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.