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Lifeboat Museum

Peterhead Prison crest

The Julia Park Barry of Glasgow is a former RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) Watson-class lifeboat that was in active service in Peterhead from 1939 to 1969.  Funded from a legacy gift from a Mrs Julia Park Barry to the RNLI, the vessel rescued 496 lives during her residence and is the most celebrated vessel to be stationed in the North East the town.  Two of her most notable rescues came in 1940 and 1942 when on both occasions the lifeboat and her crew performed heroic lifesaving acts in the severest of weather conditions.  

Since the opening of HMP Peterhead in 1888, a close connection with the town’s seafaring community has existed making the museum the obvious home for the now restored Julia Park Barry of Glasgow.  The vessel is now centrepiece to this new museum attraction which not only tells its story, but also of the 200 year history of the lifeboats and lifeboatmen in Peterhead.

Come and view the centrepiece vessel, and learn from archive footage, newspaper exhibits, historic photos and one of the Julia Park Barry of Glasgow’s restored engines all housed in a purpose built exhibition hall.

Lifeboat Museum Admission Only – £5 (Seniors and Children 5 & under free),  however access is included with Peterhead Prison Museum entry fee.
COVID-19 Update

Visitor Information

  • If you, or a family member, are feeling unwell or displaying symptoms of Covid-19 please reconsider your visit and return another time when safe to do so.
  • These symptoms include: HIGH TEMPERATURE; NEW CONTINUOUS COUGH; LOSS OR CHANGE TO YOUR SENSE OF TASTE OR SMELL. https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus-covid-19
  • We ask that customers purchase their tickets online via www.peterheadprisonmuseum.com or by card or contactless payment. Please note on line ticketing is at a reduced cost to support the current drive to stop, where possible, cash handling by our team.
  • We are continuing our rigorous daily hygiene routines throughout the museum.
  • Motion sensor hand sanitising units and cleaning stations will be available at key locations throughout the route, these will be clearly marked.
  • Audio sets will be sanitised between every use.
  • We have installed protective screens at our tills.
  • Appropriate PPE has been provided for team members and you can check current Scottish Government Guidelines on face coverings where appropriate: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-public-use-of-face-coverings
  • Team members will receive in depth training and daily briefings on how to keep themselves and visitors safe.
  • A queuing system may be in operation outside the main reception at peak times.
  • Physical distance markings will be in place inside and outside of the museum.
  • In the interests of safety please keep any children within your own physical family space throughout your visit.
  • ABOVE ALL ELSE PLEASE ENJOY YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHILE BEING RESPECTFUL OF OTHER VISITOR'S AND TEAM MEMBER'S PHYSICAL SPACE.
PETERHEAD WEATHER