Learn about Liverpool’s central role in Britain’s commerce and the Allied war effort during World War II at this centrally located museum.

In the early 1900s, Liverpool was home to the U.K.’s central port, one of the biggest on the European continent. Luxury ocean liners, trade boats and warships all moored here, bringing a great deal of wealth into the city. Learn about the city’s rich seafaring history at the portside Merseyside Maritime Museum, which features educational displays for history buffs and interactive exhibits and games for young visitors.

Many of Britain’s most famous ships were registered to the Liverpool port. Browse the displays at the Merseyside Maritime Museum to learn more about these prominent vessels and their histories. For example, the Titanic had its home in Liverpool. Learn the story of its demise after departing full of passengers from the U.K. See how the passengers really looked outside of James Cameron’s famous film in the rare photos and videos in the museum’s possession.

During World War II, Liverpool served as a significant point of departure for the Royal Navy. Head to the portion of the museum dedicated to the wartime history of the port to learn how the British Navy contributed to the Allied effort during the war, and how Liverpool played an essential part. Afterward, check out the basement to see a remarkable variety of objects confiscated from smugglers attempting to enter Britain via the Liverpool port.

If you are visiting the museum with kids, let them follow the children’s trails leading to various kid-friendly attractions throughout the building, like the Sea Urchins play area. The Cargo-a-Go-Go game will teach them how to load boxes onto a ship.

Reach the Merseyside Maritime Museum on foot or by bus from any of Liverpool’s downtown hotels. It is located just off Albert Dock. If you are driving, park for a fee in the nearby garage. The museum is open daily and there is no entry fee.