National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool

HMS Trincomalee

Climb aboard the last remaining Royal Navy ship to be built in India, HMS Trincomalee.

Docked in Hartlepool, you will discover the rich history of this extraordinary ship and experience the hierarchy of life at sea from the captain's cabin to the crew’s mess deck.

Feel the power of HMS Trincomalee as cannons are fired daily and on weekends, and have the chance to handle some of the recreated objects that were used on board.

Plan a visit

Conservation

Protecting the history of HMS Trincomalee for future generations to enjoy is crucial for the National Museum of the Royal Navy. A team of shipwrights, riggers, conservators, and ship keepers all work tirelessly to keep Britain’s oldest floating warship afloat.

Built in 1817 in Bombay (modern-day Mumbai), HMS Trincomalee is now over 200 years old. Before being stationed at Hartlepool, HMS Trincomalee travelled over 100,000 miles around the globe. Despite never seeing combat, HMS Trincomalee has a fascinating history. During her active service, she undertook duties that included policing, protection, and exploration.

Please note that due to ongoing care of HMS Trincomalee, we regret to inform you that some areas are currently temporarily inaccessible. Due to the historic nature of this 200+ year old ship, HMS Trincomalee is prone to wear and tear, including water ingress, which can cause the wood to rot as well as deterioration of the structural components, which then need repairing or replacing.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding.

Book a ticket today to find out more about this unique and beautiful survivor