RNLI Henry Blogg Museum

About the museum

The RNLI Henry Blogg Museum was founded to commemorate Henry Blogg, the Cromer coxswain who became a national hero. In 38 years as coxswain he carried out 387 rescues and helped save 873 lives, and he served on the lifeboat for 53 years in all. He received three Gold and four Silver RNLI medals, the George Cross and the British Empire Medal, and remains the most decorated person in RNLI history.

The museum is housed in the Rocket House at the foot of The Gangway, at the end of Cromer's promenade, and tells the story of lifesaving at sea in Cromer, where the first lifeboat arrived in 1805. Its display has included the lifeboat H F Bailey, which Blogg commanded during the Second World War, model lifeboats, his medals, old films, photographs and paintings, and hands-on activities for children.

The museum and its shop closed to the public on 1 September 2024 so that repair and restoration work could be carried out on the Rocket House building. The RNLI hopes to reopen once the works are complete, but no reopening date has been published.

Highlights

• Lifeboat H F Bailey, commanded by Henry Blogg in the Second World War
• Henry Blogg's collection of medals
• Model lifeboats, old films, photographs and paintings
• Hands-on activities for children
• Housed in the historic Rocket House on Cromer promenade

Permanent exhibition

• Henry Blogg and the Cromer lifeboat – The story of lifesaving at Cromer, with the lifeboat H F Bailey, Henry Blogg's medals, models, films and photographs (closed for repairs).

Founded

1967

Operated by

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free (when the museum is open); donations are welcome.

Accessibility

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

The steep Gangway can be avoided by using the alternative entrance from the cliff walkway at the rear of the building, which has a lift. Disabled parking is on the Promenade. Only guide and assistance dogs are admitted. Based on listings from before the closure.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Hands-on activities for children and baby changing facilities were available before the closure.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at the end of Cromer promenade, beside the foot of The Gangway.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop (also closed during the repair works). A regional tourism listing mentions light refreshments and a picnic site.

Events & venue rental

The museum has been closed since September 2024 for building repairs and has not yet announced a reopening date.

Plan your visit