Ticketed

Essential information

Type
Talks and tours
Location
Date and times Tuesday 18 August | 6.30-7.30pm
Prices Free for Members

Member exclusive. Not a Member? Join now

Discovery was Britain’s first Antarctic expedition, where Scott, Shackleton and their crew battled scurvy, starvation and the brutal Antarctic wilderness in an audacious push to travel further south than any human had gone before. But this is more than a tale of adventure.

Through the lives of 12 expedition members, historian Ed Armston-Sheret unearths a forgotten story of heroism, science, imperial ambition and the harsh realities of survival.

To celebrate the publication of his new book The Grip of the Ice: Scott, Shackleton and Survival in the Frozen Frontier Ed Armston-Sheret is joined by Dr Claire Warrior, Senior Curator of Content, to discuss how this little-known expedition shaped British culture and Antarctic exploration for generations to come.

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Image banner: E H Shackleton at the wheel of Discovery (1901)

What’s on

Experiences | Member events

Members' summer party

Celebrate the summer with us in the grounds of the National Maritime Museum
Tuesday 30 June 2026 | 6.30-8.30pm
£5 per ticket
Queen's House
Workshops | Member events

Members' solar observing

Learn how to view the Sun safely using special solar telescopes with the Flamsteed Astronomy Society
Tuesday 7 July and Thursday 6 August 2026 | 6.30pm-8.30pm
Free for Members
Royal Observatory
Talks and tours | Member events

Members' treasures tours

Explore the treasures of the National Maritime Museum with one of our expert guides
Saturday 18 July, Tuesday 11 August and Sunday 20 September 2026 | 11am
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Members' lecture: The aristocrat, the able seaman and the tragedy of Titanic

Join writer Angela Young as she tells the story of two courageous Titanic survivors
Tuesday 21 July | 6.30-7.30pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Family fun | Member events

Discover our Ocean Map

Explore our Ocean Map with a curator in this event for children
Tuesday 11 and Tuesday 18 August 2026 | 10.30-11am
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours

Scott, Shackleton and survival in the frozen frontier

Before Scott’s tragic race to the South Pole and Shackleton’s legendary Endurance, there was Discovery, the expedition that began it all. Discover more in this exclusive in conversation event
Tuesday 18 August | 6.30-7.30pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Family fun | Member events

Members' craft workshop

Join us for exclusive craft workshops, just for Members
Saturday 12 September and Saturday 21 November 2026 | 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Members' lecture: the most important naval officer you’ve never heard of

Join author Alan Harper as he recounts the extraordinary life of Royal Navy warrant officer Greenvile Collins, the subject of his book Master & Cartographer
Tuesday 15 September | 6.30-7.30pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Events and festivals

Anniversary Celebration at the Queen's House

Ten years on from the major reopening of the Queen's House, come and celebrate the making of a 'House of Delights' for the 21st century with a special programme of events
Thursday 8 October, Saturday 10 October, Sunday 11 October and Thursday 22 October 2026 | Various times
Tickets from £0-£40
Queen's House
Events and festivals | Museum Lates

In conversation with Richard Wright: celebrating 10 years of the Great Hall ceiling

Hear first-hand about the ideas, craftsmanship, and legacy behind this spectacular ceiling installation
Thursday 22 October 2026 | Doors open at 6.30pm | In conversation at 7pm
Adult £25 | Students £22.50
Queen's House