Classic Boat Museum

About the museum

The Classic Boat Museum has been telling its maritime story since 1996. It was founded by Maurice Wilmot, who enjoyed restoring classic boats, with support from Isle of Wight Council and a group of founding trustees. It began with a shed in Newport, where a Friends' group and a gallery of local maritime objects were built up, and registration as a museum opened the way to public funding.

In 2012 the boats moved to the Albany Building in East Cowes, and in 2018 they moved again to the present site in Medina Village on the west bank of the River Medina. In 2022 the museum received the St Catherine's optic on long-term loan from Trinity House, and in 2026 it opened its 30th season, now all on one site.

The collection holds more than 90 boats, about 60 of them on display, including classic yachts, dinghies, motorboats and lifeboats such as the Jessie Lumb and the Queen Victoria. A gallery tells the wider marine heritage of the Isle of Wight and the Solent. A major display honours the yacht designer Uffa Fox of Cowes. The museum is run by the Classic Boat Centre Trust with many volunteers.

Highlights

• Over 90 classic boats, about 60 on display
• Lifeboats Jessie Lumb and Queen Victoria, which visitors can see at close range
• In-depth display on yacht designer Uffa Fox
• Uffa Fox's Airborne Lifeboat and the rowing boat Britannia
• Gallery on the marine heritage of the Isle of Wight and the Solent

Permanent exhibitions

• Boat collection – About 60 of more than 90 boats are on show, from dinghies and classic yachts to power boats and lifeboats.
• Uffa Fox display – A display on the Cowes yacht designer, including the International 14, the Firefly, Flying 10 and 12, the launch Ankle Deep and the Airborne Lifeboat.

Founded

1996

Operated by

Classic Boat Centre Trust

Admission & discounts

A ticket allows unlimited re-admission for one year during normal opening hours. No advance booking is needed; cash and major cards are accepted. The standard ticket is eligible for Gift Aid.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum states that the site is accessible to disabled visitors. Exhibits have audio and visual material and QR codes for some displays, and large print brochures are available. There are no toilets on site; the nearest public toilets are by the chain ferry in West Cowes. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Some boats can be touched, and visitors can go on board the lifeboat Jessie Lumb. Visitors aged 17 and under enter free.

Getting there & parking

The entrance to the yard is on the left at the end of Thetis Road; follow the brown signs from Cowes town centre and the floating bridge. The floating bridge across the River Medina is within walking distance.

Amenities & dining

There is no cloakroom, but a space is available where coats and bags can be left at the owner's risk. Food and drink are not permitted inside the museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit