The Amsterdam at Bulverhythe

Step onto the shifting shoreline of Bulverhythe for a rare Heritage Open Day event that brings the extraordinary story of the Amsterdam—one of Europe’s most significant but least understood maritime heritage sites—vividly to life.
In 1749, 18 days into her maiden voyage, the Amsterdam sank into the clay-filled valley of a river that had been carved into local Cretaceous sandstone deposited about 135 million years ago. In the sandstone are preserved fossilised sand ripples left by the sea, footprints of dinosaurs and fossilised fish.
The remarkable geology at precisely this spot has protected and preserved this unique 18th century Dutch East Indiaman eight metres below the sand. As the tide recedes, the beach becomes an open-air museum.

Guides will share the ship’s dramatic final voyage, the global networks it sailed within, and the lives of the diverse crew and passengers who came ashore here in 1749. You’ll hear how the wreck has inspired decades of Anglo Dutch archaeological investigation, why it remains so fragile today, and how local communities are helping to protect it for the future.
A small group walking tour—limited numbers—will trace the landscape that shaped the ship’s fate revealing how land, sea, and human history intertwine.
There is also a Guide to the wreck site booklet for £3 donation. Cash only.
Beach access support from 17.00-20.00. Tour 18.30-20.00
Booking for assisted access and guided tour is essential and must be made via Hastings Shipwreck Museum.

Timings

Friday 11 September:

1700-2000: Open. Stewards on beach and routes. 1830-2000: Guided tour

Location & directions

Bridge Way, Bulverhythe, Hastings, East Sussex, TN38 8AP

Directions:

https://shipwreckmuseum.co.uk 01424 905777 Beach may be accessed from West St Leonards, Glyne Gap, Bexhill, or via stepped access over railway at Bridge Way. Note that routes to the site are not easily accessible. There is no disabled access across the shingle. Parking is available at Ravenside Retail & Leisure Park, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN40 2JU. Allow 30 minutes. Walk out of the Retail Park eastwards and access the beach via a tunnel beneath railway. Turn left and walk to the Blue Bridge viewing area. Note that there is no roadside parking on the A259. There are buses from Hastings Railway Station (Stagecoach no 98 or 99 at 17:25, 17:45, 17:50, 18.10. 18:15) or Bexhill Railway Station (17:30, 17:50, 18:30 to Bridge Way. Cross A259 to sea side and walk down Bridge Way. Alight at Aldi. Allow 20 minutes for bus and 10 to walk to the beach. Check return journeys (15/30 mins).

Contact on day:

Margaret Sheehy

Telephone number:

+447968584823

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Booking for assisted access for beach and guided tour is essential. Bookers will be asked to confirm. Visit Shipwreck Museum 11-20 September 1030-1700 every day. Free entry. Rock-a-Nore Rd, Hastings TN34 3DW

Booking contact name:

The Manager

Booking telephone number:

+441424437452

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://shipwreckmuseum.co.uk

Booking opens:

01 Aug 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

07 Sep 2026 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

The site is not fully accessible. There is wheelchair access along hard standing pathway from Glyne Gap (20 minutes) but no accessible route to the ship location across the beach for physically disabled visitors. Even able-bodied will experience some difficulty. We will be working to ensure best support is in place. Visitors requiring advice or assistance should contact the organisers. Parking, refreshments and toilets are some distance away. Visitors should have suitable footwear (e.g. wellies) and protective clothing. In poor conditions the wreck may not be visible. Bring a torch.

Additional information

The wreck of the ship is only visible at certain low tides. This will be the last occasion when it is visible in 2026. It is several hundred metres from a pathway over a stepped platform and shingle beach. Organisers will provide a narrative experience for those unable to reach the beach and the wreck site.

Max number of people:

40

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

Check out our online channels

Back to results