Shotley Marina and HMS Ganges Museum, Shotley, Suffolk

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Details

Accessibility

HMS Ganges Museum: "Disabled entry is available but should you require any special assistance please do not hesitate speak to the Attendants who will be happy to assist."

Brief description

"Shotley Marina is ideally located at the confluence of the rivers Orwell and Stour

Our location is second to none, providing almost instant access to the Rivers Stour, Orwell and to the open sea. It’s your choice to potter the beautiful Suffolk Rivers, the broads or to venture over the water to the continent. The East Coast’s Premier Marina is a bold claim to make, and one we feel fully justified in making, considering our location and the outstanding facilities we offer."

"HMS Ganges Museum is dedicated to the 160,000 boys who passed through the "Hallowed Gates" and climbed the mast at HMS Ganges, Royal Navy Training Establishment at Shotley Gate, Suffolk.

The Museum is located in the Old Sail Loft, Enright Block, part of the Engineering School on the decommissioned HMS Ganges site which is now renamed Victoria House and part of Shotley Marina."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Ganges_(shore_establishment)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Ganges

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotley_Peninsula

Address

HMS Ganges Museum https://hmsgangesmuseum.com/
Old Sail Loft
Shotley Marina
Shotley Gate
Ipswich IP9 1QJ

Email

https://hmsgangesmuseum.com/contact/

Phone

HMS Ganges Museum  01473 788765  (Answer phone). Shotley Marina: 01473 788982

Website

https://shotleymarina.co.uk/

https://hmsgangesmuseum.com/

Directions

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotley_Peninsula

2023: "The local transport network is limited, with the B1456, B1080 and a number of minor roads linking the settlements, no rail station and restricted bus services. The B1456 road is periodically at risk of temporary flooding along the Strand near the Orwell bridge.[15]

In the summer months a foot and cycle ferry service licensed to carry up to 12 passengers operates between Shotley Marina, Harwich and Felixstowe.[16]

The South Suffolk Cycle Route[17] crosses the peninsula, and there is a campaign to create a dedicated traffic-free cycling route between Shotley Gate and Bourne Bridge, Ipswich.[18] "

HMS Ganges Museum 2025: "SAT NAV:  IP9 1QJ 

FROM IPSWICH:

Take the A14 towards Felixstowe travelling east:

Take Junction 56 off the A14 at Wherstead -
Signposted: Ipswich Central A137.

At roundabout take second left exit -Signposted: Ipswich Central A137 & Docks A137 and Shotley(B 1456) 

Continue down Bourne Hill (Ski Centre on right) to roundabout at the bottom of the hill.

At roundabout take second exit turning right. Signposted: Shotley B1456.

You will also now see signs to Barrelman's Point housing development (former HMS Ganges site).

Continue along B1456 for about 10 miles.

At the new roundabout at the entrance to Barrelman's Point turn right (2nd exit) to go down Bristol Hill.

At the bottom of the hill you will see the River Stour ahead and across from that Harwich International Port.

Turn left (Bristol Arms on left corner) and continue along King Edward VII Drive (watch for speed bumps) with the waterfront on your right until you reach Shotley Marina.

Enter the Marina car park on the right and you will see the HMS Ganges Museum directly ahead.

There are several parking bays in front of the museum and along the sea wall.

PLEASE NOTE: Shotley Marina is now a CONTROLLED PARKING ZONE with 24 HOURS ANPR in operation.

You must register your car and pay for parking at a parking machine upon arrival. 

When you make a valid minimum purchase from The Shipwreck Pub/Restaurant or stay in the Shipwreck Loft you will be able to validate your already purchased Parking. 

The Shipwreck & Shipwreck Loft are further along the same building as the museum. 

HMS Ganges Museum has no input into parking management at Shotley Marina."

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

2025: HMS Ganges Museum https://hmsgangesmuseum.com/ "Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025 to Last Sunday in October 2025

We Are A Volunteer Run, FULLY ACCREDITED, Museum And Aim To Open
Every SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Open 11am - 4PM, Last Entry 3:30PM (CLOSED BANK HOLIDAYS)Free Entry - Nearby ANPR PAID PARKING & Facilities "

Transport

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotley_Peninsula

2023: "The local transport network is limited, with the B1456, B1080 and a number of minor roads linking the settlements, no rail station and restricted bus services. The B1456 road is periodically at risk of temporary flooding along the Strand near the Orwell bridge.[15]

In the summer months a foot and cycle ferry service licensed to carry up to 12 passengers operates between Shotley Marina, Harwich and Felixstowe.[16]

The South Suffolk Cycle Route[17] crosses the peninsula, and there is a campaign to create a dedicated traffic-free cycling route between Shotley Gate and Bourne Bridge, Ipswich.[18] "

Amenities

Shotley Point Yacht Club
Shotley Marina
Shotley Gate
Ipswich IP9 1QJ

+ HMS Ganges Museum https://hmsgangesmuseum.com/
Old Sail Loft
Shotley Marina
Shotley Gate
Ipswich IP9 1QJ

2025: "MUSEUM SHOP: We stock a wide range of competitively priced items which are available to buy  at our Reception Counter. 

Toilets are not available within the Museum however we do have an arrangement with the Shipwreck Bar and Restaurant so are able to use their facilities including full disabled facilities. This is located further along the building.


WHERE TO EAT

Shotley Marina is on the former Ganges lower sports field site. As well as the Museum you will also find the adjacent Shipwreck Bar and Restaurant, above which is the Shipwreck Loft.

Both the Bristol Arms and Shotley Rose, which were used by staff and civilians based at Ganges, are still operating. All ex-Ganges boys can be assured of a warm welcome from Shane and his staff at the Bristol, and Sarah, Jamie and staff at the Rose.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION  

If you are travelling a long distance or want to  see more of the beautiful Suffolk countryside you might consider the adjacent Shipwreck Loft at Shotley Marina who provide comfortable B&B style accommodation and balcony views."


Travel Information

For further travel information please see: www.traveline.info

Or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33
(Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)