompanied children free.

Museum opening times.

Wednesday - Sunday
10am - 3pm

08/06/2026

We are looking for Volunteers to help in our Tea room.

Volunteering is a rewarding and beneficial experience that can offer a range of personal and professional benefits.

Whether you’re looking to make a positive impact on your community, develop new skills and gain valuable experience, expand your network and meet new people, improve your mental health and well-being, or make a difference in your own life, volunteering can be an excellent way to achieve your goals.

So why not consider becoming a volunteer today?

If you are interested in getting involved simply email [email protected]

please get in touch, we need you to help us make sure the Museum is here for future generations.

05/06/2026

05/06/2026

Among the new exhibits for 2026 is a display highlighting the work of Trinity House, which was first incorporated by Henry VIII before becoming a vital part of the modern town.

Another exhibition celebrates the life and work of Dovercourt-born artist and puppet-maker Peter Firmin, which features some of his best-known creations, including beloved characters from the children’s programmes Bagpuss and Clangers.

Visitors can also explore a new exhibition on the history of the Pearle Foote Accordion Orchestra.

Exhibitions about the Kindertransport and a nostalgic tribute to classic British television comedy Hi-de-Hi! will remain.

The museum Is open from Wednesday to Sunday each week between 10am and 4pm, with last entry at 3pm.

Day Ticket £ 4 (free for season ticket holders).

Save with our great value Season Ticket Adult £15.
During this period the holder may make unlimited visits to the Museum during public opening times.

This also includes entry on special event days and talks.

01/06/2026

Our latest acquisition to the museum.

Koningin Juliana
Built. 1968 (IMO 6808806)
Yard. Cammell Laird
Class of Ship. Passenger Ferry
Operator. SMZ
Route. Harwich – Hook of Holland 1968-1994
Length. 131 m
Gross Tonnage. 6682
Passengers. 1200
Speed. 21 Knots
Status. Sank 1998

Built in 1967 by Cammell Laird of Birkenhead as Koningin Juliana for Stoomvaart Maatschappij Zeeland of the Netherlands, it was used on the Harwich to Hook of Holland route until 1984 until sold to Navarma Lines and renamed Moby Prince.

Fire

At 22:03 on April 10, 1991, the Moby Prince left Livorno, heading to Olbia for a regular service, manned by a complement of 65 crew and 75 passengers. The ship was commanded by Ugo Chessa. While taking the usual dedicated route out of the harbour, the ferry’s prow struck the Agip Abruzzo, which was standing at anchor, and sliced through its tank number 7. The tank was filled with 2700 tons of Iranian light crude oil. At 22:25, the ferry’s radio operator broadcast a Mayday from the portable VHF transmitter.

The charred hull was moored at Livorno until 17 May 1998, when she made water and sank.

The rusty wreckage was later raised and towed to Aliaga, Turkey to be scrapped.

Harwich Museum opening times 2026.

4th March – 29th November
10am – 4pm
Last entry 3pm

29/05/2026

Hi-de-Hi! celebration.

26th April 2026.
Some 60 fans – new and old, came along to be entertained with a meet and greet with the guests, to hear their stories, have their questions answered and reminisce an chuckle over various film clips. We were also treated to some news about a new project entitled James & Ivy – a spin off of another popular Perry & Croft show You Rang, M’Lord?

26/05/2026

‘About Anglia is filming for a feature on David Croft comedies which includes Hi-de-Hi! This was mainly filmed at Warner Holiday Camp in Dovercourt and around the town with some episodes featuring local school children.

If you were one of the children that appeared they would like to interview you about your experience.
Please contact the museum directly, if you are willing to take part, so we can pass your contact details on to Anglia Television.’