Plan Your Visit
The Battle of the
Atlantic Museum
Four immersive exhibition zones. Thousands of original artefacts. One extraordinary story - the longest, most pivotal naval campaign of the Second World War, told from the shores of the Mersey where it was won.
Opening in 2027
A Museum Like
No Other
The Battle of the Atlantic Story is the world's most comprehensive museum dedicated to the longest continuous campaign of the Second World War. Located at Woodside, Birkenhead - on the very waterfront where convoy escorts assembled and merchant crews said their goodbyes - the museum brings together original artefacts, personal testimonies, and cutting-edge immersive technology.
At its heart stands U-534 - the only U-boat ever raised after being sunk in combat - alongside the extraordinary collection of personal effects recovered from her hull. Four themed exhibition zones guide visitors through the full story: the convoys, the combat, the intelligence war, and the human experience on both sides.
New to the story? What was the Battle of the Atlantic? →At a Glance
A First Look Inside
Inside the Museum
The Cruel Sea
Immersive Gallery
Shipbuilding & Repair
Life in MerseysideFour More Zones Below
Every exhibition zone has been designed around original artefacts and first-hand testimony - scroll on to explore each zone and see how it will look inside.
Artist impressions - museum interior design subject to change prior to opening in 2027
Four Zones · One Story
The Exhibition
Zone 1
Supply Lines
The Convoys That Kept Britain Alive
Step into the world of the merchant convoys - vast armadas of ships that crossed the Atlantic carrying food, fuel, and munitions to a besieged Britain. Through personal accounts, original artefacts, and immersive displays, discover the courage of the ordinary men and women who risked everything to keep the supply lines open.
What You'll Discover
Zone 2
Warfare at Sea
The Deadly Arms Race Beneath the Waves
Explore the technological arms race that defined the longest continuous military campaign of the Second World War. From the lethal "Wolf Pack" tactics of the German U-boat fleet to the Allied countermeasures that eventually turned the tide, this zone brings you face to face with U-534 - the centrepiece of the museum.
What You'll Discover
Zone 3
Signals & Secrets
The Intelligence War That Changed Everything
Uncover the secret war that raged behind the scenes - from the codebreakers of Bletchley Park to the radar pioneers of the Mersey. This zone reveals how the breaking of the Enigma codes and the race for technological superiority became the decisive turning point of the Battle of the Atlantic.
What You'll Discover
Zone 4
Life at Sea
The Human Stories Behind the Battle
At its heart, the Battle of the Atlantic is a story of people. In this zone, hear the voices of those who lived through it - submariners and merchant seamen, Wrens and dockworkers, families waiting at home. Through diaries, photographs, oral histories, and personal effects, discover the humanity on both sides of the conflict.
What You'll Discover
"The only thing that ever really frightened me during the war was the U-boat peril."
Winston Churchill
Plan Your Visit
What to Expect
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a family looking for an unforgettable day out, or a school group studying the Second World War, the Battle of the Atlantic Story offers something for everyone.
Families
Interactive displays, hands-on activities, and storytelling stations designed for visitors of all ages. Children can explore what life was like aboard a submarine and follow the journey of a convoy across the Atlantic.
Schools & Groups
Curriculum-linked workshops and guided tours tailored to KS2, KS3, and GCSE History. Our education programme brings the Battle of the Atlantic to life through primary sources and immersive experiences.
Accessibility
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible with step-free access throughout. Audio guides, large-print materials, and sensory-friendly sessions are available. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Getting Here
Located beside the Woodside Ferry terminal in Birkenhead - directly across the Mersey from Liverpool's Pier Head. Easily accessible by Mersey Ferry, Merseyrail to Hamilton Square, bus, and car. Visitor parking is available on site.
Visitor Information
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Battle of the Atlantic Story open?
The museum is due to open in 2027 at Woodside, Birkenhead, on the banks of the River Mersey. Opening times and ticket prices will be announced closer to the opening date — register your interest to be the first to hear.
Where is the Battle of the Atlantic museum?
The Battle of the Atlantic Story is located at Woodside, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH41 6DU — beside the Woodside Ferry terminal, directly across the River Mersey from Liverpool’s Pier Head, with views of the Liverpool skyline.
How do I get to the museum from Liverpool?
Take the Mersey Ferry from Pier Head to Woodside (around 10 minutes), or the Merseyrail train to Hamilton Square station, a five-minute walk away. Buses 432 and 433 stop at Hamilton Square, and drivers can use postcode CH41 6DU, with visitor parking on site.
What is U-534?
U-534 is a Type IXC/40 German U-boat and the centrepiece of the museum. Sunk by RAF aircraft in the Kattegat on 5 May 1945 — two days before Germany’s surrender — she was raised from the seabed in 1993 and is the only U-boat ever recovered after being sunk in combat. She is one of only four surviving Second World War U-boats.
Is the museum suitable for families and school groups?
Yes. The museum is designed for visitors of all ages, with interactive displays and hands-on activities for families, and curriculum-linked workshops and guided tours for schools covering KS2, KS3, and GCSE History.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The museum is being designed to be fully wheelchair accessible with step-free access throughout. Audio guides, large-print materials, and sensory-friendly sessions are planned, and assistance dogs are welcome.
Be the First to Visit
Opening in 2027 at Woodside, Birkenhead. Register your interest today to be the first to hear about tickets, events, and opening dates.