The Museum

Discover the
Atlantic Story

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 Autumn 2026

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.

At a Glance

4Exhibition zones
U-534The only combat-raised U-boat
1,000+Original artefacts
6 yearsOf history uncovered

Four Zones · One Story

The Exhibition

SC 48

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

01Original convoy route charts and shipping manifests
02Personal diaries and letters from merchant seamen
03Interactive convoy formation display
ON 67

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

01Walk inside the sectioned hull of U-534
02Artefacts recovered from the seabed
03Depth charge and ASDIC demonstrations
HX 236

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

01Enigma machine and signals intelligence displays
02Radar and Huff-Duff direction-finding technology
03The story of Western Approaches HQ in Liverpool
SL 125

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

01Oral history listening stations
02Personal effects and photographs of those who served
03Life aboard: recreated living quarters

"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 at Woodside, Birkenhead — directly across the Mersey from Liverpool's Pier Head. Easily accessible by Mersey Ferry, bus, and car. Visitor parking is available on site.

Be the First to Visit

Opening Autumn 2026 at Woodside, Birkenhead. Register your interest today to be the first to hear about tickets, events, and opening dates.