Our visit to the Merseyside Maritime Museum

We had a brilliant day this week when we went to visit the Maritime Museum at the Albert Dock in Liverpool. Before we even entered the museum, we were able to see two tall ships that were moored in the dock. We were really struck by how many ropes were on the deck – we could see lots of the knots we had practised doing in Forest school.

Once inside, we went to explore the Titanic exhibition. We found out so many facts about this incredible story. Everyone particularly enjoyed listening to recordings of actual survivors. It was very moving to hear first-hand accounts of the tragedy.

We spent time studying the lists of passengers and discovered that most deaths were amongst the third class passengers. Entire families were lost.

We then had a great time taking part in a pirate workshop, dressing up and having a go at some of the jobs that had to be done on board a pirate ship. As well as being great fun, we learned lots of new facts.

After lunch, where we watched the comings and goings at the Albert Dock, we headed into the Seized exhibition. Here we discovered much about the world of smugglers, from the past to the present. We found out some amazing facts!

Finally, we ended the day with a trip through the old docks, a brilliantly atmospheric replica of a dark and shadowy place. We went through the sleeping quarters of an old ship, complete with sounds and smells that were not very pleasant! We really did gain an amazing insight into what life might have been like on board ship all those years ago.

Thank you to Helen Salisbury, Lucy Nickless and Sue Kershaw for accompanying us.