Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum
Restored Victorian lifeboat and intimate museum celebrating 25 years of coastal rescue heroism
Housed in a restored Victorian boathouse on Southwold's seafront, the Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum preserves the history of the Alfred Corry, Southwold's lifeboat from 1893 to 1918. This intimate museum showcases maritime heritage through the restored vessel itself, alongside photographs, artifacts, and stories of the brave crews who served the Norfolk coast. Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, it offers visitors a glimpse into the vital role lifeboats played in coastal rescue operations during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A brief summary to Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum
- Alfred Corry Museum, Ferry Road, Southwold, IP18 6NB, GB
- +441502723200
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- The museum is run entirely by volunteers and occasionally closes at short notice, so it's worth calling ahead during opening hours to confirm availability before making a special trip.
- Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour to properly explore the restored vessel and examine the photographs and artifacts without feeling rushed.
- Visit on a weekday morning if possible to enjoy a quieter experience and potentially have more time to chat with volunteers who often have fascinating personal knowledge of the boat's history.
- Combine your visit with a walk along Southwold's seafront and pier to fully appreciate the maritime character of the town and the context in which the lifeboat operated.
- Photography is permitted inside the museum, making it an excellent opportunity to document the intricate details of Victorian-era lifeboat construction and maritime artifacts.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus from Southwold Town Centre
Local buses serve Southwold's town centre, with stops approximately 400–500 metres from Ferry Road. Journey time from the town centre is typically 5–10 minutes on foot or a short bus ride. Services run regularly throughout the day, though frequency may vary seasonally. No specific fare applies as this is a local service; check local transport operators for current pricing.
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Car with Parking
Ferry Road has limited on-street parking available. Alternatively, Southwold's main car parks (including the seafront car park) are within 200–400 metres of the museum. Parking charges typically apply year-round; expect to pay approximately £1.50–£3.00 per hour depending on the car park. Driving time from central Southwold is less than 5 minutes.
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Walking from Southwold Seafront
The museum is located on Ferry Road, directly adjacent to Southwold's seafront and pier area. Walking from the pier or main beach access takes approximately 10–15 minutes depending on starting point. The route is flat and accessible, following the coastal promenade and then turning inland onto Ferry Road. This is a pleasant walk through Southwold's maritime quarter.
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Cycling
Southwold is a cycle-friendly coastal town with bike routes connecting to Ferry Road. Journey time from the town centre by bicycle is approximately 5–10 minutes. Bike parking facilities are available near the museum and throughout the seafront area. No specific fees apply for cycling access.
Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum
A Vessel of Courage and Maritime Heritage
The Alfred Corry stands as a remarkable survivor of Victorian maritime history. Built in 1893, this wooden lifeboat served as Southwold's primary rescue vessel for 25 years, operating from the bustling Suffolk coast during a critical era of maritime development. The boat itself—now over 130 years old—has been meticulously restored to its original condition, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering of late 19th-century lifeboat design. Every plank, rope, and fitting tells a story of the men who crewed her and the countless lives she helped save.The Museum's Mission and Restoration Journey
The Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum Trust was established with a singular purpose: to preserve and restore this historic vessel for future generations. The restoration process has been painstaking, undertaken entirely by volunteers who possess deep knowledge of maritime heritage and traditional boat construction. The museum's dedication to authenticity means that visitors encounter not merely a display piece, but a living artifact that reflects genuine historical practices and the conditions faced by lifeboat crews. This commitment to preservation extends beyond the boat itself to include the stories, photographs, and personal accounts of those who served aboard her.Intimate Encounters with Coastal Rescue History
Inside the Victorian boathouse, the museum creates an immersive experience of early 20th-century maritime life. Visitors encounter period photographs documenting rescue operations, crew members, and the daily realities of lifeboat service. The collection reveals the dangers faced by these brave volunteers—men who launched into treacherous seas in all weather conditions, often with minimal safety equipment by modern standards. The artifacts on display, from navigational instruments to rescue equipment, provide tangible connections to this heroic chapter of Suffolk's coastal heritage. The intimate scale of the museum allows for close examination of details that larger institutions cannot offer.Volunteer-Driven Authenticity and Community Spirit
The museum operates entirely through the efforts of passionate volunteers, a fact that shapes both its character and its operational approach. This grassroots model ensures that the museum remains deeply connected to local maritime traditions and community memory. Volunteers bring personal knowledge, family connections to lifeboat history, and genuine enthusiasm that transforms a visit from a passive observation into a meaningful dialogue. The volunteer-run nature also means the museum maintains an authentic, unhurried atmosphere—a place where quality of experience takes precedence over commercial efficiency.Southwold's Maritime Legacy
Southwold itself has long been defined by its relationship with the sea. Located on the Suffolk coast, the town developed as a fishing port and maritime hub, with the lifeboat service representing one of its most vital institutions. The Alfred Corry Museum sits within this broader context, serving as a focal point for understanding how coastal communities organized rescue operations and valued the lives of those at sea. The museum's location on Ferry Road, near the seafront, places it within the historic maritime quarter where such vessels were launched and maintained. This geographical positioning reinforces the connection between the artifact and its original operational environment.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Walberswick Harbour
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A tranquil Suffolk harbour linking historic Walberswick and Southwold with timeless ferry crossings and stunning natural beauty.
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Southwold Harbour
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Southwold Cannons
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Explore the Southwold Cannons: a historic landmark offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into maritime history.
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ninedeli
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Essential places to dine
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Suzie's Cafe
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Dining at Sutherland House
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Sutherland House
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Joules
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
