Santa at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool 🎅✨

Looking for some festive fun in your Christmas plans? The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool has got it covered. This December the museum becomes a winter wonderland with lights, decorations and special experiences to make your visit magical. Meet Santa, hear pirate tales and explore one of the oldest ships afloat. Something for everyone.

Santa’s Grotto 🎄

Santa’s Grotto is the best bit of the year and runs on the following dates: 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd December 2024. Here kids can meet Santa and his elves, hand in their Christmas wishes and have a chat with the big man himself. Each child will receive a gift, a hot chocolate and a fun activity to make the day even more special.

Cost is £8.50 per child but don’t forget you’ll also need a valid museum ticket to get in. With tickets lasting a year you can come back and visit anytime to see everything the museum has to offer. Book now at this link. 🎟️

Get hands-on with Horrible Histories® Pirates 🏴‍☠️

Who doesn’t love a good pirate? The museum’s Horrible Histories® Pirates: The Exhibition brings the swashbuckling stories to life with humour and history. Fans of the books and TV show will love this interactive experience.

Here’s what you can do:

• Design your own pirate flag and learn to talk like a pirate (it’s harder than you think!).
• Command a pirate ship and fire the cannons at your enemies.
• Step into the grim reality of pirate life, from the taverns to the pirate code.
• Hear the tales of infamous male and female captains who made waves (pun intended).

Whether you’re 8 or 80 there’s no escaping the call of the sea. Just remember breaking the pirate code could send you to Davey Jones' Locker!

HMS Trincomalee and more 🚢

A visit to the museum isn’t complete without going aboard HMS Trincomalee, the oldest warship in Europe still afloat. Built in 1817 this magnificent ship gives you a glimpse into life on a Georgian era ship. Surrounding it is the recreated Georgian Quay where you can imagine the bustle of the docks from centuries ago.

Museum tickets also get you access to:

• Diving Deep: HMS Invincible 1744, an underwater archaeology project.
• Loads more treasures and stories from the Royal Navy’s history.

And the best bit? Your ticket is valid for 12 months so you can come back as many times as you like. Rainy day? Sunny afternoon? It’s all covered. Book now.

Why you’ll love the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool

In the Tees Valley, this museum is a treasure trove for history lovers, families and adventurers. It’s part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy which tells the story of the Navy’s amazing history – from warships and submarines to marines and air forces. And with HMS Trincomalee as its crown jewel, it’s a visit you won’t soon forget.

So, whether you’re meeting Santa, learning to talk like a pirate or just soaking up some naval history, this Christmas is the perfect time to make some magic.

Details:

• Santa’s Grotto Dates: 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd December 2024
• Santa’s Grotto Price: £8.50 per child (museum ticket required)
• Where: National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool
• Book now: Click here

Get your Christmas on and head to Hartlepool!