Industrial, maritime and transport

Celebrating the innovative buildings, transport and technology that helped shape the modern world.

Since 1994 we’ve awarded almost £590million to more than 1,400 industrial, maritime and transport heritage projects across the UK.

We want to help more people conserve their local industrial heritage and pass on skills to younger generations.

What do we support?

Projects we fund include:

printing presses
pumping engines
windmills
historic ships
locomotives
natural landscapes transformed by industry

Project ideas

Our funding could help people:

uncover and record people’s memories of our industrial past
give a disused site a new purpose
restore and maintain operating machinery
reveal the history of industry in your area
explore the nation's network of canals
provide staffed visitor facilities and learning resources
help young people learn new skills and care for their heritage

See the stories and projects below for more inspiration.

Ignite Yorkshire's Cactus Crew

Stories

A revolution in industrial heritage

In our conversation with Marie Millward, Ignite Yorkshire project manager, we discuss how to move beyond "nostalgia" to engage young people with our industrial past.

A person trimming back a white blossom tree

Credit: Kevin Fern Photoraphy

Programme

Heritage resilience and recovery funding

We are committed to supporting the UK’s heritage to adapt and thrive, and making heritage organisations more resilient through our National Lottery Grants for Heritage.

The First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank (right had side) with the Lovell telescope in the background (left hand side)

The Lovell Telescope and the First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank.

News

Out of this world: Jodrell Bank's First Light Pavilion set to open

The First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank opens this Saturday thanks to £12.5million raised by National Lottery players – the state-of-the-art attraction is a must-see for 2022.

31/05/2022

Two workmen standing either side of the horse-drawn ambulance

News

Revamped North Yorkshire museum reveals new name

Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum in North Yorkshire to be renamed Land of Iron when it reopens in autumn 2022.

07/04/2022

News

Community at heart of Silverburn Flax Mill revival

The much-loved mill is at the centre of a five-year project, set to receive £3.47million from the Heritage Fund.

11/02/2022

A blacksmith hitting metal, surrounded by a spray of sparks

News

Help us shape the future of heritage funding and strategy

We’re building a new research panel, bringing together people from across the heritage sector, to share views and knowledge and influence our work.

09/11/2021

News

Full steam ahead for the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

North Wales’ largest tourist attraction has secured a £3.1million National Lottery Heritage Fund grant.

15/10/2021

Projects

Roundhouse Birmingham: historical discovery, outdoor activities and urban enterprise

This iconic building has been brought back to life and is now inviting people to #SeeTheCityDifferently.

29/09/2017

Aerial view of Plymouth coast with lighthouse and dramatic sunrise

Site of the new marine park at Plymouth.

News

Heritage Horizon Awards: £50million to five life-changing projects

From the Scottish mountains to England's southwest coast, these big heritage ideas champion environmental, community and cultural heritage as part of our Heritage Horizon Awards.

13/07/2021

Site of the new marine park at Plymouth.

Projects

HHA2019 Plymouth Sound National Marine Park

We are granting £9.5million to support the creation of Plymouth Sound's 'Park in the Sea', helping communities and tackling the effects of climate change.

01/07/2021

Family gathered on the platform at Whitehead Railway station watching a locomotive approach

Projects

Vital volunteers preserve and share railway heritage

Thanks to National Lottery funding and the support of their dedicated volunteers, the Railway Preservation Society for Ireland (RPSI) have been able to preserve and bring the story of Ireland’s railways to life.

17/11/2010