Read about the daring exploits of some of history's bravest explorers. From the well-known endeavours of Scott, Shackleton, Columbus and Drake, to the lesser-known adventures of men like Magellan, Flinders and Cabot, we take you on a voyage of discovery.

11 Mar 2022
What the Endurance shipwreck discovery tells us about the ship's final hours
For more than a century, the wreck of Shackleton's ship Endurance has lain undisturbed in the icy waters off Antarctica. Its remarkable preservation is a testament to the ship's original builders and designers.
05 Jan 2022
Sledge from Shackleton Antarctic expedition goes on display to mark 100th anniversary of polar explorer’s death
100 years on from the explorer's death, a sledge used during Shackleton's Nimrod expedition has found a new home in the National Maritime Museum. Curator Jeremy Michell looks back on the efforts to save this important polar relic for the nation.
Shackleton's death and legacy
100 years on from the death of Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, curator Jeremy Michell looks back on the life and legacy of the polar explorer
What happened to the crew of Erebus and Terror?
Sir John Franklin's final voyage in 1845 in HMS Erebus and HMS Terror became the worst disaster in the history of British polar exploration
History of Antarctic explorers
From first sighting to reaching the South Pole, discover the history of exploring Antarctica
The real-life explorers who inspired His Dark Materials
Discover the hidden references to real polar exploration in Philip Pullman's bestselling trilogy His Dark Materials
William Edward Parry final North-West Passage expeditions 1821–25
William Edward Parry was a key figure in the discovery of the North-West Passage. He made three voyages to find it and his research was invaluable.
South Pole exploration: Robert Falcon Scott, 1901–04
In the early 20th century the race was on to reach the South Pole. Robert Falcon Scott led the first British expedition.
South Pole exploration: Sir Ernest Shackleton
In 1907, Ernest Shackleton embarked on an expedition to the South Pole aboard his ship Nimrod. He was almost successful, falling just 97 miles short.
Sir Ernest Shackleton
Discover the remarkable journey Shackleton undertook to save his crew from death.