Fishermen’s Lifeboat Museum
Free volunteer-run museum in a Victorian boat shed on Sheringham seafront, home to the 1894 lifeboat Henry Ramey Upcher.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum stands on the West Cliff at Lower Sheringham and tells the story of the lifeboats that the Upcher family of Sheringham Hall provided for local fishermen. Soon after 1875 the family built a boat shed for the lifeboat Augusta, Sheringham's first purpose-designed lifeboat. In 1894 she was replaced by the Henry Ramey Upcher, a 10.6-metre rowing and sailing lifeboat that served until 1935 and remains in the shed. She is registered as a National Historic Ship.
After 1935 the boat stayed in the shed and several attempts were made to turn it into a museum. In 1983 the Sheringham Preservation Society took over the building from the town council and began opening it to the public. The neighbouring fishing sheds, used for storing gear and mending nets, were restored from 2004 and added more exhibition space.
Today the museum is run by volunteers of the Sheringham & District Society, which leases the buildings from the Town Council. Displays include memorials to rescues, records of local lifesaving, photographs of the fishermen who crewed the boats and the boat-building families of the town. A shell gallery in a former coal store is linked to the museum.
Highlights
- Lifeboat Henry Ramey Upcher, built 1894
- Records and memorials of local rescues
- Photographs of Sheringham fishermen and boat-building families
- Peter Coke Shell Gallery next door
Permanent exhibitions
- Lifeboat Henry Ramey Upcher – The 1894 lifeboat in her original launching shed, with records of local rescues and the fishermen who crewed the boats.
- Peter Coke Shell Gallery – A shell gallery in a former coal store next to the museum.
- Founded
- 1983
- Operated by
- Sheringham & District Society
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free; voluntary contributions towards the upkeep of the lifeboat and building are welcome.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Public car park at the seaward end of Morris Street, a short walk from the museum.
The museum is on the seafront at West Cliff, Lower Sheringham.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The Peter Coke Shell Gallery is linked to the museum.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Run by volunteers; opening hours depend on their availability. |
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