Take a Step Back in Time and Discover Sheringham’s History
The beautiful fishing town of Sheringham, North Norfolk, is rich in history, and there’s no better place to embrace it than at The Mo, Sheringham Museum.
This wonderful museum sits right on the seafront, which couldn’t be a more fitting location. The museum tells the story of Sheringham’s past, with its main exhibition focusing on the town’s fishing culture. There’s an impressive collection of lifeboats, fishing boats and artefacts, which help to paint a picture of the town’s history.
Local History
The Mo Museum offers a fascinating insight into Sheringham’s rich past, telling the story of a coastal community shaped by the sea, resilience and generations of local tradition. Through carefully curated displays and historical artefacts, visitors can discover how the town developed into the popular seaside destination it is today.
Sheringham’s fishing heritage
Fishing played a central role in Sheringham’s development for centuries, providing livelihoods for many local families. The museum explores the daily lives of fishermen, the boats they used and the challenges they faced while working along the North Norfolk coast.
Lifeboat history
Sheringham has a proud lifeboat tradition, with generations of volunteers risking their lives to rescue those in danger at sea. The museum highlights the bravery of local crews and showcases the important role lifeboat services have played in protecting the community.
Wartime Sheringham
The museum also examines Sheringham’s experiences during times of conflict, including the impact of the World Wars on the town and its residents. Exhibits reveal how local people adapted to changing circumstances and contributed to national efforts.
The town’s transformation through the years
From its origins as a fishing village to its growth as a popular seaside resort, Sheringham has undergone significant change over the centuries. Visitors can trace this evolution through photographs, artefacts and personal stories that bring the town’s history to life.
Happy Visitors
The Mo has attracted many happy visitors since its opening in 2010. A recent visitor, Lynsey from Clacton-on-Sea, thought The Mo was a great museum. She enjoyed the different exhibits, including the boats, shops, knitting and wind farm information.
“I liked The Mo because it was light, airy and interesting – such a different type of museum.”
Another recent visitor, Catherine Rodgie, 33, from Northamptonshire, visited the museum with her husband and child. She found that the wide variety of exhibitions ensured there was something for the whole family to enjoy.
“There’s lots to read, and some of the exhibits include videos. There are also computers available so you can look up your family history during the war.
“The exhibition shows the effect the war had on the local area, including bombing raids. The street is laid out as if in wartime, and there are stories of some of the men who fought.
“The underwater photography exhibition was the highlight of our trip, as the photos were excellent and brilliantly colourful – my daughter found it mind-boggling.”
A Norfolk Local’s Much Awaited Visit
Christine Silver, 51, from Great Yarmouth, decided to go to the museum while visiting Sheringham for the day with friends. After seeing the museum on a television programme, she was keen to learn about the history of this seaside town.
The Exhibits
There’s a variety of exhibits on display at this Sheringham museum. Some change each year, so there’s always something new to see.
The ground floor gallery is home to a boat collection which tells the story of how the fishing village moulded the future of Sheringham.
“There’s a lovely collection of lifeboats that show the way technology has improved throughout the years; starting with the basic rowing boat, up to the technologically advanced boats used today.
“The lifeboat display shows how dangerous it was for the men to go out and rescue stricken boats and people. It also shows how brave those men were, and how modern power boats make their job a lot easier today.”
Over the summer, there was a WW1 knitting exhibition, which displays garments that were made during that period.
“The summer 2016 exhibition was called ‘Stitches in Time ‘, and it was about the knitting campaign of the First World War. There was a national campaign to encourage anyone who could knit to make items that were needed for the troops, like balaclavas, gloves, socks and bandages.
“This exhibit was the highlight of my visit, as I love knitting. I loved seeing all the garments that were knitted during the war. The film footage being played was extremely enjoyable, and we took some time to sit and watch it. I’d never seen a knitted bandage before and found this 100-year-old survivor fascinating.
“The exhibits are well labelled with a wealth of information which gives the visitor in-depth details on the subject. The exhibit about how Sheringham grew from a tiny fishing village to what you see today was very interesting and detailed.”
Whether you’re on a family outing or you’re just interested in the local history, there’s something for everyone at The Mo.
“The museum is family-friendly, as there are so many interesting things to see that appeal to all age groups. I think children would love to see the boats and model aeroplanes.”
Family Activities
The Mo Museum provides an enjoyable and educational experience for families, offering opportunities for children and adults to learn together while exploring Sheringham’s history.
Children’s discovery opportunities
Young visitors can uncover fascinating stories about life in a traditional fishing town through exhibits designed to encourage curiosity and exploration.
Interactive exhibits
Hands-on displays allow children to engage directly with the museum’s themes, making learning about local history both entertaining and memorable.
Family learning experiences
The museum offers families a chance to discover how previous generations lived and worked while exploring topics such as fishing, rescue services and community life along the Norfolk coast.
Exploring Sheringham’s seafront afterwards
After visiting the museum, families can continue their day by exploring Sheringham’s seafront, beach and promenade, providing an ideal opportunity to connect the town’s history with the modern-day coastal community.
The Experience
The Mo is an independent museum and is run mostly by volunteers. These volunteers are passionate about local history and provide visitors with a great experience.
“The staff were very friendly and helpful. The lady who welcomed us told us that the museum was varied and a bit quirky – which I loved as it makes it sound so interesting!”
Christine thoroughly enjoyed her trip to the museum and would recommend it to other visitors to the local area.
“The overall experience of my visit to The Mo was one of real joy. The whole museum was well thought out and informative. It’s a museum which comes to life through the exhibits.
“I would recommend The Mo to people who are visiting the area, and I would rate it in the top ten places to visit when in North Norfolk. This museum has got to be one of the best local town museums I have ever visited. Well done to The Mo – a museum that has got it right!”
Price and Location
An adult ticket is £3.70, a concession is £3.20, a child ticket is £2 and under-fives can enter for free.
Once you reach Sheringham, the museum is easy to find. It’s accessible by walking to the end of the High Street until you get to the seafront.
The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday between 10 am and 4:30 pm, and on Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm.
It’s also only a short drive from The Blakeney Cottage Company HQ.
Visitor Information
Planning can help you make the most of your visit and ensure you have plenty of time to explore the museum’s collections.
Opening times
The museum’s opening hours may vary throughout the year, particularly outside the main visitor season. Checking current opening times before travelling is recommended.
Accessibility
This unique Sheringham museum aims to provide an enjoyable experience for all visitors. Accessibility facilities and arrangements may be available to assist guests with additional requirements.
Planning your visit
Allow sufficient time to explore the exhibits, browse temporary displays and enjoy the surrounding area. Many visitors combine their museum visit with other attractions in Sheringham for a full day out on the coast.
Discover Sheringham’s Maritime Heritage
The Mo Museum offers a captivating journey through Sheringham’s maritime heritage and local history, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in discovering the stories that shaped this charming coastal town. With engaging exhibits, family-friendly displays and fascinating insights into life by the sea, it provides a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Complete your North Norfolk adventure with a stay at The Blakeney Cottage Company. Our collection of self-catering holiday cottages provides the perfect base for exploring Sheringham, the beautiful coastline and the many attractions that make North Norfolk such a special destination. Browse our cottages today and start planning your coastal getaway.
