Monmouthshire Museums Service is organising a visit to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich on Tuesday, February 23rd by coach. Places on the trip are open to the public and it’s hoped that lots of local residents will come along.

This will be the first in a series of Cultural Coach Tours organised by the Museums Service to a range of museums and exhibitions that have a link to Monmouthshire’s own collections, exhibitions and local history. Wherever possible there will be special added extras such as tours or talks given by experts.

For this first trip the Museums Service is delighted to announce that James Davey, Curator of Naval History at the National Maritime Museum and co-curator of the gallery, will be giving the group a personal tour of the ‘Nelson, Navy, Nation’ exhibition. This links wonderfully with our county’s own Nelson collection held at Monmouth Museum.

‘Nelson, Navy, Nation’ gives a fascinating and exciting insight into the life of Nelson, and tells of the history of the Royal Navy and British people from the Glorious Revolution of 1688 to the defeat of Napoleon in 1815. Highlights include Admiral Lord Nelson’s iconic Trafalgar uniform, which he was wearing when he was fatally wounded, as well as personal items and weird and wonderful Nelson memorabilia.

The money raised from this trip will be used to support the work of Monmouthshire Museums.

Anne Rainsbury, Curator, said: “We hope that lots of people will be interested in joining us on this special trip to Greenwich. It will be a fantastic day, made all the more special by the personal tour of the Nelson gallery by Curator James Davey who is a real expert on the subject. Best of all, everyone who buys a ticket will also be helping to secure the future of Monmouthshire’s museums.”

The Museums Service will be providing coach transport direct to Greenwich. You can pick up the coach from either Monmouth (outside Shire Hall) or Chepstow (Castle Car Park). The coach has good on-board facilities including a toilet and a hot-drinks making facility. The coach will leave Monmouth at 8am (Chepstow 8.30am) and aims to return by 8pm (Chepstow 7.30pm).

On arrival in Greenwich there will be free time to explore the National Maritime Museum and the sites of Greenwich. There are good café facilities at the museum and in the surrounding town so you can treat yourself to lunch. During the afternoon you will have your gallery tour led by James Davey, and enjoy Tea/Coffee and Pastry in the onsite Brasserie.

Tickets: £35 per person (including your coach travel, and tea/coffee & pastry)

To book, or for more information, please call Chepstow Museum on 01291 625981 (9am-4pm). Places are limited so book early to secure your place!