Inside what is understood to be one of the oldest secular buildings in the country, visitors will be able to discover more about the history of the town, the maritime history of Sussex and local archaeology.

For 2023, a new exhibition of nearly 100 photographs of Shoreham through the ages is on display. These have been handpicked by members of the local community from the collections at Marlipins.

The new season will also see the introduction of a new trail for children featuring Marli the meow-seum cat, who has taken up residence in various corners of the building.

The museum is free to enter though donations towards the upkeep of the historic building are welcomed.

Marlipins Opening Times

Marlipins Museum is located in the High Street of Shoreham-by-Sea.

The museum will be open Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 3pm until the end of October.

Entry is free. Donations towards the upkeep of the building are welcomed.

It is staffed by members of the Friends of Marlipins who generously volunteer their time to welcome visitors and provide information about the history of the town and the museum’s collections.

The Grade II listed building, which is famous for its striking flint and limestone chequerboard façade, dates back to the 12th century.

The building is understood to have been used as a toll or custom house for the port and markets. It provided secure storage for high-end goods such as wines, spices and fabrics.

Now it is home to a unique collection which sheds light on the area’s rich maritime history. It includes objects collected from shipwrecks off the coast of Sussex and further afield. On display are naval surgeons’ sinister-looking medical instruments to incredible examples of 19th century ship models.

There are also souvenirs from the HMS Royal George, the largest warship in the world at the time of her launch in 1756, which sank off Portsmouth the same year.

This year will also see a new temporary exhibition featuring nearly 100 photographs. They were handpicked by members of the community who then researched the subject, origins and importance of the image.

The Sussex Archaeological Society is the county’s largest heritage-based organisation and charity. It cares for a range of remarkable historical properties, including Lewes Castle & Museum, Fishbourne Roman Palace, Michelham Priory and The Long Man of Wilmington.

Join the Society today. Membership starts at £47 for an individual, £75 for two adults while families can join from £52.