Museums in England(T-Z) 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 museum of historic aircraft housed at an old RAF base at Tangmere, near Chichester. RAF Tangmere was opened in 1916 and served as a frontline fighter base in WWII and later as home to several world speed record attempts.
nr Chichester,
Tangmere,
West Sussex,
England,
PO20 2ES
A branch of the Tate Gallery in London, Tate St. Ives recognises the unique contributions of the St. Ives area to the heritage of art in Britain, particularly in the 20th century.
St Ives,
Cornwall,
England,
TR26 1TG
A small museum preserving artefacts of local life for Tenterden and area. The museum is housed in a small weatherboarded house, a short stroll away from the depot of the Tenterden historic railway line.
Station Road,
Tenterden,
Kent,
England,
TN30 6HN
Attraction Type:
Museum Heritage Rating:? Location: On Station Road, immediately behind the paid parking lot.
A fascinating museum based around one of the traditional sites of King Arthur's last battle. According to tradition, Arthur fought his last, fatal battle with Mordred at a site called Camlann. Is this the batlefield site? Well, perhaps. That possibility is enhanced with the fact that at the centre of the 20 acre site lies King Arthur's Stone, an inscribed 6th century memorial stone on the banks of the River Camel.
Slaughterbridge,
Camelford,
Cornwall,
England,
PL32 9TT
The Bayle is a late 12th century gateway to medieval Bridlington Priory. The name 'Bayle' comes from the French 'baille', for an enclosure or ward, the same word that gives us 'bailey'. It is the last remaining bit of the once powerful priory save for the church itself, which faces The Bayle across a long, peaceful green. The oldest parts of The Bayle date to sometime after 1143, when William le Gros built a fortified house here.
Kirkgate,
Bridlington,
Yorkshire,
England
The Northamptonshire village of Stoke Bruerne lies along the Grand Union Canal. On the south bank of the canal is the Canal Museum, which tells the history of the Grand Union Canal and the life of those who lived and worked on local waterways over the centuries. There are displays of narrowboat equipment, traditional painting, and clothing worn by canal workers.
A modern museum tracing the rich history of Lincolnshire through hands-on exhibits. Visitors can view archaeological finds from prehistory, Roman Lincoln, and the medieval period, right up to the modern day. Located immediately beside the Usher Gallery.
Danes Terrace,
Lincoln,
Lincolnshire,
England,
LN2 1LP
The only museum in Britain dedicated to dinosaurs, the award-winning Dorchester Dinosaur Museum is a treat, especially for children. The museum combines life-sized models of dinosaurs with actual fossils to create an enjoyable hands-on educationalk experience. Audio visual and computer displays tell the story of the giant lizards and what the earth was like millions of years ago.
Icen Way,
Dorchester,
Dorset,
England,
DT1 1EW
The Regency Town House is a lovely early 19th century building, located on Brunswick Square in Hove. This Grade I listed house was rescued from the modern rebuilding which affected many of its historic neighbours. It stands as a wonderful example of elegant Regency architecture, and a reminder of a way of life that has disappeared.
13 Brunswick Square,
Hove,
East Sussex,
England,
BN3 1EH
A fascinating museum detailing the maritime history of the Isle of Wight, with displys of historic shipwrecks, diving gear, and maritime memorabilia. Also at this location is a new Lifeboat museum tracing the heritage of the RNLI on the Isle of Wight.
Arreton Barns Complex,
Arreton,
Isle of Wight,
England
Step aboard the Tardis and explore the time-travelling world of Dr Who in this fascinating museum located in the centre of historic Bromyard. The Time Travel and Dr Who Museum features the real props used in Dr Who television series from the 1960s right up to the present day.
12 The Square,
Bromyard,
Herefordshire,
England,
HR7 4BP
A popular museum detailing Great Yarmouth's rich maritime history. The museum is located in a converted Victorian factory originally used for curing herring. The museum tries to recreate eras that illustrate Great Yarmouth's heritage; explore a fisherman's house and peer inside a Victorian 'Row'.
Blackfriars Road,
Great Yarmouth,
Norfolk,
England,
NR30 3BX
A bit of a different type of museum, the Time Machine undertakes projects and deconstructs the apparatus of science to let everyone get involved. Check it out!
Common Road,
Chichester,
West Sussex,
England,
PO18 9DH
Part historic house, part museum and gallery, Towneley Hall is an attractive stately home with its roots in the 14th century. It was the home of the Towneley family for over 5 centuries, but has been the home of the Burnley Art Gallery and Museums since 1902.
Towneley Park,
Burnley,
Lancashire,
England,
BB11 3RQ
This award-winning museum traces the turbulent history of the city of Carlisle and the border regions through interactive displays and audio-visual aids. From the Roman invasion, the building of Hadrian's Wall, and the years of the Border Rievers, the museum examines the history, archaeology, and social history of the Carlisle area. The art gallery houses exhibitions of fine and decorative arts, including an extensive Pre-Raphaelite collection, and changing exhibits of contemporary artists from all across the country.
Castle Street,
Carlisle,
Cumbria,
England,
CA3 8TP
A museum covering the history of Royal Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area. The museum was founded by Dr George Abott of the local Literary and Scientific Society in 1885. The original home of the museum was the lobby of the Society's headquarters on the Pantiles.
Civic Centre,
Mount Pleasant Tunbridge Wells,
Kent,
England,
TN1 1JN
This exhibition shows the lifestyle of the early inhabitants of the Newquay area, through a recreation of 5th century iron-mining and living conditions.
St Michael's Road,
Newquay,
Cornwall,
England
A little bit of Ancient Egypt in the heart of Hardy Country! The Tutankhamun Exhibition is a meticulously crafted recreation of the original Tutankhamun artefacts found when the pharoah's tomb was reopened in the early 20th century. The artefacts are displayed in an authentic model of the tomb chamber, as it looked in 1922 when archaeologist Howard Carter unearthed it.
High West Street,
Dorchester,
Dorset,
England,
DT1 1UW
Part of the University of Reading Classics Department, the museum houses one of the largest collections of Greek and Roman artefacts in Britain, with an emphasis on Greek and Etruscan ceramics and terracottas. As well, there is a collection of Egyptian antiquities dating from Pre-dynastic to the Roman period. Displays are rotated regularly.
Department of Classics, University of Reading,
Whiteknights Reading,
Berkshire,
England,
RG6 6AA
A modern museum tracing the rich history of Lincolnshire through hands-on exhibits. Visitors can view archaeological finds from prehistory, Roman Lincoln, and the medieval period, right up to the modern day. Located immediately beside the Usher Gallery.
Danes Terrace,
Lincoln,
Lincolnshire,
England,
LN2 1LP
The Victoria Art Gallery was opened in 1900 and stands near Bath's historic Pulteney Bridge. The gallery is free to visit, and features art from 1500 to the modern era, focussing in particular on the history of British painting. A special exhibit of works depicts Bath through the ages.
Bridge Street,
Bath,
Somerset,
England,
BA2 4AT
The extensive zoological collection of Lord Rothschild was opened to the public in 1892, and is now administered by the Natural History Museum. Over 4000 species may be seen, from around the world, in a seies of 6 galleries. "Bizarre, rare and beautiful"!
Akeman Street,
Tring,
Hertfordshire,
England,
HP23 6AP
A riverside museum reflecting the rich heritage of of the Wandle Valley. It displays evidence which establishes that the River Wandle was, in its day, the most industrialised river in Europe. Exhibitions concentrate on two of the Wandle's better known industries, namely the snuff and tobacco and textile industries.
The Vestry Hall Annexe,
London Road Mitcham,
Surrey,
England,
CR4 3UD
The Waterworks Museum bills iself as a 'Celebration of water engineering', tracing the story of drinking water through time. The museum is housed in a historic Victorian water pumping station which served as Hereford's main water supply station for well over a century. The museum has displays covering the history of drinking water from earliest prehistoric times through to today.
Broomy Hill,
Herfeord,
Herefordshire,
England,
HR4 0LJ
Over 35 historic buildings rescued from demolition have been carefully dismantled and reconstructed in this fascinating site. Among the many buildings on display are a medieval farmstead, complete with furniture and livestock, a watermill, and a Tudor market hall. There are numerous hands-on exhibits of building materials and techniques.
Singleton,
Chichester,
West Sussex,
England,
PO18 0EU
If this is Staffordshire, it must be time for another pottery museum. See the first pottery Josiah Wedgwood made way back in 1759, take a tour of the works, try your hand at "throwing" a pot, and buy a bargain in the factory "seconds" shop.
Barlaston,
Stoke On Trent,
Staffordshire,
England,
ST12 9ES
How can you pass this up? Wensleydale's world-famous cheese has a museum tracing the development of the cheese from monastic times to the present, a viewing gallery so you can look in as the cheese is prepared, free tasting, and a fine cheese shop.
Gayle Lane,
Hawes,
Yorkshire,
England,
DL8 3RN
The local Museum for Weobley and area, on the site formerly occupied by the village police station and court. Weobley is one of Herefordshire's famous 'Black and White Villages', with beautiful timber-framed buildings, and the museum has special exhibits on timber-framing and how half-timbered houses were built.
Back Lane,
Weobley,
Herefordshire,
England,
HR4 8SG
Housed in two historic buildings, the Jacobean Cloth Hall and the Granary, which dates to the early 18th century. There are a fascinating mix of local and worldwide exhibits, divided into 10 galleries. Among the galleries are those devoted to the locally produced Newbury Coat, Hot Air Ballooning, the English Civil War, and the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Wharf Street,
Newbury,
Berkshire,
England,
RG14 5AS
An engine house dating to 1830-s hoses the oldest working steam-powered drainage pump on the Somerset Levels. The museum features steam pumps and stationery steam engines as well as a narrow-gauge railway.
Hoopers Lane,
Westonzoyland,
nr Bridgwater,
Somerset,
England,
TA7 0LS
Founded in 1944, the Whipple Museum covers all branches of scientific endeavour - a tall order indeed! The museum disaplays scientific instruments, models, photographs, and artifacts relating to scientific exploration and discovery, including instruments used at the University as far back as the 16th century.
Free School Lane,
Cambridge,
Cambridgeshire,
England,
CB2 3RH
An unpretensious white house dating to the Tudor period. See the Tudor fireplace and bread ovens, the Stuart 'Grafitti' door, Georgian wallpaper, and Victorian rooms with displays about the Killick family, who inhabited Whitehall for over 200 years.
1 Malden Road,
Cheam,
Surrey,
England,
SM3 8QD
"I have looked further into space than any human being did before me". So said William Herschel, one of the most famous pioneers in the study of astronomy. Herschel lived in this Georgian townhouse and it was here in 1781 that he discovered the existence of the planet Uranus which helped to double the size of the then-known solar system.
19 New King Street,
Bath,
Somerset,
England,
BA1 2BL
A museum of local life, housed in a building that dates at least to the 15th century. Winchelsea was one of the Cinque Ports that played such an important part ion the history of England, and the museum tells the tale of Winchelsea through the years.
High Street,
Winchelsea,
East Sussex,
England,
BN25 9BH
A working medieval water mill in the very centre of historic Winchester. Owned by the National Trust, the mill sits on the River Itchen. Regular flour milling demonstrations are given, and there are exhibits detailing the history of the mill and showing how milling works.
Bridge Street,
Winchester,
Hampshire,
England,
SO23 8EJ
Serving Wisbech since 1874, this is one of the UK's oldest museums. Its original focus was on the natural history of the area, but its current collections are eclectic, a wide-ranging and in-depth exploration of subjects from local and social history to textiles to the slave trade to Egyptology.
Museum Square,
Wisbech,
Cambridgeshire,
England,
PE13 1ES
Worcester Porcelain has been manufacturing fine china here since 1751, making it the oldest English porcelain company still active. The works are located on Severn Street, a site they have occupied for over 160 years. The Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of Worcester Porcelain, is arranged in three galleries, focussed on the Georgian, Victorian and Twentieth Century periods.
Severn Street,
Worcester,
Worcestershire,
England,
WR1 2NE
Real life vet Alf Wight lived and worked at a modest cottage in the market town of Thirsk. The house is now a fascinating museum dedicated to the life of Wight and his fictional creation, James Herriot. There are displays depicting the life and practice of a country vet, and the history of veterinary medicine. In addition, there are exhibits detailing the popular television series, including the Austin 7 used in the series as James's car.
Thirsk,
Yorkshire,
England
A museum and art gallery covering local history of Worthing and the surrounding area. The highlight of the museum collection is a vast array of historic costumes. The large collection of toys is also worth mentioning.
Chapel Road,
Worthing,
West Sussex,
England,
BN11 1HP
Wycombe Museum is best known for its collection of Windsor chairs. In addition there are exhibits on life in the Wycombe area and the furniture industry that once flourished here. The museum is housed in an attractive 18th century manor set in wide lawns.
Priory Avenue,
HIgh Wycombe,
Buckinghamshire,
England,
HP13 6PX
Wymondham Heritage Museum is housed in The Bridewell, a former police station, prison, and court. The museum, which is operated by the Wymodham Heritage Society, covers the rich history of Wymondham as a centre of the brush-making industry. There are exhibitions of daily life over the centuries, and a special display on Wymondham's most famous native, Robert Kett, who launched an unsuccessful rebellion in 1549 and was eventually hung from the tower of Wymondham Abbey.
The Bridewell,
Norwich Road Wymondham,
Norfolk,
England,
NR18 0NS
Slip back in time to the Victorian era (or WWII Britain, or the 1970s) in this family-oriented interactive museum. Sister attraction in Great Yarmouth.
89-90 High Street,
Battle,
East Sussex,
England,
TN33 0AQ
Slip back in time to the Victorian era (or WWII Britain, or the 1970s) in this family-oriented interactive museum. Sister attraction in Battle.
34 Marine Parade,
Great Yarmouth,
Norfolk,
England,
NR30 2EN
Yesterday's World is a fascinating look into the past. Located directly opposite the entrance to historic Battle abbey, the museum boasts one of the largest collections of social history in England. The state of the art exhibition centre brings the past to life through recreations of different eras of history, from a Victorian streert scene to the Swinging 60's, a 1930s tea room, English country garden, and a traditional sweet shop.
Opposite Battle Abbey,
89-90 High Street Battle,
East Sussex,
England,
TN33 0AQ
One of Britain's truly great museums, so don't miss it if you are in York. Housed in Grade 1 listed 18th century prison buildings, York Castle Museum recreates daily life in England through the past 400 years. As well as reconstructions of two different authentic street scenes - the Victorian Kirkgate and the Edwardian Half Moon Court, built in the actual former debtor's prison - the museum contains costume, social history, and military exhibits, as well as giant dolls houses.
Eye of York,
York,
Yorkshire,
England,
Y01 9RY
Buried deep beneath the streets of York is the most horrifying museum in the north of England. York Dungeon is a journey through the past of York - the dark, terrifying past. The exhibits recount horrifying deeds and doers, from the graphic torture of York native Guy Fawkes to the death of highwayman Dick Turpin.
12 Clifford's Street,
York,
Yorkshire,
England,
SE603 516
An excellent museum focussed around 4 oval systems of Hornby 00 gauge track. With over 320 metres of track and 14 trains running every day, there is sure to be something for every rail enthusiast. Children can join in the fun by operating the Thomas the Tank Engine display.
Tea Room Square,
York Station York,
Yorkshire,
England,
YO24 1AY
This museum is a re-creation of a 1940's air base, featuring the Halifax 4-engined bomber. Over 25 planes are displayed, including a Mosquitoe night fighter that took over 25 years to restore, Buccanneers, and Britain's first jet bomber. There is also a reconstruction of the 1849 Caylet glider - the first unpowered plane to carry a man. The Allied Air Forces Memorial is built in memory of the many Allied Servicemen who died while flying from this airfield. A chapel adjoins the memorial, and regular services are held.
Halifax Way,
Elvington,
Yorkshire,
England,
YO41 4AU
The Yorkshire Museum is an archaeological treasure trove boasting some of the finest historical artefacts in all of Europe. Permanent exhibits trace the history of Yorkshire from the earliest times. Other displays show the changing pattern of the geography and climate of York over the past 300 million years. There are also regular temporary exhibits ranging from art to dinosaurs and beyond.
Museum Gardens,
York,
Yorkshire,
England,
YO1 7FR
Really four attractions in one. There is an agricultural museum featuring tools, machinery, and farm animals. Danelaw is a reconstruction of an authentic Saxon village from the Dark Ages, and Brigantium is a model Roman army fort where children can dress in realistic Roman garb. On Sunday visitors can also ride old trains along ther old Derwent Valley line.
Murton Park,
Murton Lane Murton,
Yorkshire,
England,
YO19 5UF
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