Llŷn Maritime Museum

About the museum

The Llŷn Maritime Museum is housed in the old church of St Mary in the centre of Nefyn, a building recognisable by the ship-shaped weather vane on its tower. The church was rebuilt in 1825 to 1827 on a site said to have been used since the sixth century, and the graveyard around it contains the graves of many local sailors and captains, which have been surveyed and recorded by the Gwynedd Family History Society.

The museum was founded in 1977 by local volunteers who wanted to show the maritime heritage of the area. In 2000 it had to close for health and safety reasons. From 2007 a new community committee worked to bring it back, supported by a funding package that included grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Welsh Government, the Tir a Môr fund, the Llŷn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Nefyn Town Trust and Gwynedd Council.

Today the single-storey building holds a permanent exhibition on the ships built in the area and on the sailors and captains who sailed them, together with a replica ship's cabin, old photographs, oral history recordings and a film about the history of Nefyn. There is also a small stage for talks and performances, a study area for research, a coffee bar and a shop. Entry is free, a policy intended to encourage people to visit more than once.

Highlights

• Exhibition on the ships, sailors and captains of Llŷn
• Replica ship's cabin with a shipboard soundtrack
• Film on the history of Nefyn
• Oral history and photograph screens
• Setting in a former church with a ship weather vane

Permanent exhibition

• Maritime and social history of Llŷn – The permanent exhibition tells the story of the ships built locally and of the sailors and captains of Nefyn and the surrounding area, with a replica ship's cabin, photographs and oral history.

Founded

1977

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free so that everyone can visit; donations are gratefully received. Some special talks and events are ticketed.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is a one-storey building and is suitable for wheelchair users. There are steps up to the porch with a paved ramp alongside it, then flat access to the exhibition, shop and coffee bar. The floor is granite, seating is provided, and the reception desk is low. The unisex accessible toilet has rails, non-slip flooring and a baby changing unit. The replica cabin is only partly lit and its soundtrack can be switched off on request. An access statement is published on the museum's website.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

A play boat for children stands outside, and the shop stocks children's toys. A baby changing unit is in the accessible toilet.

Getting there & parking

The museum is set back from the main road, just off the Nefyn to Llithfaen road. From the bus stop at the crossroads (Y Groes), walk down Stryd y Plas and take the first turning on the left.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

A small coffee bar serves tea, coffee, cold drinks, cake, biscuits and ice cream but no meals. The shop sells gifts, books, cards and children's toys. Picnic benches stand outside, and a research area can be used by appointment.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit