Fun Stuff

In days of sail, everyone had to learn the ropes. In the museum we let you do just that. Some of our stewards are experts and can teach you knots - knots that are still in use today in Dartmouth Harbour on fishing boats, yachts, tall ships, working boats, even on Ocean Liners. The knots exhibit shown here gives you the chance to try your hand, even to race a friend.

Who can learn to tie a bowline and then who can tie it fastest?

Can you tie it with your eyes closed?

Our webmaster can!

 

One of our stewards got into trouble today, so we had to put him in the stocks! Poor John left home without tidying his room! We left him locked in the stocks until his other half said he could come out.

Trying the stocks out isn't just for kids. If you're visiting us with a grownup, get them to sit in the stocks and take their picture (remember to ask the steward on duty first because we don't normally allow photography in the museum, but, with permission, these stocks are fine to photograph when one of your party's in them). These are a replica, of course. You can't try out the old town stocks in The Holdsworth Room. But you can see them.

Why not put your teacher in the stocks when you come on a school visit?

 

Sailors - learn how to sail and stay safe with this fun game!

Let sea rats Sir Water Rowdant and Bilge guide you through the dangerous and exciting world of Tudor Exploration!

Younger children may enjoy colouring a picture of Pirate Pete, making a pirate's telescope, or a pirate's hat and medal, making a scary sea monster mask, making floating boats, creating a marine mosaic or a folding beach scene.

Older children (and adults!) may like to build their own model of HMS Victory

In the museum you will see a sextant. It's forerunner was the quadrant. Find out about this, and make one here

Imagine a time when the map of the world was still changing as 'new' lands were being discovered. Have a go at making your own Tudor globe here.

Learn more about the sea and maritime history from the National Maritime Museum website.

Imagine you live in 1850 and it is your job to transport goods around England - do you use a train, a wagon or a boat? If you think you can Move It, play the game to see if you are up to the job!

Join Ray Mullett for the Fish Olympics!

Sea History for Kids has a good range of maritime word games and puzzles. Learn about different types of vessel, famous mariners, even kids who went to sea, here.