Penmaenmawr Museum

Overview

Penmaenmawr Museum tells the story of the town of Penmaenmawr on the North Wales coast. Find out more about the 6,000-year history of the area, starting in the Neolithic and Bronze ages.

Discover the contrast between the town as an upmarket seaside resort and the hardship of the quarry workers in the Victorian era, and then find out more about present-day life in Penmaenmawr.

The museum is free to visit and is a great idea for something to do on a rainy day in North Wales. It is home to several thousand objects and is suitable for the whole family. Adults will enjoy learning more about this unique coastal town, while children will love the interactive displays – they can even give a typewriter a go!

Penmaenmawr Museum opening times

Penmaenmawr Museum is open from Easter until December each year, closing before Christmas. The opening hours during these months are:

Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Bank Holiday Mondays, 10am to 4pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

The museum shop is open at the same times. There is no need to book tickets in advance of your visit.

How long do I need at Penmaenmawr Museum?

The museum is a small village museum, so it isn’t a full day out. We’d recommend spending at least an hour at Penmaenmawr Museum, as this is enough time to really see everything. You can, of course, spend as long as you like here, or just pop in for a quick look if you’d prefer. It’s a good indoor attraction to add to your itinerary as part of a day trip to Penmaenmawr.

What is there to see at Penmaenmawr Museum?

Penmaenmawr Museum houses an extensive collection of objects, archive documents, and photographs telling the story of the town over the years. Some highlights of the collection include:

5,000-year-old axe head
Crockery from the first chapel built in Penmaenmawr in 1813
Bugle used to warn people of blasting in the quarry
Shoes made by a local cobbler called Mr Griffiths

Can I get something to eat at Penmaenmawr Museum?

Yes, there is a coffee shop at the museum serving light refreshments such as hot and cold drinks, biscuits, crisps, and cakes.

Is Penmaenmawr Museum accessible?

Yes, Penmaenmawr Museum strives to be welcoming to everyone and as accessible as possible. Accessibility provisions include:

Doorways and corridors are a minimum of 3.9 feet (1.2 metres) wide
Level floors with no ramps or steps
Wheelchair accessible toilet with support rails
Space for carers to wait outside the toilets
Wheelchair accessible lift available
Assistance dogs are welcome
Gallery and coffee shop fitted with a hearing loop
Information about local history in BSL (British Sign Language) on the museum’s digital screens
Some volunteers know some BSL
Sunflower lanyards available at the reception desk and coffee shop counter

About the museum

Penmaenmawr Museum is managed and run by volunteers of the Penmaenmawr Historical Society. It was founded in 2002 and was first located in a quarryman’s cottage, on the edge of the town.

In 2016, the museum’s collection had grown substantially, and much of it was being stored off-site, so it needed a new home. The museum relocated to the former post office in the centre of Penmaenmawr.

After its relocation, the museum was given a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to develop the sustainability of the museum and its services. This allowed the trustees to refurbish the building, create new displays, and open a coffee shop.

The museum has two floors, with the main exhibition gallery on the ground floor. On the first floor, there’s another exhibition room showcasing often-changing displays. The friendly volunteers are always happy to chat to you about the history of the town and share their wealth of knowledge with you.

There is also a shop selling gifts, souvenirs, and books relating to the history of the town of Penmaenmawr and the broader area of North Wales.

Events at Penmaenmawr Museum

The museum hosts a series of talks and walks each year led by experts in the history of the area. The talks are held throughout the year, even when the museum is closed. There is a charge to attend the talks.

The guided heritage walks take place over the summer season around Penmaenmawr. Walks are free to join and suitable for the whole family, although donations are welcome.

How to get to Penmaenmawr Museum from YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass

Penmaenmawr Museum is around 23.5 miles (37.8 kilometres) away from YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass. The best way to get there is by driving, which should take about 38 minutes. Fenbrook Road car park is the nearest car park to the museum. There are two Blue Badge parking bays here.

There is also on-street parking for Blue Badge holders available on Penmaenmawr’s high street, which is around 33-164 feet (10-50 metres) from the museum.