Hartlepool's National Museum of the Royal Navy closes due coronavirus - town's main tourist attraction becomes latest victim in Covid-19 shutdown

The National Museum of the Royal Navy, which is home to Britain’s oldest warship still afloat HMS Trincomalee, closed from 5pm on Wednesday, March 18.

It is one of the last major public venues in Hartlepool to close as a result of the spread of the virus following the Hugh Battery Museum, Hartlepool Art Gallery, Town Hall Theatre and Borough Hall earlier in the week.

Professor Dominic Tweddle, Director General for The National Museum of the Royal Navy, which also has sites in Portsmouth, Gosport, Belfast, and Yeovilton, said: “It is with a heavy heart we have decided to close all of the sites of The National Museum of the Royal Navy in response to the escalating COVID-19 situation.

“This is a difficult decision but we’ve done so with the wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and visitors in mind.

“There have been no diagnosed cases of the virus on site, however we felt that like our colleagues across the museum and heritage sector, closure of the sites was now the best decision to maintain the health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and visitors.”

He said the closures would have an impact on their income, as being a registered charity it relies heavily on visitor ticket sales, most of which come between April and September.

Tickets for any of the museum’s sites remain valid and can be deferred to later in the year.

“Thank you for your ongoing support, patience and understanding at this challenging time,” said Professor Tweddle.

He encouraged people to support the museum in the meantime by donating via its online platform.

Just three weeks ago, the Hartlepool site welcomed Princess Anne in a visit to mark the next phase of development of the museum and nearby waterfront (former Jackson’s Landing) area.

Middleton Grange shopping centre remains open but says individual store opening times may vary.

The centre has implemented an enhanced cleaning regime and says it is following advice from the local health authority, Government and the World Health Organisation.