The RNLI Zetland Museum

The Esplanade, Redcar, Cleveland
Redcar

The museum houses the Zetland, the oldest extant lifeboat. Built by Henry Greathead as The Original in 1802, the Zetland was a clinker-built, double-ended rowing boat requiring a crew of 13-20 to power her. Crewed by the fishermen and local pilots of Redcar she saw service for some 80 years, saving 500 lives. Download the Zetland factsheet.

The museum uses lifelike figures and models to bring to life the story of sea rescues on the north east coast. Upstairs is an extensive display of lifesaving equipment, past and present, and a reconstruction of a fisherman's sitting room. The Laurie Pickett Gallery displays photographs and postcards of old Redcar and her lifeboat crews, highlighting the town's history as a seaside attraction from Victorian times.

Admission free, but donations welcome
Group and school visits welcome all year by appointment
RNLI shop
Access for wheelchair users - ground floor only

Location: Situated on Redcar seafront. Public car parking nearby.
Download map.

Opening times:

Monday - closed (except Bank holidays)
Sunday - Saturday including bank holidays
May - Oct: 12pm - 4pm

For more information about visits to schools and the teaching resources available, visit Shorething website.