Marlipins Museum
Thursday to Saturday
Explore the oldest secular building in Britain and discover more about the maritime history of Sussex.
The Grade II listed Norman building in the high street of the coastal town of Shoreham-by-Sea is famous for its striking flint and limestone chequerboard façade.
The building, which dates back to the 12th century, is understood to have been used as a toll or custom house for the port and markets, providing 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, with 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 from the Friends of Shoreham Beach.
Become a Friend of Marlipins
The Friends of Marlipins work closely with The Sussex Archaeological Society to protect and maintain Marlipins Museum. Membership starts at just £10 per year.
For details on how to join or express an interest in volunteering to help run the museum visit www.friendsofmarlipins.org.uk or email marlipinnews@hotmail.com.
See our other attractions
Marlipins Museum is now closed for the season and will reopen on 1st May 2025.
Marlipins Museum is located in the high street of Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex, a 15 minute journey from Brighton and an hour from London.
Getting here – public transport
Shoreham-by-Sea has good train and bus links. The train station is a five-minute walk from Marlipins Museum. Buses stop in the High Street, close to Marlipins with the 700 route between Portsmouth and Brighton running every 20 minutes.
For further help with public transport visit the Traveline website.
Getting here – by car or coach
Shoreham is easily accessed from the A27, A259 and A23. Drivers using the A27 should enter the town from the Shoreham flyover junction. Car parking and coach parking are available in the town with the Pond Road (Shoreham Centre) and Middle Road car parks the most convenient. Details can be found on the Adur District Council website here.
Accessibility at Marlipins Museum
The museum is presented over several levels, connected by stairs. Please contact the team in advance of your visit for further information.
Group bookings
Are you looking to book for a group of 10 or more? We offer guided tours of Marlipins outside of usual opening hours. Discover more about our offer by reading our groups brochure here.
To make a group booking contact the team at Marlipins by emailing enquiries@sussexpast.co.uk.
Address: High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5DA
