Museums in England (M-S)
A highly idiosyncratic list of both public and commercial places to visit, based on the exacting criteria of whatever I think might be fun. There are, of course, thousands of museums big and small throughout the UK. What's your favourite?

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Marlipins Museum    Fascinating local history and archaeology museum housed in one of the oldest buildings in Sussex. Peak inside the 12th century walls of the museum building itself! High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, England, BN43 5DA Attraction Type: Museum Location: on A259 Website: Marlipins Museum Email: marlipins@sussexpast.co.uk Phone: 01273 462 994 Location map OS TQ215050 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Mary Rose   The Mary Rose was a powerful warship, built on the orders of King Henry VIII between 1509 and 1511. The vessel was probably named for Henry's favourite sister, Mary. The ship went down off Portsmouth in 1545, but was later raised and is preserved in Portsmouth harbour. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Visitor Centre Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, PO1 3LJ Attraction Type: Museum Location: Located at the Royal Naval Dockyards. Plenty of parking available on site. Website: Mary Rose Location map OS SU630003 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Mechanical Music and Doll Collection    If it plays by itself, it is probably here. Music boxes, barrel pianos, Orchestrions, and more. Primarily Victorian, and all working (and playing). Dolls of all sorts from Victorian and Edwardian times. Phonographs (remember phonographs? It wasn't all that long ago, or am I getting on?), stereoscopes, and more Victoriana. Church Road, Portfield Chichester, West Sussex, England, PO19 4HN Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A285 and A27 Phone: 01243 372646 Fax: 01243 370299 Location map OS SU875 055 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Mevagissey Museum    Explore the rich history of Mevagissey, from the Bronze age through the infamy of smuggling, and the fascinating detail of village life in times past. The museum is housed in a dockside 18th century building used to construct and repair smuggling vessels. East Wharf, Inner Harbour Mevagissey, Cornwall, England Attraction Type: Museum Location: right on the harbour Phone: 01726 843 568 OS SX016 448 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Mevagissey Sealife Aquarium    Many species of local sealife are featured. Proceeds from the aquarium are used to clean up the harbour. Mevagissey, Cornwall, England Attraction Type: Museum Location: in the old lifeboat house off the quay Phone: 01726 843 305 OS SX016 447 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Mill House Cider Museum    The Cider Museum traces the heritage of cider-making in Dorset, with displays of antique presses and other traditional equipment dating as far back as the 18th century. A video in the museum explains the process of cider making, and visitors can shop for cider and other West Country goodies in the museum shop. Owermoigne, Dorchester, Dorset, England, DT2 8HZ Attraction Type: Museum Location: on the A352 Website: Mill House Cider Museum Email: contact@millhousecider.com Phone: 01305 852 220 Fax: 01305 854 760 Location map Details of Mill House Cider Museum OS SY771 868 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Morwellham Quay    Historic copper port restored as outdoor museum: miner's cottage, waterwheel, assay laboratory, smithy, cooperage, lime kilns and other buildings house a fascinating experience of the history of the area. Morwellham, Tavistock, Devon, England, PL19 8JL Attraction Type: Museum Location: off the A390 Website: Morwellham Quay Email: info@morwellham-quay.co.uk Phone: 01822 832 766 Fax: 01822 833 808 Location map OS SX444697 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology    Part of the Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge University, the museum collections total over 750,000 artifacts of historic and anthropological interest, including over 70,000 photographs. The collections are especially strong in the areas of Oriental and African studies, visual arts, and classics. Downing Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, CB2 3DZ Attraction Type: Museum Website: Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology Phone: 01223 333 516 Fax: 01223 333 517 Location map Details of Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology OS TL451 582 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Museum of Berkshire Aviation    Located at the historic Woodley Airfield air base near Reading, the museum showcases Berkshire's contributions to the history of aviation through rebuilt aircraft (featuring locally built Miles and Handley Page planes), displays of archival photographs, and hands-on chances to experience the development of aviation techniques. School groups welcome. Mohawk Way, off The Bader Way Woodley, Reading, Berkshire, England, RG5 4UE Attraction Type: Museum Location: off Woodley Junction of the A329(M) Website: Museum of Berkshire Aviation Email: MuseumBerksAv@gmail.com Phone: 0118 944 8089 Location map OS SU778 732 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Museum of Costume and Assembly Rooms    Splendid 18th century buildings houses public staterooms as well as the fascinating museum of costume through the ages, from the 16th century though the present day. Bennett Street, Bath, Somerset, England, BA1 2QH Attraction Type: Museum Location: near town centre Website: Museum of Costume and Assembly Rooms Email: fashion_bookings@bathnes.gov.uk Phone: 01225 477 173 Fax: 01225 477 743 Location map OS ST749 653 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Museum of English Rural Life    A national museum of artifacts related to farming and country living over the past 150 years. Now open in its new location. Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire, England Attraction Type: Museum Location: opposite the Royal Berkshire Hospital, just off A4 Website: Museum of English Rural Life Email: merl@reading.ac.uk Phone: 0118 931 8660 OS SU723 727 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Museum of Lincolnshire Life    A short walk from the Cathedral Quarter, this museum illustrates the social history of Lincolnshire over the past several centuries, with exhibits focusing on the county's agricultural and industrial past. Prize among the exhibits is a WWI tank, a memory of the importance of Lincolnshire in the development of the tank. Directly behind the museum is Ellis Mill, a working windmill which dates back to the 18th century. The museum is well signposted from the historic centre of Lincoln, and there are paid parking lots within a block or so. Burton Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, LN1 3LY Attraction Type: Museum Location: Signposted from Lincoln town centre. Several nearby car parks. Website: Museum of Lincolnshire Life Email: lincolnshirelife_museum@lincolnshire.gov.uk Phone: +44 (0) 1522 528448 Fax: +44 (0) 1522 521264 Location map Details of Museum of Lincolnshire Life OS SK972722 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Museum of Modern Art Oxford    Museum features temporary exhibits of innovative contemporary art from all over the world. 30 Pembroke Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, OX1 1BP Attraction Type: Museum Location: Oxford city centre next to Marks and Spencer's food hall Website: Museum of Modern Art Oxford Email: info@modernartoxford.org.uk Phone: 01865 813 830 Fax: 01865 722 573 Location map OS SP513 061 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Museum of Oxford    Covers 2000 years of Oxford history, archaeology, and architecture, including extensive exhibits on the University. St Aldates, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, OX1 1DZ Attraction Type: Museum Location: 10 minute walk from the train station Website: Museum of Oxford Email: museum@oxford.gov.uk Phone: 01865 252 761 Location map OS SP513061 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Museum of the History of Science    Scientific instruments and devices through the ages, including clocks, cameras, and medical equipment. Broad Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, OX1 3AZ Attraction Type: Museum Location: in city centre, next to the Sheldonian Theatre and across from Blackwell's Website: Museum of the History of Science Phone: 01865 277 280 Fax: 01865 277 288 Location map OS SP515064 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

National Coal Mining Museum    This is a hands-on, or perhaps I should say, a hands-under museum. You descend 450 feet under the ground to experience for yourself the life of a miner from 1820 to the present day. Be warned: it gets cold underground; dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes. For the claustrophobic there are above ground displays and videos. Caphouse Colliery, New Road Overton, Wakefield, Yorkshire, England, WF4 4RH Attraction Type: Museum Location: between Wakefield and Huddersfield, on A642 Website: National Coal Mining Museum Email: info@ncm.org.uk Phone: 01924 848806 Fax: 01924 840694 Location map OS SE253 164 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

National Media Museum    A whole museum devoted to media, from film, photos, TV and radio to the web. You can learn to operate a TV camera, or stand in front of one and read the news. See permanent and changing photography exhibits. IMAX 3D theatre (that's the one with the huge screen and the surround sound that will blow your mind if you haven't experienced it before). Bradford, Yorkshire, England, BD1 1NQ Attraction Type: Museum Location: at junction of A647, A641 and A6181 Website: National Media Museum Phone: 0870 70 10 200 Location map OS SE162 328 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

National Railway Museum    If you're a train buff, this is the place to come: it's the world's largest railway museum. See a replica of Stephenson's Rocket, a section of the Chunnel (Channel Tunnel), Queen Victoria's royal railway carriage (can you say "posh"?), the world's fastest steam engine, and more. The museum is also temporary home to the 200-foot high Yorkshire Wheel, offering fantastic views of the city. Leeman Road, York, Yorkshire, England, YO26 4XJ Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A19 Website: National Railway Museum Email: nrm@nrm.org.uk Phone: 08448 153 139 Fax: 0870 421 4011 Location map Details of National Railway Museum OS SE594 520 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

National Waterways Museum    Award winning museum housed in a restored Victorian warehouse. Hands-on exhibits follow the history of inland waterways in Britain over the past 200 years. Floating exhibits, and canal boat rides in the summer. Llanthony Warehouse, Gloucester Docks Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England, GL1 2EH Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A4301 Website: National Waterways Museum Email: bookingsnwm@thewaterwaystrust.org Phone: 01452 318200 Fax: 01452 318202 Location map OS SO828 183 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Newhaven Local & Maritime Museum    A project of the Newhaven Historical Society, this museum covers the rich history of the port and town of Newhaven. Exhibits include historic photographs, maps, and artwork. There is a special display on the Newhaven Lifeboat, but the real highlight of the museum is the exhibit on HMS Forward; the wartime network of tunnels that were used in the planning and execution of the Dieppe Raid and the Normandy landings. Paradise Park, Avis Road Newhaven, East Sussex, England, BN9 0DH Attraction Type: Museum Website: Newhaven Local & Maritime Museum Email: nfo@newhavenmuseum.co.uk Location map OS TQ449020 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Norris Museum    The Norris Museum in St. Ives tells the story of the no-longer extant county of Huntingdonshire. The museum was founded by native Herbert Norris, who bequeathed his collection of Huntingdonshire artefacts when he died in 1931. The museum contains exhibitions of local art, as well as old photographs and memorabilia associated with Huntingdonshire. The Broadway, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, England, PE27 5BX Attraction Type: Museum Location: off the B1040 Website: Norris Museum Email: curator.norris@stives-town.info Location map Details of Norris Museum OS TL312 713 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

North Yorkshire Moors Railway    Steam train journeys, 18 miles through the North York Moors National Park from Pickering to Grosmont. Pickering Station, Pickering, Yorkshire, England, YO18 7AJ Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A170 Website: North Yorkshire Moors Railway Phone: 01751 472508 Location map OS SE797 842 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Octavia Hill Birthplace Museum    Wisbech native Octavia Hill was the co-founder of the National Trust. Her life and work is commemorated in the house in which she was born. 8 South Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England, PE13 1JB Attraction Type: Museum Location: Just across the River from Peckover House. Website: Octavia Hill Birthplace Museum Email: info@octaviahill.org Phone: 01945 476 358 Fax: 01945 476 358 National Trust Location map OS TF460 096 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Old Gaol Museum    The Old Gaol dates from 1748, but it now houses a wonderful museum which explores the history of Buckingham and the military heritage of Buckinghamshire. Themed rooms in the museum showcase ancient, Tudor, and Georgian Buckingham, as well as an Edwardian shop and mementoes of Florence Nightingale. Market Hill, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, England, MK18 1JX Attraction Type: Museum Location: in the town centre Website: Old Gaol Museum Email: buckingham.t.i.c@btconnect.com Phone: 01280 823 020 Location map Details of Old Gaol Museum OS SP696 341 Photo Credit: Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Overbeck's Museum and Garden    The sheltered seven acre garden is home to a range of subtropical plants. Wonderful views out over the estuary. Sharpitor, Salcombe, Devon, England, TQ8 8LW Attraction Type: Museum Website: Overbeck's Museum and Garden Email: overbecks@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01548 842 893 National Trust Location map OS SX728374 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Oxford University Museum of Natural History    Next door neighbor to Pitt Rivers, this collection covers natural history, including gemstones, dinosaurs, and other fossils. Parks Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, OX1 3PW Attraction Type: Museum Website: Oxford University Museum of Natural History Phone: 01865 272 950 Fax: 01865 272 970 Location map OS SP514069 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Oxfordshire County Museum    The museum is housed in a 16th century house, and contains rural crafts, in addition to a superb "Oxfordshire through the Ages" exhibit. Fletchers House, Park Street Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England, OX20 1SN Attraction Type: Museum Location: Woodstock city centre, 7 miles N of Oxford Email: oxon.museum@oxfordshire.gov.uk Phone: 01993 811 456 Location map OS SP444 168 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Pallant House Gallery    One of the finest private gallery collections of fine art in the UK. The gallery is based around artwork collected by Dean Walter Hussey when he was Dean of nearby Chichester Cathedral 1955-1977. Included are works by Henry Moore, J Ceri Richards, and Graham Sutherlan, among many others. 9 North Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex, England, PO19 1TJ Attraction Type: Museum Location: city centre Website: Pallant House Gallery Email: info@pallant.org.uk Phone: 01243 774 557 Fax: 01243 536 038 Location map OS SU862 047 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Peak District Mining Museum    Located in the former Pavilion Building in Matlock Bath, the former Pump room of Matlock's spa days. In the museum exhibits tell the story of the area's lead mining history from Roman days to the present. There are extensive displays of mining equipment, including pumps, as well as displays showing what a miner's life was like, and models of lead workings. The Pavilion, Matlock Bath, Matlock, Derbyshire, England, DE4 3NR Attraction Type: Museum Location: off the main road, just N of Gullivers Kingdom Theme Park Website: Peak District Mining Museum Email: mail@peakmines.co.uk Phone: 01629 583 834 Location map OS SK293 582 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

People's History Museum    Ever wondered about the real, everyday people who make up our history? The People's Museum is the place to go for the answers; it explores the lives and legacy of the working people of Britain over the last 200 years, from the sweatshops and rebellions to leisure time. Bridge Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, M3 3ER Attraction Type: Museum Location: The museum is closed until late 2009. Website: People's History Museum Email: info@phm.org.uk Phone: 0161 839 6061 Fax: 0161 839 6027 Location map OS SJ832 983 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery    The city museum in Priestgate houses relics from as far back as the Roman occupation of the town, to crafts produced by French prisoners of War during the Napoleonic Wars. The portrait of a 16th century judge is believed to be the oldest painting showing the judge dressed in his traditional robes of office. Priestgate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England, PE1 1LF Attraction Type: Museum Location: Just a minute's walk from the main shopping areas. Website: Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery Email: museum@peterborough.gov.uk Phone: 01733 343 329 Fax: 01733 341 928 Location map OS TL190 985 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Petworth Cottage Museum    Located in the centre of the lovely village of Petworth, this small museum is a restored Leconfield Estate worker's cottage, recreated to look as it would have done around the year 1910. Within the house you will see a scullery, living room, work room, attic, and cellar, and the house is surrounded by a cottage garden. 346 High Street, Petworth, West Sussex, England, GU28 0AU Attraction Type: Museum Location: on A283 Website: Petworth Cottage Museum Email: petworthcottagemuseum@yahoo.co.uk Phone: 01798 342 100 Fax: 01798 343 467 Location map OS SU977215 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Pickford's House Museum of Georgian Life and Costume    Georgian house preserved as it would have appeared had you visited in the early 19th century. Georgian and Victorian costumes, "below stairs" rooms, restored formal gardens. 41 Friar Gate, Derby, Derbyshire, England, DE1 1DA Attraction Type: Museum Website: Pickford's House Museum of Georgian Life and Costume Phone: 01332 255 363 Fax: 01332 641 910 Location map Details of Pickford's House Museum of Georgian Life and Costume OS SK347 365 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Pitt Rivers Museum    Prehistory, ethnology, and the arts of all periods and cultures. This is one of Oxford's most popular museums. South Parks Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, OX1 3PP Attraction Type: Museum Location: Closed until May 2009 Website: Pitt Rivers Museum Email: prm@prm.ox.ac.uk Phone: 01865 270 927 Fax: 01865 270 943 Location map OS SP514069 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens    Quex House is a relaxed, genteel building, home to the Powell-Cotton family. There is a fascinating museum of African and Oriental life oin the site. The house itself offers an enjoyable mix of fine furnishings in an informal, setting. Among the many articles on display are antique clocks, English glassware, silver, and paintings. Quex Park, Birchington, Kent, England, CT7 0BH Attraction Type: Museum Location: S of station and church, via Park Lane Website: Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens Phone: 01843 842 168 Location map OS TR309 683 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Primavera    Well established gallery of contemporary British art. 10 King's Parade, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, CB2 1SJ Attraction Type: Museum Location: opposite Kings College Website: Primavera Email: contactprimavera@aol.com Phone: 01223 357 708 Location map OS TL448 584 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Printing House Museum    Trace the history of printing in this hands-on museum located next to Wordsworth House. Learn how type is set, then get a chance to typset your own name. 102 Main Street, Cockermouth, Cumbria, England, CA13 9LX Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A594 Website: Printing House Museum Email: info@printinghouse.co.uk Phone: 01900 824984 Fax: 01900 823124 Location map OS NY119 307 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Quay House Visitor Centre    An integral part of the transportation system, the Quay House with its overhanging roof was used to store goods destined for canal transportation. Today the building houses exhibits on the history of the Quayside and an audio visual display on the 2,000 years of the city's history. It is also a useful starting point for touring the city, as it provides visitor information (and Quayside treasure hunts!). 46 The Quay, Exeter, Devon, England, EX2 4AN Attraction Type: Museum Website: Quay House Visitor Centre Email: quayhouse@exeter.gov.uk Phone: 01392 271 611 Location map OS SX921 921 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Reading Museum    One of the premier museums in Britain, devoted to archaeology, art, history and natural history from prehistory to the present day. There is an extensive collection of artefacts relating to local history, but the museum also features a recreation of the Bayeux Tapestry, extensive exhibits on the Roman settlement of Silchester, local art and multi-media exhibitions of Roman artefacts and the archaeology of the Thames Valley. The Town Hall, Blagrave Street Reading, Berkshire, England, RG1 1QH Attraction Type: Museum Website: Reading Museum Phone: 0118 939 9800 Fax: 0118 939 9881 Location map OS SU717 736 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Redoubt Fortress & Military Museum    The Redoubt was built in the early 19th century as part of the coastal defense system aimed at countering a threat from the French under Napoleon. Today, it houses the museums of no less than three historic regiments; the Royal Sussex Regiment, the Sussex Combined Services, and the Queen's Royal Irish Hussars. Royal Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex, England, BN22 7AQ Attraction Type: Museum Location: Admission fee. Website: Redoubt Fortress & Military Museum Email: redoubtmuseum@eastbourne.gov.uk Phone: 01323 410300 Fax: 01323 438827 Location map OS TV622996 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

REME Museum of Technology    This museum is dedicated to showcasing the heritage of the Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (CREME) and their contribution to enduring engineering excellence and society. Displays cover the history of the Corps, REME vehicles from 1942 to the 1990s, a history of electronic training and its uses in the military, and historical tableaux comparing barracks in use in the 1950s and today. Full wheelchair access. Isaac Newton Road, off Biggs Lane, Arborfield Garrison Arborfield, Berkshire, England, RG2 9NJ Attraction Type: Museum Location: 4 miles SW of Wokingham, off the A327 Website: REME Museum of Technology Email: enquiries@rememuseum.org.uk Phone: 0118 976 3375 Location map OS SU770 660 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Riverside Museum    Reading's museum of industrial heritage features reconstructions of a Victorian printing shop, a bakery, barber's shop, gypsy caravan. and turbines dating from the 1920's. Blake's Lock, off Kenavon Drive Reading, Berkshire, England, RG1 3DH Attraction Type: Museum Location: next to the Bel & Dragon Pub Website: Riverside Museum Phone: 0118 939 0918 Location map OS SU725 735 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Roald Dahl Museum    For all kids and wannabe kids out there, this is a must-see. Enter the chocolatey doors of the Roald Dahl Museum for a memorable excursion into the mind of the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and other modern kids classics. Interactive Story Centre. 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, England, HP16 0AL Attraction Type: Museum Website: Roald Dahl Museum Email: admin@roalddahlmuseum.org Phone: 01494 892 192 Fax: 01494 892 191 Location map OS SP8951001260 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Royal Crown Derby    Established in 1750 and granted a royal warrant by Queen Victoria in 1890, Royal Crown Derby porcelain is collected worldwide. Museum, factory tours and shop. 194 Osmaston Road, Derby, Derbyshire, England, DE23 8JZ Attraction Type: Museum Location: in Derby on the A514 Website: Royal Crown Derby Phone: 01332 712 800 Fax: 01332 712 863 Location map Details of Royal Crown Derby OS SK357 351 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Royal Signals Museum    The Royal Signals Museum depicts the history of military communications, science and technology from the Crimea to the Gulf. With displays on the Great War, Second World War, Korea, The Falklands and the Gulf War. The Museum also depicts the stories of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), the ATS, the Long Range Desert Group and SAS Signals. Featuring military vehicles and motorbikes, uniforms and equipment, medals and memorabilia, plus special displays on Codes and Codebreaking, Women at War, and much more. Blandford Camp, Blandford Forum, Dorset, England, DT11 8RH Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A354 Website: Royal Signals Museum Email: info@royalsignalsmuseum.com Phone: 01258 482 248 Location map OS ST913 077 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Ruskin Museum, Coniston   This small, award-winning museum tells the tale of Coniston's past, including the stories of the most famous names associated with the village; John Ruskin, Donald Campbell, and Arthur Ransome. Coniston, Lake District, Cumbria, England, LA21 8DU Attraction Type: Museum Location: Located just off the High Street in the centre of Coniston. Limited on street parking, but also large paid parking lot nearby. Website: Ruskin Museum, Coniston Phone: 015394 41164 Location map Details of Ruskin Museum, Coniston OS SD302976 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Rye Art Gallery    The Rye Art Gallery is located in a pair of historic buildings in the heart of old Rye. The collections include works of art chosen for their regional and, in some cases, their national importance. 107 High Street, Rye, East Sussex, England, TN31 7JE Attraction Type: Museum Website: Rye Art Gallery Phone: 01797 222433 Location map OS TQ921204 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Rye Castle Museum    There are two museums lumped together under the umbrella of the Rye Castle Museum. The more historic of the two is the Ypres Tower site. The tower is one of the oldest buildings in Rye; it was built in 1249 and houses local pottery, displays relating to smuggling, armour, replica medieval weapons, and a recreation of a medieval herb garden. 3 East Street, Rye, East Sussex, England, TN31 7JY Attraction Type: Museum Website: Rye Castle Museum Phone: 01797-226728 Location map OS TQ921204 Photo Credit: Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Salcombe Maritime and Local History Museum    Exhibits on shipbuilding, search and rescue, local history. The Old Council Hall, Market Street Salcombe, Devon, England, TQ8 8DE Attraction Type: Museum Email: salcombemuseum@ship.eclipse.co.uk Location map OS SX740 391 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum    Grade I listed building houses the museum of the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum Trust. Focusing on the archaeology and history of the area, and home of the Pitt Rivers collection. Described as the 'father of scientific archaeology', Lt. Gen. Rivers was a leading Victorian archaeologist and anthropologist. King's House, 65, The Close Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, SP1 2EN Attraction Type: Museum Location: facing the Cathedral Website: Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum Email: museum@salisburymuseum.org.uk Phone: 01722 332 151 Fax: 01722 325 611 Location map OS SU141294 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Sandham Memorial Chapel    A very unusual painted chapel dating to the 1920s. Sandham is profusely decorated with wall paintings by Stanley Spencer, who was inspired by his experiences in WWI. Sandham Chapel is set in wide lawns with views over Watership Down. Harts Lane, Burghclere, Nwebury, Hampshire, England, RG20 9JT Attraction Type: Museum Location: 4 m S Newbury, on A34 Website: Sandham Memorial Chapel Email: sandham@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01635 278 394 Fax: 01635 278 394 National Trust Location map OS SU462607 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Scott Polar Research Institute    Located just around the corner from the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Scott Institute houses the most important and highly respected library and archive of polar studies in the world. The museum was founded in 1920 as a memorial to Robert Falcon Scott, who died while leading an expedition to the South Pole. The museum showcases artefacts from polar exploration, including diaries, sleds, and displays on life in arctic regions. Lensfield Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, CB2 1ER Attraction Type: Museum Website: Scott Polar Research Institute Email: enquiries@spri.cam.ac.uk Phone: 01223 336 540 Fax: 01223 336 549 Location map Details of Scott Polar Research Institute OS TL454 577 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Seaford Museum of Local History    A museum of local history of this ancient Cinque Port town, housed in a historic Martello Tower at the eastern end of Seaford's seafront. The unusual museum building has been nicknamed 'The Tardis', presumably because the interior displays far more than the exterior would suggest! Martello Tower 74, The Esplanade Seaford, East Sussex, England, BN25 9BH Attraction Type: Museum Website: Seaford Museum of Local History Email: info@seafordmuseum.co.uk Phone: 01323 898222 Location map OS TQ332050 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences    The museum holds over 1 million samples of rocks, fossils, minerals, soft sediments, building and decorative stones. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, CB2 3EQ Attraction Type: Museum Website: Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences Phone: 01223 333 456 Fax: 01223 333 450 Location map Details of Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences OS TL451 582 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Shaftesbury Town Museum    Behind the Town Hall at the top of Gold Hill is Shaftesbury's Town Museum, boasting displays of the town's unique heritage. Included are examples of Dorset Buttons, made locally in the early 19th century, and a variety of regional agricultural implements such as billhooks, scythes, and Shepherd's crooks. A wooden fire engine dating to 1744, and even earlier 17th century set of Shaftesbury's own weights and measures are on display. Sun and Moon Cottage, Gold Hill Shaftesbury, Dorset, England, SP7 8JW Attraction Type: Museum Location: up from Town Hall, via walkway Website: Shaftesbury Town Museum Email: sdhs@waitrose.com Phone: 01747 852 157 Location map OS ST863 229 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Shuttleworth Collection    Shuttleworth is really 3 attractions rolled into one based around the Victorian mansion of Shuttleworth House. First there is a remarkable collection of veteran and vintage airplanes dating back to the earliest days of flight. The second centre of attraction at Shuttleworth is the collection of vintage automobiles and motorcycles, dating back to an 1898 Panhard et Levassor. And the third is the 10-acre Swiss Garden. Old Warden Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, England, SG18 9EA Attraction Type: Museum Location: off the A1 W of Biggleswade Website: Shuttleworth Collection Email: collection@shuttleworth.org Phone: 01767 627 927 Fax: 01767 627 949 Location map Details of Shuttleworth Collection OS TL147442 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Somerset and Dorset Railway Museum    Museum detailing the long, rich history of the Somerset and Dorset Railway. Lots of railway memorabilia on view. Washford Station, Washford, Somerset, England, TA23 0PP Attraction Type: Museum Location: Off the A39 Website: Somerset and Dorset Railway Museum Email: sales@sdrt.org Phone: 01984 640 869 Location map OS ST044504 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Somerset County Museum    Museum of Somerset natural and local history. The most popular exhibits include the Low Ham Roman mosaic, Icthyosaur fossils, memorabilia of the Somerset Light Infantry Regiment, and local ceramic and silver displays. Castle Green, Taunton, Somerset, England, TA1 4AA Attraction Type: Museum Location: Closed until summer 2010, when it will reopen as the Museum of Somerset Location map OS ST226102 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

St Neots Museum    Museum of local history, from way back then till now! Lively exhibits, in what was the police station and magistrates' court. The Old Court, 8 New Street St Neots, Cambridgeshire, England, PE19 1AE Attraction Type: Museum Location: in town centre, sharing a building with the tourist information centre Website: St Neots Museum Phone: 01480 214 163 Location map Details of St Neots Museum OS TL183 603 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Stained Glass Museum    Over 100 panels of stained glass in the museum trace the history of this traditional craft, and the glass dates from the early 13th century to the present day. Situated in the triforium gallery of Ely Cathedral. The South Triforium, Ely Cathedral Ely, Cambridgeshire, England, CB7 4DL Attraction Type: Museum Website: Stained Glass Museum Email: info@stainedglassmuseum.com Phone: 01353 660 347 Fax: 01353 665 025 Location map Details of Stained Glass Museum OS TL541801 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Stanley Spencer Gallery    Located in the village where Sir Stanley Spencer (1891-1959) was born and lived most of his life, this small museum is devoted to the life and works of Spencer, and also has regular exhibits of contemporary art. The Kings Hall, High Street Cookham-on-Thames, Berkshire, England, SL6 9SJ Attraction Type: Museum Location: 3 miles N of Maidenhead, on the A4094 Website: Stanley Spencer Gallery Email: info@stanleyspencer.org.uk Phone: 01628 471 885 Location map OS SU897 853 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Stanmer Rural Museum    A museum of a bygone age, situated beside the historic house of Stanmer Park, just outside Brighton. The collections include agricultural implements, tools, photographs, domestic objects, as well as archaeology and natural history of the area. Stanmer Park, Stanmer Brighton, East Sussex, England Attraction Type: Museum Location: Located to the rear of Stanmer House (not open to the public). On site parking. Website: Stanmer Rural Museum Phone: +44 (0)1273 686076 OS TQ327106 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Steam - Museum of the Great Western Railway    Tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway. Hands on displays, world-famous locomotives, archive film footage, a reconstructed station platform, posters and holiday memorabilia recreate the glamour and excitement of the golden age of steam. Kemble Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire, England, SN2 2TA Attraction Type: Museum Location: on B4289 Website: Steam - Museum of the Great Western Railway Phone: 01793 466 646 Fax: 01793 466 615 Location map OS SU143 850 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Steyning Museum    A museum of local history covering the villages of Steyning, Bramber and Upper Beeding. Permanent exhibits includes fossils, Neolithic flint tools from nearby Chanctonbury Ring, Roman-British pottery, Saxon jewelry, medieval carvings, 18th century smugglers weapons, and Victorian prams. Church Street, Steyning, West Sussex, England, BN44 3YB Attraction Type: Museum Location: Steyning is located off the A283 between Shoreham and Storrington. Free entry Website: Steyning Museum Phone: 01903 813333 Location map OS TQ177112 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Stockwood Park Museum    This award-winning museum is set beside Stockwood Country Park in Luton. The museum covers 9 centuries of garden history, plus displays on rural life and crafts in Bedfordshire. The Mossman Collection of horse-drawn vehicles is the largest display of its kind in the UK. Exhibits trace the story of transport before the advent of the motor car, and there is also a section devoted to modern vehicles such as A Luton tram and vintage cars. Visitors can even go for rides in collection vehicles. Farley Hill, Luton, Bedfordshire, England, LU1 4BH Attraction Type: Museum Location: 2 miles S of town centre, near junction 10 of the M1 Phone: 01582 54 86 00 Location map Details of Stockwood Park Museum OS TL086 197 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Storrington and District Museum    A museum of local history covering archaeology, domestic history, local trades and crafts, and much more. There are displays on Storrington during the two World Wars, and medieval carvings and other articles from local churches. The Old School, School Lane Storrington, West Sussex, England, RH20 4LL Attraction Type: Museum Location: On School Lane, two blocks south of the junction of West Street and High Street. Free admission. Website: Storrington and District Museum Phone: 01903 892210 Location map OS TQ085140 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Stott Park Bobbin Mill   A piece of Lake District history, the working bobbin mill at Stott Park is a reminder of Cumbria's industrial heritage. Finsthwaite, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, England, LA12 8AX Attraction Type: Museum Location: ½ m N Finsthwaite near Newby Bridge; southwest side of Lake Windermere; accessible by Windermere ferry from Ambleside to Lakeside, then 1 mile Website: Stott Park Bobbin Mill Phone: 015395 31087 English Heritage Location map Details of Stott Park Bobbin Mill OS SD374 881 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Sudbury Hall - The National Trust Museum of Childhood    In the service wing of Sudbury Hall, a late 17th century country house, is this display of childhood from the 18th century until today. Learn the active way what it was like to be a "sweep" (climb a chimney without the soot) and see the exhibit of dolls and toys. Sudbury Hall, Sudbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, England, DE6 5HT Attraction Type: Museum Location: just N Sudbury, off A50 Website: Sudbury Hall - The National Trust Museum of Childhood Email: museumofchildhood@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01283 585 337 Fax: 01283 585 139 National Trust Location map OS SK158 323 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

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