Through

Through a smoke stained door you enter into this unique museum crammed full of memorabilia of the days when Yarmouth had a huge fishing fleet, bringing in the famed Herring. The museum contains many unusual items from the old drifters and array of items reclaimed from the sea. Look up and see the borks the herring were hung on in the huge chimney to smoke the fish and produce the famed Kipper. A video plays in one little room with footage from the archives. With its sound track you really get the feel of being on the quay at the turn of the century with the boats returning full of fish.

As soon as one enters you are transported back to “Yarmouth past” with tarred timbers and pieces of old ships and other nautical paraphernalia helping to give you the feel of what’s in store inside.

The 700 year old town wall with arrow slits, has been made into a picture gallery. Here, some of Ernie's superb, seascape paintings, for which he is becoming well known, are hung. (these are huge and standing approximately 4ft by 6ft). Carry on through to the shop with its huge display of pottery which is laid out in more original, beamed rooms. The pottery, together with the shop and refreshment area, are situated in an ancient building with a little courtyard.

Every aspect of the making of the beautiful items that Ernie and his team produce are on view in the pottery. Here an ancient 300 year old well still supplies fresh water from an underground spring used in the mixing of clay to slip. You will guided past the kiln, spray room and mould making room where a member of staff will talk you through the design to finished piece of pottery. Walk into the 300year old smoke chambers which were last used in 1965 adorned with many artifacts from the age of the fishing industry. Continue to stroll through the museum and see photographs and watch a video at your leisure. This is a family run business and Ernie Childs or his wife are usually on hand somewhere in the building to answer your inevitable questions and to help you make this a visit to remember. Your children are invited to take part in our free, fun quiz, if they wish, while they look around.