Moelfre RNLI Seawatch Centre

Free RNLI museum above the sea at Moelfre telling the lifeboat and shipwreck history of the village, including the rescues of coxswain Dic Evans.

Opening hoursFree admission Wheelchair accessible

Website Directions

About the museum

The Seawatch Centre stands above the sea at Moelfre on the east coast of Anglesey, close to the village lifeboat station. It is run by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and tells the story of Moelfre’s maritime and lifeboat history, with medal-winning rescues, historic shipwrecks and many artefacts.

The museum has recently been completely refurbished. Its centrepiece is the retired Birds Eye lifeboat, which Birds Eye Foods bought for the RNLI in 1970. The displays follow the bravery of local lifeboat crews over almost 200 years, including the story of Richard (Dic) Evans, a coxswain who won two gold medals for rescuing the crews of two ships.

The centre also has a seated viewing area with views over the sea, an RNLI shop and activities for children. Visitors can walk down to the lifeboat station to see the Tamar-class lifeboat Kiwi, unless she is out on service.

Highlights

Retired Birds Eye lifeboat as centrepiece
Story of double gold medallist coxswain Dic Evans
Shipwreck history and relics, some displayed outdoors
Dressing-up crew kit for children
Sea-view seating area and RNLI shop

Permanent exhibitions

The Birds Eye lifeboat – A retired lifeboat bought for the RNLI in 1970 stands at the centre of the refurbished museum.
Moelfre’s lifeboat heroes – Almost 200 years of local lifeboat history, including the story of coxswain Dic Evans who won two gold medals.

Founded: 1990
Operated by: Royal National Lifeboat Institution

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible
Elevator: no information
Accessible restroom: no information
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

There is wheelchair access at both the Seawatch Centre and the lifeboat station.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

Hands-on stations

Children can dress up in crew kit and join table-top activities. Schools and groups are welcome by prior booking; a visit includes a museum talk and a visit to the lifeboat station.

Getting there & parking

By car

Parking available

There is a large car park with seating areas where visitors can also see some of the larger relics from historical shipwrecks.

The lifeboat station is a short walk from the centre.

Get directions

Amenities & dining

Museum shop

The centre shares its space with an RNLI shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit

School programs	yes
Good to know	Schools and groups can book a visit that includes a museum talk and a visit to the lifeboat station; bookings are made by email to moelfre_visits@rnli.org.uk.