The HMS Erebus Exhibition at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre is on display until late October, providing fascinating insights into an ill-fated expedition into the Canadian Arctic using a repurposed ship built locally in the town’s dockyard.

HMS Erebus exhibition entrance
Enter the exhibition to uncover the history of the Pembroke Dock-built vessel that sustained many of the explorers for nearly two years after it had become stuck in heavy ice. (Observer pic)
Hologram of the ship’s bell, which told sailor when to wake up, start work, and eat. It was newly made for Erebus’ Arctic expedition and lay silent for more than 160 years before being found.
Hologram of the ship’s bell, which told sailor when to wake up, start work, and eat. It was newly made for Erebus’ Arctic expedition and lay silent for more than 160 years before being found. (Observer pic)
A central highlight of this unique exhibition is a custom-built, immersive polar diorama featuring a detailed scale model of HMS Erebus trapped in the pack ice
A central highlight of this unique exhibition is a custom-built, immersive polar diorama featuring a detailed scale model of HMS Erebus trapped in the pack ice. (Observer pic)
The exhibition features rare, previously unseen artefacts - on loan from the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth - which were recovered directly from the shipwreck of HMS Erebus.
The exhibition features rare, previously unseen artefacts - on loan from the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth - which were recovered directly from the shipwreck of HMS Erebus. (Observer pic)
Among the artefacts are a shoe, and items of crockery, giving a remarkable insight into the lifestyles of those on board.
Among the artefacts are a shoe, and items of crockery, giving a remarkable insight into the lifestyles of those on board. (Observer pic)
Multi-media displays show actual diving and recovery footage filmed at the underwater excavation site by Parks Canada. (HMS Erebus)
Multi-media displays show actual diving and recovery footage filmed at the underwater excavation site by Parks Canada. (Observer pic)

Read more about HMS Erebus here:

Open Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm, Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, Dockyard Chapel is located at Meyrick Owen Way, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6WS.

There is plenty more to see at the Heritage Centre, including displays dedicated to Sunderland flying boats, a magnificent 1945 RAF memorial window, a section dedicated to Star Wars and the building of the Millennium Falcon at Pembroke Dock and many other aspects of local history.

No pre-booking is required; tickets are purchased on entry. The Centre features fully step-free public areas, flat paved entry routes, dedicated disabled parking, an accessible toilet, a gift shop and an on-site coffee bar.