Wick Heritage Museum
Wick Heritage Museum
5
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  • EmS
    27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jaw dropping
    Unbelievable little (or should I say big) museum. Its like Dr Who's Tardis in there, it goes on and on and on! So many fabulous things to see you'll want to go twice I'm sure, if not more as there's so much to take in. The photographic display of times gone by is amazing, the quality of the photos is brilliant (obviously!, you'll see why I've said that when you go). The staff are fab. It really is a gem of a find and one Wick should be proud of. Not many towns have such fabulous exhibits. Well done to all involved.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 14, 2023
  • Llangothlin
    Sydney, Australia7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wick-ed
    The Wick Heritage Museum offers visitors an insightful experience to the changing fortunes of the town. The display is well presented, logical and features concise explanations of the items displayed. Two highlights for me were the presentation and explanation of the role in the prosperity of Wick of (1) the herring industry (both visual and audio visual presentation (including an illuminating video on barrel making)); and (2) of Caithness Glass. Visitors should allow at least an hour to see all aspects of the exhibition. On the day of our visit the staff were local volunteers who were cheerful, engaging and informative, demonstrating admirable community spirit and a justifiable pride in the town. An excellent experience.
    Visited June 2023
    Written June 17, 2023
  • Koala
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A local museum well worth a visit - but allow plenty of time
    This is an amazing museum with loads of exhibits and is like the Tardis, it is hard to realise how much there is as it goes on and on. There is a wonderful collection of local photographs taken by three generations of one family going back to 1860. These really gave added to the other exhibits. There was so much in the museum that we concentrated on the local stories - the herring industry, the development of Wick / Pultneytown, the sea wrecks etc. That this has been created and staffed by volunteers show the interest they have. (They shared their knowledge well without leaving wondering how to indicate we had had enough!). The only downside was it not having a café but there is one just around the corner.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written June 29, 2023
  • Sierrahotelaustralia
    Sydney, Australia19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hidden gem in Wick
    Oh my. And I thought Wick was boring, having stayed here to visit John O’Groats! No! You must visit this museum for a very small fee. Over three buildings and two floors, it is such a complete history of Wick and its herring industry. But it’s so much more. Beautifully curated snapshots of life of the times in complete rooms and also displays on coopering and Wick itself. An amazing photographic display by local Johnson Photography who have captured the people of the far north for more than 100 years. The museum has captured and preserved the studio as well. Fascinating. Do not miss it. I’m now driven to research more on the life and times of old wick and the hardiness and grit of its people. Well done to the volunteers that keep this place running. Every one of them with a story and a smile! (Sorry I didn’t take many photos as I was to busy enjoying the displays)
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 12, 2023
  • TimWh
    54 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    More than a museum
    So many towns have a museum of local heritage which are interesting if you find the town interesting....this place is on a different level. Firstly their collection of photos from 3 generations of professional photographers, the Johnston family, is enormously moving, often much more human and relaxed than the usual frozen Victorian poses...these guys clearly loved their town and the people in it, capturing them with a rare dedication. Secondly the people who run it are a committed bunch of volunteers with personal links to some of the exhibits and the building itself (they were committed enough to get hold of a large chunk of a lighthouse and stick it in two floors of the building) and their enthusiasm brings the past back to life as much as the exhibits. Friendly and calm though it is, Wick is in many ways living off it's history, but what a rich history. Give yourself a couple of hours.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written August 3, 2023
  • Emily Le P
    Abergavenny, United Kingdom90 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must visit - at least 2hrs needed 😊
    Absolutely fantastic and a highlight to our trip around Scotland. After being very underwhelmed in Wick, we stopped by and wished we came here first. The exhibits were really well done and the staff knew their stuff - adding loads of their own local knowledge. Easily spend a few hours here and we were given a lot of recommendations of where to visit in the town ☺️ 10/10 not to be missed 😊
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 19, 2023
  • TriciaL
    129 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazingly good!
    This is an absolute gem in the lovely town of Wick and an absolute ‘must’ if you are in the area. A most delightful array of ‘everyday’ items from yesteryear. So impressed with the amazing knowledge and enthusiasm of the volunteers who make sure that visitors enjoy their visits. Highly recommended.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 23, 2023
  • rilasata
    United Kingdom258 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting and great value local museum
    Excellent local museum with very friendly staff. Displays cover a wide range of topics (fishing, lighthouses, cooperage, town life, kippers, Caithness glass etc), building on a comprehensive collection of photos by a local family of photographers who diligently recorded local Wick life from the mid 19th to mid 20th century. Entrance fee (£5 adult as of September 2023) is very good value as you could easily spend a couple of hours here. Toilets also very clean.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 16, 2023
  • mark m
    Norwich, United Kingdom89 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exceptional
    Normally when hubby says" museum " I think boring!!! However,the museum at Wick is brilliant. I learnt soo much regarding the silver darlings,the way of life,and coopering. Margaret L and her lady colleagues are such a delightful group of ladies and so knowledgeable of the area and of the past times. The exhibits in the rooms have been well thought through and displayed very well. A thoroughly good afternoon. Well done ladies,. Thank you
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 23, 2023
  • Anthony W
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A gem!
    I didn’t expect much from the outside of the building, but what a gem! Possibly the best local museum I have visited in ages in terms of layout and breadth of items on display. I could have happily spent hours here. And the volunteers were lovely too.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 4, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Sierrahotelaustralia
Sydney, Australia19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Couples
Oh my. And I thought Wick was boring, having stayed here to visit John O’Groats! No! You must visit this museum for a very small fee. Over three buildings and two floors, it is such a complete history of Wick and its herring industry. But it’s so much more. Beautifully curated snapshots of life of the times in complete rooms and also displays on coopering and Wick itself. An amazing photographic display by local Johnson Photography who have captured the people of the far north for more than 100 years. The museum has captured and preserved the studio as well. Fascinating. Do not miss it. I’m now driven to research more on the life and times of old wick and the hardiness and grit of its people. Well done to the volunteers that keep this place running. Every one of them with a story and a smile! (Sorry I didn’t take many photos as I was to busy enjoying the displays)
Written July 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Barbara1407
Enfield, UK97 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
I'd imagined that this would be the usual small town museum, i.e. of minimal interest to those who aren't local residents. Having read these reviews, we decided to make a visit. So glad that we did. This is an exceptionally impressive museum, spread over several rooms. Many different themes. We found it fascinating, stayed a couple of hours and would definitely recommend it to all visitors to the area.
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Llangothlin
Sydney, Australia7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
The Wick Heritage Museum offers visitors an insightful experience to the changing fortunes of the town. The display is well presented, logical and features concise explanations of the items displayed. Two highlights for me were the presentation and explanation of the role in the prosperity of Wick of (1) the herring industry (both visual and audio visual presentation (including an illuminating video on barrel making)); and (2) of Caithness Glass. Visitors should allow at least an hour to see all aspects of the exhibition. On the day of our visit the staff were local volunteers who were cheerful, engaging and informative, demonstrating admirable community spirit and a justifiable pride in the town. An excellent experience.
Written June 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kwiewiorowski
Poznan, Poland2,328 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
I was in the Museum some twenty years ago and is was interesting but quite small at the time, as far as I remember. Not this time, it has grown enormously thanks to a group of energetic volunteers who set up a Wick Society and run the place. Even though Wick is a rather small place, the Museum isn’t. There are plenty of artifacts from the town past, predominantly after the 17th century onwards occupying a few connected buildings, comprising courtyards and a small but beautifully maintained garden. I could see terraces overhead turned into more gardens with benches, tables and a little café in a tourist season depending on a number of visitors. Just a thought to generate more income…The view from there over the port is spectacular. We were shown around by an enthusiastic and very knowledgeable lady guide. Two hours passed very quickly in her company. The exposition is very modern, informative, interesting and absolutely packed with history. Who would have guessed in small Wick in such an inconspicuous building (on the outside) there are so many treasures! Highly recommend it!
Written June 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Linda M
37 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Couples
A real hidden treasure that is only £5 entry fee. There are so many items to see, that you can easily miss things. The staff are super, so friendly and knowledgeable. Lots about the history of life during the height of the fishing in Wick. The museum gives you a sense of what life would have been like. Third visit, will be back again.
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

rilasata
United Kingdom258 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
Excellent local museum with very friendly staff. Displays cover a wide range of topics (fishing, lighthouses, cooperage, town life, kippers, Caithness glass etc), building on a comprehensive collection of photos by a local family of photographers who diligently recorded local Wick life from the mid 19th to mid 20th century. Entrance fee (£5 adult as of September 2023) is very good value as you could easily spend a couple of hours here. Toilets also very clean.
Written September 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nigel T
Rossendale, UK693 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Couples
Amazing museum of life in Wick. Lots to see, photographic exhibition of the past fishing history. Over several floors, including a former lighthouse. Afterwards, visit the nearby Wickers World cafe on the harbour front. Nearby are the ‘black steps’ as portrayed in one of Lowrey’s paintings.
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

EmS
27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Friends
Unbelievable little (or should I say big) museum. Its like Dr Who's Tardis in there, it goes on and on and on! So many fabulous things to see you'll want to go twice I'm sure, if not more as there's so much to take in. The photographic display of times gone by is amazing, the quality of the photos is brilliant (obviously!, you'll see why I've said that when you go). The staff are fab. It really is a gem of a find and one Wick should be proud of. Not many towns have such fabulous exhibits. Well done to all involved.
Written June 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Koala
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Family
This is an amazing museum with loads of exhibits and is like the Tardis, it is hard to realise how much there is as it goes on and on. There is a wonderful collection of local photographs taken by three generations of one family going back to 1860. These really gave added to the other exhibits. There was so much in the museum that we concentrated on the local stories - the herring industry, the development of Wick / Pultneytown, the sea wrecks etc.

That this has been created and staffed by volunteers show the interest they have. (They shared their knowledge well without leaving wondering how to indicate we had had enough!).

The only downside was it not having a café but there is one just around the corner.
Written June 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TimWh
London54 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
So many towns have a museum of local heritage which are interesting if you find the town interesting....this place is on a different level. Firstly their collection of photos from 3 generations of professional photographers, the Johnston family, is enormously moving, often much more human and relaxed than the usual frozen Victorian poses...these guys clearly loved their town and the people in it, capturing them with a rare dedication. Secondly the people who run it are a committed bunch of volunteers with personal links to some of the exhibits and the building itself (they were committed enough to get hold of a large chunk of a lighthouse and stick it in two floors of the building) and their enthusiasm brings the past back to life as much as the exhibits. Friendly and calm though it is, Wick is in many ways living off it's history, but what a rich history. Give yourself a couple of hours.
Written August 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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