HMS Ganges Museum

Boys aged 15 and 16 once arrived at this imposing Victorian training establishment to learn the ropes - quite literally - of naval life. HMS Ganges was Britain's premier naval training school from 1905 to 1976, and this museum preserves the story of how thousands of young lads were transformed into sailors.

The collection focuses on life aboard the shore establishment rather than ships at sea. You'll find recreated dormitories, training equipment, and plenty of photographs showing recruits scrambling up the famous mast that still dominates the site. The museum does a proper job of explaining the harsh realities of naval training - this wasn't a holiday camp.

Families with older children who are into military history will get the most from a visit. Younger kids might struggle with the displays, which are text-heavy rather than interactive. The stories of homesick teenagers learning discipline and seamanship add a human touch to what could otherwise feel rather dry.

Located near Harwich, it's well positioned if you're staying at one of the nearby coastal parks like Felixstowe Beach Holiday Park or Dovercourt Holiday Park. The maritime theme works nicely with a seaside break, though do check opening times before making the journey as they can be limited. Allow a couple of hours to do it justice - there's more here than you might expect from what looks like a modest local museum.