Sir William Arnold Lifeboat Experience at Heybridge Basin

Book Tickets Online

About

Now moored permanently in Heybridge Basin, Maldon, Essex, the Sir William Arnold lifeboat is a 52ft Arun class lifeboat that was built in 1973 and served all her lifesaving career at St Peter Port in Guernsey. During her career, the lifeboat went on 503 rescue missions and saved 224 lives.

It is now owned by Lifeboat 52-02, a Private Limited Company formed to preserve and promote a piece of British lifeboat and life-saving history, whilst educating the public. Volunteers are Lifeboat enthusiasts, and regular donations are made to the RNLI. The lifeboat can be seen from the quay at Heybridge Basin, with one-hour talks and tours talking place (see booking app on https://www.facebook.com/guernseyhero/).

One of the lifeboat's most famous rescues was in December 1981, when a mayday message was relayed from the 3,000 tonne Ecuadorian vessel “Bonita” which was listing heavily in the middle of the English Channel in Force 10 winds gusting to hurricane Force 12. There were 36 people on board, including women and children. Driving snow and sea spray reduced visibility to 200 yards for the lifeboat and the sea was very rough - whipping up waves of 50 feet. Rescue helicopters had managed to rescue four people in daylight but subsequent attempts failed due the conditions. During the next 3½ hours in darkness and in bitterly cold and hazardous conditions, the lifeboat made 50 approaches to take off the remaining survivors. 

​For his outstanding courage, superb seamanship, leadership and tenacity in this most difficult and arduous service, the RNLI’s Gold medal for gallantry was awarded to Coxswain Michael Scales, and the rest of his crew were awarded bronze medals for their courage, skill and perseverance, bronze medals were awarded to the crew..

Guide Prices

Talks and guided tours £12.50. Not suitable for under 10s. Maximum 10 people per tour

Map & Directions

Sir William Arnold Lifeboat Experience

Type:Museum - Maritime

Lock Hill, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RX

Tel: 020 8168 5202

Opening Times

* Open for tours and talks, visit website for details

What's Nearby

  1. Heybridge Basin's famous sea lock links the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation to the…

    0.02 miles away
  2. This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county…

    0.03 miles away
  3. This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county…

    0.03 miles away
  1. The little church building behind the bus shelter in Heybridge Basin began life during…

    0.22 miles away
  2. Lying alongside the sea wall and to the north of the Heybridge Basin's built-up area is…

    0.27 miles away
  3. One of the highlights of a walk around Promenade Park is to walk along the extension,…

    0.49 miles away
  4. The small lake at Promenade Park is perfect for model boating, and is regularly used by…

    0.6 miles away
  5. The World War Two Avenue of Remembrance at Promenade Park, beginning close to the boating…

    0.64 miles away
  6. Maldon's Promenade Park Beach Huts are located in the valley, with the Splash Park and…

    0.7 miles away
  7. Northey is an island in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex, connected to the mainland by a…

    0.7 miles away
  8. The Deckchair Hut, operated by The Maldon Deckchair Company is offering deckchair hire at…

    0.71 miles away
  9. A large sports ground with associated sports pavilion and changing rooms. It is the home…

    0.72 miles away
  10. Welcome to Maldon Splash Park, Essex's favourite children's water park!

    Located in the…

    0.75 miles away
  11. The Maldon Promenade Zoo is home to over 70 species of animals when we are open (please…

    0.8 miles away
  12. The Twinning Link sculpture was placed in Promenade Park in 1991 to celebrate the 22nd…

    0.82 miles away
  13. Millenium Wood is an extension of Promenade Park & is a wildlife area consisting of…

    0.86 miles away
Previous Next

Number of results:

Number of results: 459

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Address

    Bates Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5FA

    Telephone

    01621212606

    Maldon

    We’re more than your typical Essex scaffolding team. Driven, experienced, and professional, we provide thorough end-to-end scaffolding solutions in Essex. Whether your needs are domestic, commercial, or industrial, Maldon Scaffolding Essex is here…

  2. Address

    Southminster Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8QG

    Telephone

    01621 784898

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Extensive working railway museum including locomotives, carriages, wagons, historic buildings, memorabilia and a major collection of signalling equipment. Much of the collection is under cover. Train rides are available every open day.

  3. Address

    Plume Academy, Fambridge Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6AB

    Telephone

    0333 006 8331

    Maldon

    Welcome to MAN v FAT Maldon. Please feel free to sign up and your MAN v FAT coach will be in touch when a space in the league becomes available. You may qualify for a funded space if you have a BMI of 27.5+ and live in a participating postcode area…

  4. Address

    Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LR

    North Fambridge

    West Wick Yacht Club organizes both motor and sailing events including club racing, cruising, and social. Members receive a wide range of benefits including local chandler’s discounts, free racing, subsidised events and much more. To find out about…

  5. Address

    London Heys Farm, Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6LQ

    Telephone

    01621 740282

    Latchingdon

    A small community theatre and auditorium, home of the Latchingdon Amateur Dramatic Society (LADS) as well as other local events. Set in a real farmyard barn with tractors.

  6. Address

    Off London Road, Beeleigh, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6LL

    Maldon

    Three acres of riverside gardens in a picturesque and historic setting dating from the 13th century

  7. Address

    Church Hill, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6RF

    Telephone

    01245 373686

    Woodham Walter

    This is a steeply sloping site with a relatively flat area at the top of the site. The elevated position allows good views over the village of Woodham Walter and beyond to the Chelmer Valley. A new children's playground has recently been built and…

  8. Address

    High Street, Burnham, CM0 8AG

    Burnham

    Burnham’s war memorial remembers 98 local soldiers who died in the First World War, and 27 soldiers and 10 civilians who died in the Second World War. The pale stone obelisk, which looks out over the estuary, was designed by the renowned architect R…

  9. Address

    Butt Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HD

    Maldon

    The Quaker Hall

  10. Address

    Fambridge Yacht Haven, Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LR

    Telephone

    07760 268168

    North Fambridge

    Dawnbreaker IV has been built to a high specification to provide you with a fishing experience second to none. Fully insured and licenced for 10 persons and Code of Practice for up to 60 miles. Capable of up to 28 knots and with a comfortable…

  11. Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Maldon

    The small lake at Promenade Park is perfect for model boating, and is regularly used by clubs and enthusiasts of radio controlled boats. It is also a safe place for children to enjoy crabbing as the water is relatively shallow and the banks are firm…

  12. Address

    Church Lane, Little Totham, CM9 8LU

    Telephone

    07908 776750

    Little Totham

    This charming Grade I Listed church has a 12th century nave and 14th century chancel. There's a fine 17th century altar tomb monument and a 15th century font. In the churchyard are two Commonwealth War Graves.

  13. Address

    9 Old Hall Lane, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8TP

    Telephone

    01621 869015

    Maldon

    An opportunity to see an abundance of coastal wetland bird species in their natural environment.

  14. Address

    Nipselss Chase, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6EH

    Telephone

    01621 743551

    Mayland

    Previously a dense blackthorn scrub that was completely inaccessible, this site has now been opened up in part with paths & a central glade. There are a number of picnic benches & an information board about the site & its abundant wildlife.

  15. Address

    Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust, The Sail Lofts, Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SE

    Telephone

    01621868113

    Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury

    Fellowship Afloat's centre is a unique place for adventure, relaxation and exploring the environment.
    Based on a converted lightvessel moored on the coast, it's an ideal activity venue for youth clubs, schools, churches, special needs groups and…

  16. Address

    Maldon, Essex

    Maldon

    We have created a downloadable Wildlife Scavenger Hunt activity to offer a fun and educational activitiy for any budding wildlife fans.

    Have a go at our Widlife Scavenger Hunt today and see how many species you can find!

  17. Address

    Burnham Road, Summerhill, Althorne, Essex, CM3 6BX

    Telephone

    01621 744825

    Althorne

    Large recreation ground with adjacent wooded area. Car park, hall, two football pitches, tennis court, children's play eqpt.

  18. Address

    Maldon Road, Goldhanger, CM9 8BQ

    Telephone

    01621 788162

    Goldhanger

    Gardneners Farm stocks fresh free-range and rare breed meat reared on the farm, produce and food products including refill olive oils and vinegars, chutneys and sauces, cheese and eggs. Enjoy a hot pie or coffee and cake while you're there.

  19. Address

    99 Wood Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4AS

    Telephone

    01621 857592

    Heybridge

    The Flower Patch is an established florist on the High Street in Maldon.

  20. Address

    Fish Street, Goldhanger, Maldon, CM9 8AU

    Telephone

    01621 860265

    Goldhanger

    Surrounded by mature trees, this attractive site has access to the adjacent sea wall footpath and good views over the Blackwater estuary. Childrens play site, football pitch and benches.