A large, dimly lit room filled with rows of long, narrow tanks, each containing a scale model of a ship or boat, surrounded by a catwalk for observers to walk along and examine the models from above, with a series of instruments and sensors mounted above and around the tanks to measure and record the performance of the models in various simulated sea conditions.
Interesting little place for adults and kids alike. There are activities for children to do including experimenting with different shaped ships in a tank, working out how to use gears, using cranes and weights to balance a board, and making ping pong balls hover to pass through obstacles. There's also a 'find the elephants' activity sheet kids can do. The museum is, by it's nature, more suited to people with an interest in engineering and ship design, but will also appeal to those who enjoy local history and hands-on activities. There is a small gift shop and a small tea room. The tea room is an attractive quaint space that operates on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The place is NOT suited to those in a wheelchair and may prove difficult for those with mobility issues. There is a steep staircase to enter the building and further steps and steep stairs inside, in addition to trip hazards. I would recommend calling ahead to check if it would be suitable for those with specific physical difficulties before paying a visit. The entry price is very reasonable and is necessary to fund the maintenance of the museum. A meal from McDonalds is more expensive (and there is one opposite!). There is parking directly in front of the museum, and a green space and picnic bench. I am looking forward to returning in order to more fully explore the displays!
Really interested place. I'd seen it on TV a few times then stumbled upon it my chance. Great history, well presented, and good interactive and educational exhibits for children (and adults!). The Tank itself and the workshop where the "models" were produced are amazing , as is the science of testing behind it,. The preserved office spaces an equipment are fascinating. And the cafe does some excellent cakes.
Good little museum, not that expensive to enter, free parking. Really interesting to see how ship models were tested. Favourite part was the whaling display.
As a mariner I found this fascinating, was dead quite in the week. Really interesting interactive displays. Would recommend to anyone with an interest in naval architecture!
Friendly staff interesting museum showing how hull model testing influenced the design of ships and how the Denny yard evolved and what it meant to the Dumbarton community. Still just as good and interesting as ever, staff really pleasant and helpful, especially with the ids who were there.
The staff are wonderful! They ensure you get the most out of your visit: there when needed, as much/ as little as you want. Ronald O'Kane kindly did the introduction tour twice for our group so the hard of hearing and parents could benefit without our littlest ones. Very interesting to find out how much we owe to the town of Dumbarton and to learn about the brilliance of Denny's that helped shape our shipping world. The children's spacious facilities are surprisingly good!! Found it hard to get both young and old out of the museum, haha!
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Restaurant
Toilets
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Family friendly
Good for kids
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Interesting little place for adults and kids alike. There are activities for children to do including experimenting with different shaped ships in a tank, working out how to use gears, using cranes and weights to balance a board, and making ping pong balls hover to pass through obstacles. There's also a 'find the elephants' activity sheet kids can do. The museum is, by it's nature, more suited to people with an interest in engineering and ship design, but will also appeal to those who enjoy local history and hands-on activities. There is a small gift shop and a small tea room. The tea room is an attractive quaint space that operates on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The place is NOT suited to those in a wheelchair and may prove difficult for those with mobility issues. There is a steep staircase to enter the building and further steps and steep stairs inside, in addition to trip hazards. I would recommend calling ahead to check if it would be suitable for those with specific physical difficulties before paying a visit. The entry price is very reasonable and is necessary to fund the maintenance of the museum. A meal from McDonalds is more expensive (and there is one opposite!). There is parking directly in front of the museum, and a green space and picnic bench. I am looking forward to returning in order to more fully explore the displays!
Really interested place. I'd seen it on TV a few times then stumbled upon it my chance. Great history, well presented, and good interactive and educational exhibits for children (and adults!). The Tank itself and the workshop where the "models" were produced are amazing , as is the science of testing behind it,. The preserved office spaces an equipment are fascinating. And the cafe does some excellent cakes.
Good little museum, not that expensive to enter, free parking. Really interesting to see how ship models were tested. Favourite part was the whaling display.
As a mariner I found this fascinating, was dead quite in the week. Really interesting interactive displays. Would recommend to anyone with an interest in naval architecture!
Friendly staff interesting museum showing how hull model testing influenced the design of ships and how the Denny yard evolved and what it meant to the Dumbarton community. Still just as good and interesting as ever, staff really pleasant and helpful, especially with the ids who were there.
The staff are wonderful! They ensure you get the most out of your visit: there when needed, as much/ as little as you want. Ronald O'Kane kindly did the introduction tour twice for our group so the hard of hearing and parents could benefit without our littlest ones. Very interesting to find out how much we owe to the town of Dumbarton and to learn about the brilliance of Denny's that helped shape our shipping world. The children's spacious facilities are surprisingly good!! Found it hard to get both young and old out of the museum, haha!
