Map of Museums in Britain
Historic UK's interactive map of museums in Britain. You can also filter between types of museums, including Aviation Museums and Natural History Museums.
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Historic UK
306th Bombardment Group Museum, Thurleigh

Type of Museum: Military Museum

Country: Bedfordshire, England

Owned / Operated by: USAF 306th Bombardment Group

Address: Bedford Technology Park, Bedford MK44 1QU

Housed in one of the original WWII airfield buildings, the museum relates the history of the airfield as it was during the war years. Displaying a collection of artefacts from the Second World War, it is exhibited in such a way as to re-create the sights, sounds and atmosphere of those times. Open weekend and bank holidays Mar – Oct, admission charges apply.

Abbey House Museum, Kirkstall, Leeds

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Yorkshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Leeds City Council

Address: Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH

Set in the gatehouse of the ruined Kirkstall Abbey, the ground floor of the local history museum has been set out as an area of authentic Victorian streets, complete with a range of shops and services, including the original shop fittings. The upstairs galleries explore the history of the abbey and display a collection of 19th century toys, games and dolls. Open daily Tues – Sun, admission charges apply.

Abbey Pumping Station, Leicester

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum

Country: Leicestershire, England

Owned / Operated by: Leicester City Council

Address: Corporation Road, Leicester LE4 5PX

Together with the adjacent National Space Centre, the two museums trace more than 200 years of science and technology, from the early day of steam to modern day space exploration. In addition, the Abbey tells the story of Leicester’s industrial, technological and scientific heritage. Open daily, with free admission.

Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kendal

Type of Museum: Art Gallery

Country: Cumbria, England

Owned / Operated by: Lakeland Arts Trust

Address: Kendal LA9 5AL

Located in historic Abbot Hall, the gallery exhibits one of the most important collections of George Romney’s paintings in Britain, as well as a significant display of watercolours, including J M W Turner’s masterpiece The Passage of Mount St. Gotthard and Windermere. The gallery is also the official home of The Arthur Ransome Society, with a display of some of his personal memorabilia exhibited. Open daily Mon – Sat, Sundays throughout July and Aug, admission charges apply.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Type of Museum: Maritime Museum

Country: North East Scotland, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Friends of Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums

Address: Shiprow, Aberdeen AB11 5BY

Located on historic Shiprow, in the heart of the city and close to the harbour, the museum tells the story of Aberdeen’s long association with the sea. The large collection of exhibits cover shipbuilding, fast sailing ships, fishing and the history of the port. Open daily all year round, except Mondays, free admission.

Abingdon County Hall Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Oxfordshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Abingdon Museum Friends

Address: Market Place, Abingdon OX14 3HG

Set in the former courtroom of the Berkshire Assizes, this local history museum re-opened in 2012 after an extensive restoration project. The museum’s permanent exhibitions include some of Abingdon’s most important and historically significant artefacts, including the 16th century Monk’s Map, a replica of the Anglo-Saxon Abingdon Sword, and one of the last MGB roadsters produced at the nearby MG factory. Open daily Tues – Sun, free admission.

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum

Country: Shropshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Shropshire Council

Address: Acton Scott, near Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 6QQ

One of Britain’s leading working farm museums, Acton Scott Historic Working Farm specialises in practical demonstrations of historic farming using traditional skills and period horse-drawn machines. Experience life around the farm yard and in the cottage, ending each day with milking by hand. Open daily Sat – Wed, between end-March and end-Oct, admission charges apply.

Aldeburgh Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Suffolk, England

Owned / Operated by: Registered Charity

Address: The Moot Hall, Aldeburgh IP15 5DS

Set within the 16th century timber-framed Moot Hall, the museum tells the story of the sea-side town of Aldeburgh from the earliest settlers until the present day. Open afternoons Apr to Oct, admission charges apply.

Allerford Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Somerset, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 1065071

Address: Allerford, Minehead TA24 8HN

Home to the West Somerset Rural Life Museum, Victorian Schoolroom and West Somerset Photographic Archive, Allerford Museum now contains several thousand artefacts and photographs mostly dating from the early 1800s to the late 1950s. The Victorian Schoolroom contains desks and other memorabilia from the period. Open daily from April to end October, closed on Saturdays and Mondays, admission charges apply.

Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: West Sussex, England

Owned / Operated by: Southern Industrial History Centre Trust

Address: Houghton Bridge, Station Rd, Amberley, Arundel BN18 9LT

Occupying a 36 acre site in the South Downs National Park, the museum celebrates the industrial heritage of South East England. Exhibits include a narrow-gauge railway and bus service (to explore the site), a Telecommunications Hall and Electricity Hall. The museum is also home to traditional craftsfolk. Open daily Wed – Sun, between March and Oct, admission charges apply.

American Museum in Britain, Bath

Type of Museum: Genral Museum

Country: Somerset, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 1106989

Address: Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD

Set in 120 acre grounds and housed in historic Claverton Manor, the museum first opened its doors to the public in 1961. The only museum showcasing American decorative and folk art outside of the United States, it was founded to better promote Anglo-American understanding. Documenting the development of American decorative arts from the 1680s onwards, exhibits include an extensive collection of quilts, pieces of traditional Shaker furniture, Native American art and original maps of the New World. A series of period rooms lead the visitor from colonial times until the eve of the American Civil War. Open afternoons Tues to Sun, admission charges apply.

Amersham Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Buckinghamshire , England

Owned / Operated by: Charity Number 288865

Address: 49 High St, Amersham, HP7 0DP

Housed in a 15th century half-timbered house, the museum tells the story of Amersham through collections of archaeological finds and artefacts from Roman times through to the present day. Open Wed, Thur, Sat & Sun afternoons between late spring to early autumn, admission charges apply.

Andover Museum and the Museum of the Iron Age, Andover

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Hampshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Hampshire County Council

Address: 6 Church Close, Andover SP10 1DP

Housed in an 18th century town house, the museum relates the story of the Andover from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum’s exhibits and collections relate to natural history, archaeological finds, local industry and Andover’s infamous workhouse. In the same building, the Museum of the Iron Age tells the story of the nearby Danebury hill fort. Open daily Tues – Sat, free admission.

Annan Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Dumfries and Galloway Council

Address: Bank Street, Annan DG12 6AA

Exploring the history of the town and people of Annan from prehistoric times to the modern era, this family friendly museum houses a wide variety of exhibits from a 4000 year old Bronze Age burial urn to a 110 year old piece of chocolate. The museum also hosts special exhibitions and events throughout the season. Open Mon – Sat from April to end-Oct, free admission.

Anson Engine Museum

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum

Country: Cheshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Anson Museum Trust Limited

Address: Anson Road, Poynton, Cheshire, SK12 1TD

Set on the site of the old Anson Colliery, this specialist museum houses a unique collection of over 250 gas and oil engines, including many maintained in running order. A steam section includes two Robey engines, and another display explores the development of the internal combustion engine. The museum opens to the public one weekend a month from Easter until end of October.

Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum, South Shields

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Tyne and Wear, England

Owned / Operated by: Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums

Address: Baring Street, South Shields NE33 2BB

Once a supply fort for Hadrian’s Wall, today Arbeias barracks and gatehouse have been reconstructed on their original foundations and a museum set up within to explain the history of the site. Open daily Mon – Sat and Sunday afternoons from April to end-Sept, free admission.

Army Medical Services Museum

Type of Museum: Military Museum

Country: Surrey, England

Owned / Operated by: Army Museums Ogilby Trust

Address: Keogh Barracks, Ash Vale, Aldershot, GU12 5RQ

Home to the four collections of the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC), Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC), Royal Army Dental Corps (RADC) and Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC), the museum relates the story of army medicine and healthcare, both human and animal, from the English Civil War to the present day. Open daily Mon – Thur, free admission.

Ashford Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Kent, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 298060

Address: The Churchyard, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1QG

Housed in a 17th century listed building, the museum features exhibits associated with Ashford town’s history. Set over two floors, it presents a variety of exhibits and artefacts from prehistoric times through to the first and second world wars, including a new railway room. Open 11-14.00, Tues to Sat, free admission.

Ashmolean Museum Broadway

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Worcestershire , England

Owned / Operated by: Ashmolean Museum Broadway

Address: Tudor House, 65 High Street, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7DP

Based at the 17th century Tudor House, the Ashmolean Broadway houses unique collections of furniture and paintings on loan from the Ashmolean Oxford. Displayed over three floors, exhibits include fine and decorative art from the 17th to the 21st centuries. Open daily Tues – Sun, admission charges apply.

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Oxfordshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Oxford University

Address: Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2PH

The Ashmolean Museum is home to the Oxford University’s collection of art and archaeology. Founded in 1683 it is the first public museum in the UK and one of the oldest in the world. Highlights include mummies from Ancient Egypt; classical sculpture from Greece and Rome; paintings by masters of European art such as Raphael, Rembrandt van Rijn, William Turner, and Vincent Van Gogh; and the greatest collection of Chinese art in the western world. Entry to the museum is free.

Ashwell Village Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Hertfordshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Friends of Ashwell Village Museum

Address: Swan Street, Ashwell SG7 5NY

Set in a restored half-timbered Tudor building, the museum exhibits a comprehensive range of everyday artefacts concerned with village life and the surrounding countryside from the Stone Age to the present day. Open Sun and bank holiday afternoons, free admission.

Astley Hall Museum and Art Gallery, Chorley

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: Lancashire, England

Owned / Operated by: Chorley Council

Address: Chorley PR7 1XA

Set within a historic house in the grounds of Astley Park, this museum and art gallery houses a social history collection relating to the hall and the wider Chorley area in general. Other displays in the museum relate to local archaeology and the military history of the area, as well as exhibiting a significant collection of artwork, pottery and glassware. Open weekend afternoons and Mon – Wed afternoons during school holidays, free admission.

Atholl Country Life Museum, Blair Atholl

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Perthshire, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. SCO35882

Address: Blair Atholl, Pitlochry PH18 5SP

Once the village school, this unique and lively museum provides an insight into country life and the social history of the Atholl people using a range of imaginative displays. Open daily from end May to end Sept, admission charges apply.

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Bromsgrove

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Worcestershire, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 241644

Address: Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR

Opened in 1967, Avoncroft became England’s first open-air museum. The museum now houses a collection of 30 agricultural, domestic, industrial, and other types of historic buildings, which have been relocated and re-erected on the 19 acre site. Open daily Jul & Aug, Tue – Sun between Mar – Jun & Sep – Oct, Sat & Sun only Nov – Feb, admission charges apply.

Aylth Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Perth and Kinross, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Perth & Kinross Council

Address: Commercial Street, Alyth, PH11 8AF

In an area rich in farming and agriculture, the museum exhibits a wealth of pictures and artefacts reflecting life as it was in and around the small Perthshire village of Alyth. Open p.m. Wed – Sun, early-May to late-Sept, free admission.

Baird Institute Museum and Art Gallery, Cumnock, Ayrshire

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: West Coast of Scotland, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: East Ayrshire Council

Address: 3 Lugar Street, Cumnock KA18 1AD

First opened in 1891 to provide educational and leisure facilities for the good folk of Cumnock, the Baird relates the history of the town and Doon Valley area. In particular displays and artefacts tell the story of the religious struggles of the 17th century, the Ayrshire coal and Cumnock pottery industries. The Keir Hardie Room details the life and career of the founder of the Labour Party, who spent much of his adult life in the town. Open daily Thursday – Saturday, free admission.

Bakewell Old House Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Derbyshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Bakewell & District Historical Society

Address: Cunningham Place, Bakewell DE45 1DD

Located behind Bakewell Church just a short walk from the town centre, Old House Museum is set within ten beamed rooms with wattle and daub partitions. With parts of the building dating from Tudor times, learn about Bakewell’s industrial history with the Arkwright family mill. Open daily from April to Oct, admission charges apply.

Banbury Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Oxfordshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Cherwell District Council

Address: Spiceball Park Road, Banbury OX16 2PQ

Set beside the Oxford Canal, the museum first opened its doors to the public in 2002 and tells the 400 year old history of the town. Displays explore Banbury as a Victorian market town, as well as the area’s involvement in the English Civil War. Open daily Mon – Sat, free admission.

Bank of England Museum, City of London

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: London, England

Owned / Operated by: Bank of England

Address: Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH

The museum tells the story of the United Kingdom’s central bank, from its foundation in 1694 to the current role it plays in maintaining a healthy economy. Exhibits include photographs, paintings, coins, banknotes and a display of gold, from the days of the Roman Empire to a collection of more modern bullion bars. Modern technology is used to explain the Bank’s present day role. Open daily from Mon to Fri, free admission.

Bankfield Museum, Halifax

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Yorkshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Calderdale Council

Address: Akroyd Park, Boothtown Road, Halifax HX3 6HG

Set within an imposing Victorian Mansion in the surroundings of Akroyd Park, the museum’s collections include a display of textiles from around the world and a toy gallery. Bankfield is also home to the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment Museum, complete with an original pair of Wellington’s boots! Open daily Tues – Sat, free admission.

Barley Hall, York

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Yorkshire, England

Owned / Operated by: York Archaeological Trust

Address: 2 Coffee Yard, York YO1 8AR

Once home to the Mayor of York, this stunning medieval building was only re-discovered in the 1980s behind the modern faÃ§ade of a derelict office block. Now restored to its original 15th century splendour, visitors can experience life in Medieval England first hand. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Battle Museum of Local History

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: East Sussex, England

Owned / Operated by:

Address: The Almonry, High St, Battle TN33 0AE

Set within the pretty walled gardens of the Almonry, the museum exhibits many fascinating artifacts from the town’s past, including objects from prehistoric times to the world’s oldest effigy of Guy Fawkes. A special exhibition tells the story of England’s most famous battle, the Battle of Hastings, fought on the site of nearby Battle Abbey. Open Mon to Sat, free admission.

Beamish Museum, nr Stanley

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Co. Durham, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 517147

Address: Beamish DH9 0RG

Presenting everyday life in urban and rural North East England during the days of the Industrial Revolution, this 300 acre living history museum utilises a considerable collection of buildings, vehicles, equipment, livestock and costumed interpreters to relate the history of the region. The museum includes a town, complete with Victorian era buildings, a railway station with rolling stock and signal box, a colliery village with an original coal mine, and a mid-nineteenth century farm complex, all connected by a trams and buses. Open daily during the summer season, closed Mondays and Fridays during the winter, admission charges apply.

Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, Canterbury

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: Kent, England

Owned / Operated by: Canterbury Museums

Address: 18 High Street, Canterbury CT1 2RA

Set in the heart of the historic city, this art museum and library re-opened its doors to the public in 2012 after an extensive restoration project. Named after its benefactor, Dr James George Beaney, its collections range from ancient Egyptian artefacts to paintings by local artists. Open daily, free admission.

Beatles Story, Liverpool

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Merseyside, England

Owned / Operated by: Merseytravel

Address: Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD

Set on Liverpool’s Albert Dock, the museum tells the story of the 1960’s pop group. From the earliest days at the Casbah Coffee Club, the museum explores how the Fab Four were propelled to worldwide fame to become the greatest band of all time. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Bede’s World, Jarrow

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Tyne and Wear, England

Owned / Operated by: South Tyneside District Council

Address: Church Bank, Jarrow NE32 3DY

A museum dedicated to the life and times of the Venerable Bede, an Anglo-Saxon monk and scholar who lived at the nearby St Pauls monastery. Best known as the author of The Ecclesiastical History of the English People, he recorded the beginnings of the English as a single nation. In addition to the main ‘Age of Bede’ exhibit, the museum also includes replica buildings, built with original materials, using skills that would have been present around 700AD. Open daily throughout the year, entrance charges apply.

Belford & District Hidden History

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Northumberland , England

Owned / Operated by: Belford and District Hidden History

Address: Church Street, Belford, Northumberland

The museum tells the story of Belford and its surrounding area, and on the lives of the men, women and children who lived there. Open daily, free admission.

Berwick Museum and Art Gallery, Berwick-upon-Tweed

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: Northumberland, England

Owned / Operated by: Northumberland County Council

Address: Berwick Barracks, Berwick TD15 1DG

The museum tells the violent medieval story of this historic border town. Ever-changing displays of old masters are on display in the gallery, thanks to the collection donated to the town by Glasgow shipping millionaire Sir William Burrell. Open daily Mon – Fri from April to end-Sept, admission charges apply.

Bexhill Museum, Bexhill on Sea

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Sussex, England

Owned / Operated by: Bexhill Museum Ltd

Address: Egerton Road, Bexhill TN39 3HL

Celebrating its centenary in 2014, the museum is exploring Bexhill’s contribution to the Great War. Other permanent collections within the museum examine the town’s role as the birth place of British motor racing and a costume collection dating from the 17th century. Open daily from Feb to Nov, admission charges apply.

Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, Torfaen

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum

Country: South Wales, Wales

Owned / Operated by: National Museum of Wales

Address: Blaenafon, Torfaen NP4 9XP

A working coalmine for over 100 years, the Big Pit National Coal Museum first opened its doors to visitors in 1980. Dedicated to preserving the Welsh heritage of coal mining, the museum tells the story of the power source that fed the Industrial Revolution and the men that made it all possible. Travel 300 feet underground and experience what life was really like for the thousands of men who worked the coal face. Open daily all year round, free admission.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: West Midlands, England

Owned / Operated by: Birmingham Museums Trust

Address: Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DH

First opened in 1885, the museum features over forty galleries displaying archaeology finds and exploring local and social history. The museum also exhibits objects spanning seven centuries of European and world history, including the Greeks, Romans and ancient Egypt. The art gallery is famous for its collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Open daily, free admission.

Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: West Midlands, England

Owned / Operated by: Black Country Living Museum Trust

Address: Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ

First opened in 1978, this large open-air museum consists of historic buildings relocated from their original sites from across the Black Country to portray life in the period from the 1830s to the 1950s. Set over 26 acres, the museum tells the story of the world’s first industrial landscape with historic shops, houses, library and fairground. The museum’s collection of vehicles includes trams, motor buses, trolley buses, cars, motor cycles as well as canal branch. Open daily Apr – end-Oct, Wed – Sun during winter, admission charges apply.

Black Watch Castle and Museum, Perth

Type of Museum: Military Museum

Country: Perthshire, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. SCO05848

Address: Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, Perth PH1 5HR

Housed in historic Balhousie Castle, the Black Watch Museum brings this glorious regiment’s past vibrantly to life. The displays and exhibits detail the history of Scotland’s oldest Highland regiment. A family friendly museum, with trails, activities and other regular events for families. Open daily throughout the year, admission charges apply.

Blairs Museum, Blairs, Nr Aberdeen

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: North East Scotland, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland

Address: South Deeside Road, Blairs, Aberdeen AB12 5YQ

Housed in a former seminary, Blairs offers an insight into Scotland’s long Catholic history. The museum is home to an extensive collection of religious artefacts and unique Jacobite memorabilia belonging to the Scottish Roman Catholic Church. Open weekends April to October, admission charges apply.

Blandford Fashion Museum, Blandford Forum

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Dorset, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1052471

Address: The Plocks, Blandford Forum DT11 7AA

Set in a well-proportioned Georgian house, the museum first opened its doors to the public in 1996 with the aim of displaying the connection between fashion and social history. The museum exhibits an extensive collection of day wear, evening wear and wedding dresses, dating from the early 18th century to the 1970s. Open daily Mon, Thurs, Fri and Sat, from Easter to November, admission charges apply.

Blandford Town Museum, Blandford Forum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Dorset, England

Owned / Operated by: Blandford Museum Trust

Address: Bere’s Yard, Blandford Forum DT11 7HQ

Set in a former coach house, the museum holds a wealth of artefacts and archives relating to the town and surrounding area, dating from Prehistoric times to the present day. Open daily Mon – Sat, from April to end-Oct, free admission.

Bletchley Park, nr Milton Keynes

Type of Museum: Science Museum

Country: Buckinghamshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Bletchley Park Trust

Address: Milton Keynes MK3 6EB

The birthplace of modern computing, the museum details the critical contribution that codebreaking and intelligence played in World War II. The main collection of galleries and exhibits are displayed within the wartime Codebreaking Huts, and include Hitler’s “Unbreakable” Cipher Machine and a fully-operational bombe, the electro-mechanical device developed by Turing and Welchman to crack the Enigma Codes. Housed on the same site are the National Radio Centre and the National Museum of Computing. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Bolton Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: Manchester, England

Owned / Operated by: Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council

Address: Le Mans Crescent, Bolton BL1 1SE

Housed together with the town’s central library, this local history museum tells the story of Bolton and its people. In addition, its collections range from natural history, archaeology, Egyptology as well as one of the oldest public aquariums in Britain. The museum’s fine art collection comprises more than 3500 exhibits, mainly by British artists dating from the 18th century. Open daily, free admission.

Booth Museum of Natural History, Brighton and Hove

Type of Museum: Natural History Museum

Country: Sussex, England

Owned / Operated by: Brighton and Hove City Council

Address: 194 Dyke Road, Brighton BN1 5AA

Founded in 1874 by naturalist Edward Booth, the museum was originally built to house his lifetime collection of stuffed British birds. Other natural history collections on display include butterflies, fossils, bones and skeletons. Open daily Mon – Sat and Sun afternoons, free admission.

Bowes Museum, nr Barnard Castle

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: Co. Durham, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1079639

Address: Barnard Castle DL12 8NP

This purpose designed art gallery first opened its doors to the public in 1892 and houses a nationally renowned collection. Named in honour of its founder John Bowes, it contains works by El Greco, Goya, Canaletto and Boucher, as well as exhibits of fine and decorative art. With collections displayed over three floors, the Fashion and Textiles Gallery is particularly innovative. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Bradford Industrial Museum

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum

Country: Yorkshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Bradford Council

Address: Moorside Mills, Moorside Road, Eccleshill, Bradford BD2 3HP

Set within a small Victorian spinning mill, the museum displays a collection of textile machinery, steam engines, printing machinery and motor vehicles, reflecting Bradford’s industrial heritage. Explore the differences between the splendour of Moorside House, home to the mill manager, against the more austere surroundings of the mill-workers’ terraced houses. Open daily Tues – Sun, free admission.

Bridgwater Blake Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Somerset, England

Owned / Operated by: Bridgwater Town Council

Address: 5 Blake Street, Bridgwater TA6 3NB

Set in a 16th century house in the heart of Bridgwater, the museum first opened its doors to the public in 1926. The building is reputed to be the birthplace of the ‘Father of the Royal Navy’ Admiral Robert Blake, Cromwell’s General-at-Sea, during the English Civil War. The local museum depicting the history of Bridgwater, it also relays the fascinating story of the founder of the modern navy. Open April to end October, Tuesday – Saturday, entry is free.

Bridport Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Dorset, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1090327

Address: 25 South Street, Bridport DT6 3NR

Set behind the faÃ§ade of a fine 16th century building, the museum houses a collection of artefacts relating the town of Bridport and the surrounding area. The museum’s collection of archaeological finds includes some significant Roman military material from two local sites, whilst the Jurassic Coast Gallery contains examples of the fossils which can be found along the nearby stretch of coastline. Open daily Mon – Sat, from April to Oct, free admission.

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: Sussex, England

Owned / Operated by: Brighton and Hove City Council

Address: Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton BN1 1EE

Set in the Royal Pavilion gardens, the museum explores Brighton’s rich and colourful history, including its royal connections. There are three galleries devoted to Fine Art and a significant collection of World Art. Other galleries explore fashion through the ages, pottery and celebrations from around the world, including puppets, masks, costumes and musical instruments. Open daily Tues – Sun, free admission.

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: Somerset, England

Owned / Operated by: Bristol Museums

Address: Queens Rd, Bristol, BS8 1RL

Housing internationally important collections of archaeology, geology and art, this impressive Venetian Gothic style building boasts 19 galleries over 3 floors. The art gallery contains works from all periods, including artwork by local lad Banksy. Open daily, free admission.

British Golf Museum, St Andrews, Fife

Type of Museum: Sport Museum

Country: Edinburgh and Fife, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews Trust

Address: Bruce Embankment, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AB

Close to the world famous Old Course and directly opposite from the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse, this museum contains the finest collection of golfing memorabilia in Europe. With over 16,000 items gathered together, it tells the story of golf with exhibits dating from the 17th century through to the present day. Open daily all year round, admission charges apply.

British Museum, Camden

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: London, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1140844

Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG

Housing one of the world’s greatest collections of historic treasures, the British Museum documents the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present. First opened to the public in 1759, its vast array of exhibits includes the Elgin Marbles, the Rossetta Stone, the Sutton Hoo treasure and the mummy of Cleopatra from Thebes. Open daily, free admission.

British Schools Museum, Hitchin

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Hertfordshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Hitchin British Schools Trust

Address: 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin SG4 9TS

Based in an original Edwardian and Victorian School, this educational museum includes a monitorial schoolroom based on the theories of Joseph Lancaster, the ‘Poor Child’s Friend’. Dating from the early 1800s, Lancaster’s ideas for educating the children of the working poor of Hertfordshire included a system whereby a large number of younger scholars could be taught by older scholars, under the supervision of the master. Open on Tuesdays, am on Saturdays and pm Sundays, admission charges apply.

Brixham Heritage Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Devon, England

Owned / Operated by: Brixham Museum and History Society

Address: New Road, Brixham TQ5 8LZ

Housed in the Old Police Station, the museum is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the town and its people. Set over two floors, much of the lower gallery features exhibits reflecting Brixham’s maritime heritage and the building’s former function as a police station. The first floor gallery displays finds from the museum’s archaeological team, spanning prehistoric times to World War II. Open daily Tues – Sat during the summer months, Tues – Sat morning in the winter, admission charges apply.

Bronte Pasonage Museum, Haworth

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Yorkshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Bronte Society

Address: Church Street, Haworth BD22 8DR

Former home of the Bronte family, the parsonage museum contains the world’s most comprehensive collection of manuscripts, letters, early editions of the novels and poetry of this famous literary family. Explore the rooms were the Bronte’s spent most of their lives and wrote their famous novels. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Brooklands Museum, Weybridge

Type of Museum: Transport Museum

Country: Surrey, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 296661

Address: Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN

Located on the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit, Brooklands was the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation. The museum’s motoring and aviation exhibits range from racing cars, motorcycles and bicycles to a unique collection of British-built aircraft, including a World War II Wellington Bomber, Vickers Viscount, Vanguard, VC10, BAC One-Eleven and Concorde. Brooklands is also home to the new London Bus Museum, with a display of more than 30 historic buses dating back to the 1870s. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Buckingham Old Gaol Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Buckinghamshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 292807

Address: Market Hill, Buckingham MK18 1JX

Set within the heart of Buckingham, this purpose-built former prison now a museum, relates the story of this historic market town. The original cells form part of the museum exhibits as does the prisoners’ exercise yard, other zones include Romans, Anglo Saxons, Tudors, Victorians and Edwardians through to WWII. Open daily Mon – Sat, admission charges apply.

Buckinghamshire County Museum, Aylesbury

Type of Museum: County Museum

Country: Buckinghamshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Buckinghamshire County Council

Address: Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP

Set within three historic buildings, the museum exhibits artefacts relating to the history of Buckinghamshire with displays of costume agriculture and industry. The museum also houses a significant collection of historic photographs, British Studio Ceramics, as well as fine displays of painting, prints and drawings. To the rear of the building, is the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, were workshop sessions can be booked in advance. Open daily Tues – Sat, free admission.

Buckler’s Hard

Type of Museum: Maritime Museum

Country: Hampshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Beaulieu Enterprises Ltd

Address: Buckler’s Hard, Beaulieu, Hampshire, SO42 7XB

Located in the heart of the New Forest, the museum presents the history of this 18th century shipbuilding village, where warships for Nelson’s Navy were once built. A 30 minute cruise reveals the history of the Beaulieu River, one of the few privately owned rivers in the world. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Burnham-on-Crouch and District Museum

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Essex, England

Owned / Operated by: Burnham Museum Trust

Address: Burnham-on-Crouch CM0 8AH

Located in a former boat-builder’s premises, the museum exhibits a collection of material relating to agriculture, fishing, oyster fishery and farming. It also explores local industries, including boat building and iron working, as well as the social history of the region. Open afternoons on Wed, Sat and Sun from Easter to end Nov, daily during the school summer holidays, admission charges apply.

Burton Art Gallery and Museum, Bideford

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: Devon, England

Owned / Operated by: Accredited Museum

Address: Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ

Set in Bideford’s Victoria Park, the building houses three exhibition areas including a permanent ceramics display and museum, as well as a collection of highly significant paintings, many of which are directly related to the local area. Open daily, free admission.

Bury Art Museum

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: Manchester, England

Owned / Operated by: Bury Council

Address: Moss Street, Bury BL9 0DR

Although originally opened in 1907, the museum received a total refurbishment in 2005 to provide a brand new-look facility including a museum, art gallery and library all housed in one building. As well as telling the story of the town and its people, the museum houses the Wrigley Collection. Collected by the Victorian paper manufacturer Thomas Wrigley, the displays include works by Constable, Landseer and Turner. Open daily Tues – Sat.

Bushey Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Hertfordshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 294261

Address: Rudpolph Road, Bushey, WD23 3HW

The museum details the story of the village of Bushey and its unique artistic history, through a collection of works and items relating to Sir Hubert von Herkomer RA. Also on show is the Lucy Kemp-Welch Memorial Trust Collection. The social history of the village is explored through displays and aretfacts, including locally made products and historic maps. Open Thurs to Sun, 11 – 16.00, free admission.

Bute Museum, Rothesay, Isle of Bute

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: West Coast of Scotland, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Buteshire Nat. History Soc.

Address: 7 Stuart Street, Rothesay, Isle Of Bute PA20 0EP

An independently run museum detailing the natural and historical heritage of the Isle of Bute. Exhibits and artefacts detail aspects of Bute’s history from Mesolithic and Neolithic times, through to the closing years of the 20th century. The Natural History Gallery explores the geology, plants, animals and birdlife of the island. Open daily April – Oct, admission charges apply. Closed Dec and Jan.

Cadbury World, Birmingham

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: West Midlands, England

Owned / Operated by: Cadbury Chocolate Company

Address: Bourneville B30 1JR

Opened in 1990 on Cadbury’s Bourneville manufacturing site, the museum explores the history of chocolate. Through its 14 zones, the museum tells the story of chocolate and the Cadbury business utilising various inn votive methods including animatronics, videos, cinema, interactive displays and demonstrations. Open daily between Feb and Nov, with limited opening times in Dec, admission charges apply.

Cambridge Museum of Technology

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum

Country: Cambridgeshire, England

Owned / Operated by:

Address: Cheddars Lane, Cambridge CB5 8LD

Just a mile from the city centre, this industrial museum is housed in the original sewage pumping station for Cambridge. Displaying the station’s original pumping equipment, collections in the museum include artefacts from local industries W.G. Pye and Cambridge Instrument Company. Other exhibits include a working steam winch hauling a narrow gauge incline railway and a print room with a large collection of old printing equipment. Admission charges apply.

Canterbury Heritage Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Kent, England

Owned / Operated by: Canterbury Museums

Address: Stour Street, Canterbury CT1 2NR

Set in the 12th century Poor Priests’ Hospital, the museum tells the story of Canterbury from pre-Roman times to the present day. Arranged in chronological order, the exhibits explore the city’s history from prehistoric times through to the days of the World War II Blitz. The museum also displays the 9th century Saxon Canterbury Cross and houses a gallery dedicated to Rupert the Bear, whose creator Mary Tourtel was born in the city. Open daily Wed – Sun, admission charges apply.

Cardiff Story Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: South Wales, Wales

Owned / Operated by: Cardiff Council

Address: The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1BH

Housed in the iconic Old Library, the Cardiff Story relates the history of the city through a collection of over 3,000 objects and artefacts. It tells the story of how Cardiff was transformed from a small market town to one of the world’s largest ports in the 1900s, through to today’s cosmopolitan capital city. Open daily throughout the year, free admission.

Carmarthen Museum, Abergwili, Carmarthenshire

Type of Museum: County Museum

Country: South Wales, Wales

Owned / Operated by: Carmarthenshire County Council.

Address: Abergwili, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire SA31 2JG

Housed in a former priest’s college dating from around 1290, the museum tells the history of the county through a rich collection of artefacts, paintings, furniture and costume. Once the palace of the Bishops of St David’s, it was from here that the New Testament was first translated into the Welsh language in 1567. Ideal for picnics, the museum’s park enjoys spectacular views across the Tywi Valley. Open daily from Tues to Sat all year round, free admission.

Castle House Museum, Dunoon

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: West Coast of Scotland, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Castle House Museum Trust

Address: Castle Gardens, Dunoon, Argyll PA23 7HH

Opened in 1998, the museum is housed in an historic building opposite Dunoon Pier. Through exhibits, models and other artefacts it tells the story of Dunoon from the Neolithic period to the present day. Open daily from Easter to October, admission charges apply.

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, Widnes

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum

Country: Cheshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Halton Borough Council

Address: Mersey Road, Widnes WA8 0DF

The world’s first museum dedicated to the chemical industry is set on Spike Island on the north bank of the River Mersey. Through a variety of exhibits and interactive displays, Catalyst tells the story of the historical development of the chemical manufacturing industry in the north west of England. Exploring how the products of chemistry are used in everyday life, it seeks to make science exciting and accessible. Open daily Tues – Sun, admission charges apply.

Cater Museum, Billericay

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Essex, England

Owned / Operated by: Cater Museum Trust

Address: 74 High Street, Billericay CM12 9BS

Tracing the recent history of Billericay, the museum is set over three floors and houses a mid-Victorian parlour, bedroom and kitchen. The top floor Billericay at War room displays artefacts from World War II. Open afternoons Mon – Sat, free admission.

Ceredigion Museum, Aberystwyth

Type of Museum: County Museum

Country: Mid Wales, Wales

Owned / Operated by: Ceredigion County Council

Address: Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 2AQ

Seeking to provide an understanding of the history and culture of the county of Ceredigion, the museum presents a lively programme of temporary exhibitions and events, alongside the more permanent displays. Housed in The Coliseum a restored Edwardian theatre, there are fine collections of Welsh furniture, costume and many artefacts connected with the regions farming and agricultural heritage. Open Monday to Saturday throughout the year, free admission.

Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre, nr St Austell

Type of Museum: Maritime Museum

Country: Cornwall, England

Owned / Operated by: Privately owned centre

Address: Quay Road, Charlestown PL25 3NJ

Housing artefacts from more than 150 shipwrecks, the centre boasts the largest private collection of its type on public display in Europe. With exhibits dating back to 1715, it displays a wide range of maritime history including a large collection of underwater diving equipment. Open daily Mar – Oct, admission charges apply.

Chatham Historic Dockyard

Type of Museum: Maritime Museum

Country: Kent, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 292101

Address: The Historic Dockyard, Chatham ME4 4TE

Located on the site of the Royal Navy dockyard at Chatham in Medway, the museum comprises several major features including three historic warships. Another display tells the story of the dockyard, home to the Royal Navy for several hundred years. The Lifeboat Museum houses 17 historic vessels and explores the history of the RNLI. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Chelmsford Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Essex, England

Owned / Operated by: Chelmsford City Council

Address: Oaklands Park, Chelmsford CM2 9AQ

Set in Oaklands Park, the museum houses both the Chelmsford Museum and the Essex Regimental Museum. A local history museum, Chelmsford Museum records the history of city from pre-Roman times to the present day, including its industrial past. The regimental museum portrays the proud story of the foot soldiers of the Essex Regiment and the mounted troops of the Essex Yeomanry. Open daily Mon – Thurs and Sat, Sun afternoons, free admission.

Chepstow Museum, Monmouthshire

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: South Wales, Wales

Owned / Operated by: Monmouthshire Museums Service

Address: Bridge Street, Chepstow, Gwent NP16 5EZ

Set opposite from Chepstow Castle, the museum displays the rich and varied past of this ancient town, from a trading port in the medieval era through to more recent times, as a centre for poets and painters. Artefacts and exhibits explore Chepstow’s wine trade and shipbuilding industry, the museum also includes a fine collection of 18th and 19th century paintings and prints. Open daily all year round, free admission.

Cheshire Military Museum

Type of Museum: Military Museum

Country: Cheshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity Number 272108

Address: The Castle, Chester, CH1 2DN

Set in a former training block of Chester Castle, the museum tells the story of the regiments of Cheshire from 1685 to the present day. This 300 year history is told through art, artefacts and memorabilia including displays of uniforms, medals and weapons. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles

Type of Museum: Others

Country: Buckinghamshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 272381

Address: Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire HP8 4AB

Chiltern Open Air Museum was founded in 1976 with the aim of rescuing threatened buildings from the local area. More than thirty historic buildings have now been saved and rebuilt at the site, including a traditional working farm. Other buildings include an Iron Age roundhouse, a working forge, public convenience, toll house and a WWII nissen hut. Open daily from April to end-Oct, admission charges apply.

Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Wiltshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Chippenham Town Council

Address: 10 Market Place, Chippenham SN15 3HF

Located in Grade II Georgian building the museum sits at the top of Market Place in the centre of town. Entry to the museum is free.

Cider Museum, Hereford

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum

Country: Herefordshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 267034

Address: Pomona Place, Hereford HR4 0EF

Set in a former cider making factory to the west of the city, the museum explains how apples are milled, pressed and fermented to produce cider. The museum’s collections include cider mills and presses, paintings, old photographs and films. Open daily Mon – Sat, admission charges apply.

City Museum, Winchester

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Hampshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Winchester City Council

Address: The Square, Winchester, SO23 9ES

Through its three galleries the museum relates the story of ancient Winchester’s past, from its days as a prehistoric trading centre through its emergence as the principal city in the Anglo- Norman kingdom, following its decline in the Middle Ages and on to more modern days. Open daily Mon – Sat and Sunday afternoons, free admission.

Clearwell Caves, The Royal Forest of Dean’s Iron Mining Museum

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum

Country: Gloucestershire, England

Owned / Operated by: Wright family

Address: nr Coleford, Royal Forest of Dean GL16 8JR

Mined for iron ore for centuries, nine underground chambers reveal the history of some of Britain’s most complex and oldest mine workings. With geological and mining displays, this working mining museum explores how iron ore from the caves have been used to make tools, weapons and machinery. Open daily from mid Feb to end Oct, admission charges apply.

Cliffe Castle Museum, Keighley

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Yorkshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Bradford Council

Address: Spring Gardens Lane, Keighley BD20 6LH

Housed within a grand Victorian mansion, this newly reopened museum features a series of galleries exploring various aspects of local history. Once home to the local Victorian millionaire and textile manufacturer, Henry Isaac Butterfield, period themed rooms display how the family would have entertained their more important guests. Open daily Tues – Sun, free admission.

Cobbaton Combat Museum, Chittlehampton

Type of Museum: Military Museum

Country: Devon, England

Owned / Operated by: Private Collection

Address: Chittlehampton, Umberleigh EX37 9RZ

Packed into two hangar-like Romney buildings, this military museum exhibits a range of vehicles and equipment, primarily from World War II. With over 60 vehicles and artillery pieces on display, the museum’s other collections include military radios and more than 200 deactivated small arms. Open daily from Easter through the summer months, admission charges apply.

Combined Military Services Museum, Maldon

Type of Museum: Military Museum

Country: Essex, England

Owned / Operated by: Registered Charity

Address: Station Road, Maldon CM9 4LQ

Exhibiting artefacts from Britain’s proud military history, collections show the everyday combat equipment and weaponry used by the combined armed forces of the Army, Navy, Royal Air Force and Special Forces. The museum displays only genuine period items and seeks to reveal the lifestyle and burden of the average trooper. The collections date from the English Civil War, through to today’s high-tech, modern soldier. Open daily Wed – Sun, admission charges apply.

Compton Verney House, Compton Verney

Type of Museum: Art Gallery

Country: Warwickshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 1032478

Address: Compton Verney CV35 9HZ

Set in an 18th century country mansion, the gallery’s collections include examples of Neapolitan art and northern European medieval art, as well as works by Joshua Reynolds. Other exhibits include Chinese bronzes, British folk art and a display of 20th century textiles. Open daily Tues – Sun, admission charges apply.

Congleton Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Cheshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 701430

Address: Market Square, Congleton CW12 1ET

Located on the town’s market square, the museum tells the history of Congleton from prehistory, through the English Civil War to the Second World War. The museum also explores how the industrial revolution impacted both the town and local area. Open afternoons Tues – Sun, free admission.

Corinium Museum, Cirencester

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Gloucestershire, England

Owned / Operated by: Cotswold District Council

Address: Park Street, Cirencester GL7 2BX

Although the museum exhibits artefacts from the Neolithic to Victorian times, it is the collection of finds from the Roman town of Corinium Dobunnorum (modern day Cirencester) that it is most famous for. The museum’s fine collection of second to fourth century Roman finds include mosaic floors, tombstones, carvings and jewellery. Open daily Mon – Sat and Sunday afternoons, admission charges apply.

Cotswold Motoring Museum, Bourton on the Water

Type of Museum: Transport Museum

Country: Gloucestershire, England

Owned / Operated by: CSMA Club

Address: Bourton on the Water GL54 2BY

Set in the picturesque Cotswolds village of Bourton on the Water, the museum displays a fine collection of vintage cars, classic cars, motorcycles, caravans and other motoring memorabilia from the 20th century. Open daily from mid-Feb to Nov, admission charges apply.

Court Barn

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Gloucestershire, England

Owned / Operated by: The Guild of Handicraft Trust

Address: Church Street, Chipping Campden, GL55 6JE

Telling the story of the history of the Arts & Crafts movement in Chipping Campden and the surrounding area from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day. Open daily Tues – Sun, admission charges apply.

Coventry Transport Museum

Type of Museum: Transport Museum

Country: West Midlands, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 1113605

Address: Hales Street, Coventry CV1 1JD

Located in the UK’s Mo-town, this museum houses a vast collection of British-made road transport vehicles including more than 100 bicycles, 200 motorcycles and 200 cars and lorries. The museum displays many Coventry built cars such as those from the Humber, Jaguar, Standard and Triumph marques, an Alvis tank, Massey Ferguson tractors, as well as many of the famous motorcycle manufacturers including Triumph, Francis-Barnett and Rudge-Whitworth. Open daily, free admission.

Coventry Watch Museum Project

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: West Midlands, England

Owned / Operated by: Coventry Watch Museum Project Ltd

Address: Medieval Spon Street, Coventry CV1 3BA

A centre of watchmaking since the late 1700s, the Coventry Watch Museum Project tells the history of this precision industry and relates it to the industrial development of the city as a centre for motor car, motor cycle and aircraft production. Open on Tuesdays and Saturday.

Creswell Crags

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Nottinghamshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Creswell Crags Museum & Heritage Centre

Address: Crags Road, Welbeck, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3LH

Located on the Derbyshire / Nottinghamshire border at the east end of a limestone gorge honeycombed with caves is the museum and education centre that tell the story of life during the last Ice Age. Stone tools and the remains of animals found in the caves reveal one of the most northerly places on earth where our early ancestors once called home. Open daily Feb – Sept, weekends only Nov – Jan, admission charges apply for the exhibition and cave tours.

Crich Tramway Village and National Tramway Museum, nr Matlock

Type of Museum: Transport Museum

Country: Derbyshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Accredited Museum

Address: nr Matlock DE4 5DP

The National Tramway Museum is housed within the Crich Tramway Village, a recreated Victorian era village complete with pub, tearooms, traditional sweetshop, printing works, as well as the tram stops and workshops. Many of the museum’s trams run through this village setting. The Museum’s comprehensive collections of over 70 trams and tramway history collections are world renowned. Open daily from April to Sept, admission charges apply.

Cricklade Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Wiltshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Cricklade Historic Society

Address: 16 Calcutt Street, Cricklade SN6 6BD

A small museum housing a substantial number of artefacts associated with the Cricklade district, including a database of local history research resources. Limited weekend opening times.

Cromer Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Norfolk , England

Owned / Operated by: Norfolk Museums Service

Address: East Cottages, Tucker Street, Cromer, NR27 9HB

The museum displays a permanent exhibition of a Victorian fisherman’s cottage. Other exhibits tell the story of Cromer’s history as a Victorian seaside resort, including the scandal of mixed bathing and the daring rescues of the Cromer lifeboatmen. Open daily Mon – Fri, as well as Sat & Sun afternoons between Apr and Oct, admission charges apply.

Cumberland House – The Natural History Museum, Southsea

Type of Museum: Natural History Museum

Country: Hampshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Portsmouth City Council

Address: Eastern Parade, Southsea PO4 9RF

This natural history museum tells the story of the diverse range of wild life that occupy the riverbanks, marshes, woods and countryside of Portsmouth. The geology exhibits explore specimens from more ancient times and the butterfly house is filled with living insects and plants. Open daily Tues – Sun, free admission.

Cutty Sark, Greenwich

Type of Museum: Maritime Museum

Country: London, England

Owned / Operated by: Royal Museums Greenwich

Address: King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT

Reopened in 2012 after suffering extensive fire damage in 2007, the Cutty Sark was one of the last and fastest tea clippers to be built, as sail eventually gave way to steam. Now preserved as a museum ship, explore the rich history of this, the world’s most famous clipper. Walk the decks, investigate the cargo hold and even venture underneath to fully appreciate the elegant lines that made this Clyde built sailing ship the fastest of her day. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Dalbeattie Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: SC003247

Address: 81 High Street, Dalbeattie DG5 4BS

Opened in 1993, the museum relates the story of Dalbeatties past through displays of memorabilia, artefacts and pictures. Military and World War II items on display include a rare small gramophone disguised as a camera used by the Red Cross, and a reconstructed army bunker. An exhibition of railway items and photographs present the history of the local line sometimes referred to as ‘The Paddy Line’ that ran between Dumfries to Stranraer, one of the main links to Northern Ireland via the ferry. Open daily Mon – Sat from April to Oct, Sun afternoons during summer months, free admission.

Dartford Borough Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Kent, England

Owned / Operated by: Dartford Borough Council

Address: Market Street, Dartford DA1 1EU

Opened in 1921, the museum’s collections relate to the archaeology, history, geology and natural history of the Dartford area. Occupying the same building as Dartford Library at the entrance to Central Park, the museum presents the chronological story of the borough as revealed by archaeology, with additional social history artefacts for more recent times. Open Saturdays and Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri afternoons, free admission.

Dartmouth Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Devon, England

Owned / Operated by: Dartmouth Museum Association

Address: Duke Street, Dartmouth TQ6 9PZ

Set in a 17th century merchant’s house, the museum chronicles the history of the port of Dartmouth and its people. Through a comprehensive collection of artefacts, models, paintings and photographs, it traces the maritime, social and economic history of the town. The museum also houses a significant collection of scientific instruments and specimens collected by the self-taught local scientist, William Cumming Henley. Open daily Tues – Sat, Sun and Mon afternoons during the summer months, afternoons only in winter, admission charges apply.

D-Day Museum, Southsea

Type of Museum: Military Museum

Country: Hampshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Portsmouth City Council

Address: Clarence Esplanade, Southsea PO5 3NT

Opened in 1984, the museum tells the story of Operation Overlord and the D-Day landings of 6th June 1944, through original footage and archive film. The turning point of the World War II, the operation involved landing 160,000 troops along a 50-mile stretch of the Normandy coast to establish a beachhead in France. Open daily, admission charges apply.

de Havilland Aircraft Heritage Centre, London Colney

Type of Museum: Aviation Museum

Country: Hertfordshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 286794

Address: Salisbury Hall, St Albans AL2 1BU

Formerly known as the Mosquito Aircraft Museum, the museum’s collection is based around the prototype shops of the de Havilland Mosquito, the world’s third jet aircraft. The museum houses a fine collection of more than 20 historic aircraft, as well as a number of piston, gas turbine and rocket engines. Open daily Tues, Thurs, Sat and Sun from March to October, admission charges apply.

Denny Abbey Farmland Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: London, England

Owned / Operated by: Denny Abbey Farmland Museum

Address: Denny Abbey, Ely Road, Waterbeach, Cambridge, CB25 9PQ

The museum explores the rural life of Cambridgeshire’s farming past, with farmworker’s cottage village shop and workshops. Discover the stories of the monks, nuns and knights who once lived in Denny Abbey. Open p.m. Mon to Fri & daily Sat and Sun, from March to end-Oct, admission charges apply.

Derby Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: Derbyshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Derby Museums

Address: The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS

Founded in 1879, Derby Museum and Art Gallery houses an impressive collection of paintings by Joseph Wright, the celebrated 18th century artist from Derby. Further collections include archaeology, geology, military, natural history and a large display of porcelain from Derby and the surrounding area. Open daily Tues – Sun, free admission.

Dick Institute, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: West Coast of Scotland, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: East Ayrshire Council

Address: Elmbank Avenue, Kilmarnock KA1 3BU

The largest museum and gallery in Ayrshire, the Dick features displays of local and industrial history, fine art and natural sciences. The museum relates stories of the social history of the area, with displays and collections from natural history sciences through to archaeology exhibits. Open daily Tues – Sat, free admission.

Dingwall Museum, Ross-shire

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Highlands and Islands, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Dingwall Museum Trust

Address: High Street, Dingwall, Ross-shire IV15 9RY

Housed in an impressive building once home to the Dingwall Town Council, the museum explores the history of the region through the presentation of many local artefacts and tales of human exploits. Special exhibitions include an early 20th century kitchen, a local smiddy and a Military Room celebrating Highland heroes. Open daily from mid-May to end Sept, free admission.

Dinosaur Isle, Sandown

Type of Museum: Natural History Museum

Country: Isle of Wight, England

Owned / Operated by: Isle of Wight Council

Address: Culver Parade, Sandown PO36 8QA

Opened in 2001, this purpose built interactive museum displays over 1000 fossils ranging from 126 million years ago to the more recent cold climates of the Ice-Ages. The museum’s collections were started by members of the Isle of Wight Philosophical Society around 200 years ago, and have been added to over the intervening years. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester

Type of Museum: Natural History Museum

Country: Dorset, England

Owned / Operated by: The Dinosaur Museum

Address: Icen Way, Dorchester DT1 1EW

Set close to the Jurassic Coast, the museum is the only one of its kind in Britain dedicated solely to the world of dinosaurs. Amongst the museum’s most impressive exhibits are the life-size dinosaur reconstructions that include two examples of T rex and a Stegosaurus with its ridge plated back, whilst outside a Triceratops dominates the courtyard. Open daily all year round, admission charges apply.

Discovery Museum, Newcastle upon Tyne

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Tyne and Wear, England

Owned / Operated by: Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums

Address: Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4JA

One of the largest museums in the north east of England, Discovery is both a science and local history museum, as well as housing the regimental museums for 15th/19th The King’s Royal Hussars and Northumberland Hussars. The museum’s local history exhibits include a 34 metre long ship, built to test the concept of steam turbine powered vessels and the prototype light bulbs invented by local lad Joseph Swan. Open daily, free admission.

DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: Co. Durham, England

Owned / Operated by: Durham County Council

Address: Aykley Heads, Durham DH1 5TU

Set in open parkland to the north of the city, the museum relates the proud 200 year old history of the Durham Light Infantry – County Durham’s own regiment. One of the most famous county regiments in the British Army, explore the collections of uniforms, weapons and kit, and listen to horror stories of war. Upstairs is the county’s largest modern and contemporary art gallery. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness

Type of Museum: Maritime Museum

Country: Cumbria, England

Owned / Operated by: Barrow Borough Council

Address: North Road, Barrow-in-Furness LA14 2PW

Built in an historic graving dock, the museum’s exhibits relate largely to the history of the town, with much emphasis placed on the influence of the shipbuilding and steel industries. Housed in a former dry dock, over three floors the museum displays models of the many warships, civilian ships, submarines and armaments built in the Vickers (now BAE) shipyard of Barrow. The museum also displays collections relating to prehistory, natural history, domestic furnishings and toys. Open daily Wed – Sun, free admission.

Dorset County Museum, Dorchester

Type of Museum: County Museum

Country: Dorset, England

Owned / Operated by: Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society

Address: High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1XA

Founded in 1846, the museum through its substantial collection of artefacts associated with archaeology, geology and natural history, tell the story of the county of Dorset. The museum’s vast social history exhibits contains more than 10,000 objects relating to trade, transport, schooling, domestic life, crafts, industry and agriculture in the county. Open daily Mon – Sat all year round, admission charges apply.

Dover Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Kent, England

Owned / Operated by: Dover Borough Council

Address: Market Square, Dover CT16 1PH

Although founded in 1836, the museum only re-opened in its current home in 1991 after suffering shelling from France during the Second World War. Now rehoused in a new three-storey building behind its original Victorian faÃ§ade, it tells the story of the development of the town and port with original artefacts, graphics and models, including the Dover Bronze Age Boat. Open daily during summer months, Mon- Sat in winter, admission charges apply.

Dover Transport Museum

Type of Museum: Transport Museum

Country: Kent, England

Owned / Operated by: Dover Transport Museum Society

Address: Whitfield, Dover CT16 2JX

Dover Transport Museum is the culmination of the dreams of a number of old vehicle enthusiasts in the East Kent area. Run totally by volunteers, we hope to show people something of the transport delights of the East Kent area and further afield. Our model railway has to be seen to be believed and who can remember the hovercraft that used to convey travellers across the Channel? No idea, well we have one of the propellers on show plus shops crammed full of items that will surely get the grey cells going again. Interested please come and see us, we will be truly delighted to have your company. Open daily Wed, Sat and Sun between Apr to end Oct, Sundays only during winter, admission charges apply.

Dovery Manor Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Somerset, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 1079760

Address: Doverhay, Porlock TA24 8QB

Housed in an historic manor house dating from 1450, the museum exhibits a locally based collection of artefacts, displays, books, photographs and pictures. A small on-site garden grows plants for their medicinal and culinary uses. Open daily from Easter until 30 September, closed on Sundays, free entry.

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Type of Museum: Art Gallery

Country: London, England

Owned / Operated by: Dulwich Picture Gallery Trust

Address: Gallery Rd, Southwark, London, SE21 7AD

Dulwich Picture Gallery exhibits a collection of over 600 paintings, rich in European masterpieces by the likes of Canaletto, Gainsborough, Rembrandt and Rubens. Open daily Tues – Sun, admission charges apply.

Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum

Type of Museum: Aviation Museum

Country: Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: SCO35189

Address: Heathhall Industrial Estate, Dumfries DG1 3PH

Based around the restored control tower of a former WWII airfield, the museums aircraft collection includes two English Electric Canberra’s, a Gloster Meteor and a Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer. Other displays include a collection of aero engines, artefacts and memorabilia honouring airborne forces. Open Wed, Sat and Sun, from April to Oct, admission charges apply.

Dumfries Museum

Type of Museum: County Museum

Country: Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Dumfries and Galloway Council

Address: Rotchell Road, Dumfries DG2 7SW

Set in an 18th century windmill, the top floor of which houses the Camera Obscura, the museum offers a journey of discovery through the region’s history from its earliest inhabitants to the stone carvings of Scotland’s first Christians. Installed in 1836, the Camera Obscura is the oldest working instrument of its kind in the world and offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. Open daily from Apr – Sept, Tues to Sat from Oct – Mar, free admission.

Dundee Museum of Transport

Type of Museum: Transport Museum

Country: Tayside, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Charity Number SC041529

Address: 10 Market Mews, Market St, Dundee, DD1 3LA

Housed in a renovated industrial warehouse at Market Mews, the museum features a wide variety of vehicles including a 1950s city bus, a steam-roller and a horse-drawn ambulance. Open daily Tues – Sun in summer, Wed, Sat and Sun in winter, admission charges apply.

Dunkerswell Heritage Centre

Type of Museum: Military Museum

Country: Devon, England

Owned / Operated by: South West Airfields

Address: Dunkerswell Airfield, Dunkerswell, EX14 4LG

Based at Dunkerswell Airfield in the beautiful Blackdown Hills, this small museum is a wonderful place to spend an hour or two.The only US naval air base in Europe, Dunkerswell played an important part in the Battle of the Atlantic. The story of the airfield, its construction and role in the local area is well told and the volunteer guides are very welcoming and informative. There are many photographs of the base and the part it played during the war, including photos of U-boats being attacked and sunk. There is a cafe/restaurant just next to the museum. Free entry. Open Thursday to Sunday 11am to 4pm, 30th March to 28th October. Upottery Airfield Heritage Centre is just 4 miles away.

East Anglian Transport Museum, Lowestoft

Type of Museum: Transport Museum

Country: Suffolk, England

Owned / Operated by: East Anglia Transport Museum Society

Address: Carlton Colville, Lowestoft NR33 8BL

This open air working transport museum features a significant collection of public transport vehicles, including buses, trams, trolleybuses and a narrow gauge railway. Exploring the development of mechanical transport over the best last 100 years, visitors can ride several of the restored vehicles through recreated street scenes of bygone days. Open Thurs and Sun afternoons between Apr to Oct, also Tues, Wed and Sat afternoons during the summer holidays, admission charges apply.

East Grinstead Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Sussex, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 1047505

Address: Cantelupe Road, East Grinstead RH19 3BJ

This purpose-built museum tells the story of the historic market town of East Grinstead and its people through a range of displays, hands-on experiences, interactive and audio/visual presentations. Open daily Wed – Sat and Sun afternoons.

Elstree and Borehamwood Museum, Borehamwood

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Hertfordshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 115770

Address: 96 Shenley Road, Borehamwood WD6 1EB

First opened in 2000, this independent local history museum presents artefacts and photographs detailing the history of the local area. One permanent exhibition reveals almost 100 years of film and television activity in the local Elstree and Borehamwood Studios. Open afternoons Tues to Thurs, and Saturdays 10-15.00, free admission.

Ely Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Cambridgeshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 274263

Address: Market Street, Ely CB7 4LS

Housed in the Bishop’s Gaol in the centre of historical Ely, the museum tells the story of the Isle of Ely and the Fens from prehistory to the present day. Displays include the original prison cells, Roman remains and archive film of the Fens including punt guns and eel catching. Open daily Mon – Sat and Sunday afternoons, closed on Tuesdays during the winter months, admission charges apply.

Enfield Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: London, England

Owned / Operated by: Enfield Council

Address: Dugdale Centre, Thomas Hardy House, 39 London Road, Enfield, EN2 6DS

The permanent ‘Enfield Life’ exhibition features artefacts used or manufactured in the borough from ancient times to the present day. A collection of around 15,000 items are used to explore the local, social and political history of Enfield. Open daily Mon – Sat and Sun until 13.00, free admission.

Epping Forest District Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Essex , England

Owned / Operated by: Epping Forest District Council

Address: 39 Sun St, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EL

Housed in listed Tudor building, this newly redeveloped museum tells the story of the Epping Forest district through its collections and displays. The six galleries now exhibit over 50,000 objects of archaeology and art, as well as documents and photographs of social history. Open daily Mon, Tues Wed, Fri & Sat, free admission.

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Halifax

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Yorkshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 292758

Address: Discovery Road, Halifax HX1 2NE

Opened in 1992, the museum is modelled on the North American concept of a children’s museum, in that it encourages young children to learn about themselves and the world around them through play and discovery. Through a variety of interactive, hands-on exhibits, it aims to inspire children aged between 0 and 10 years. Open daily Tues – Sun, admission charges apply.

Explosion – Museum of Naval Firepower, Gosport

Type of Museum: Military Museum

Country: Hampshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Royal Navy

Address: Priddy’s Hard Gosport, PO12 4LE

Set in the Royal Navy’s former armaments depot of Priddy’s Hard, the museum traces the story of naval firepower from gunpowder and cannon to the latest anti-ship missiles. The displays also explore the history of the site itself, from its original use as a powder magazine in 1771, to the story of how 2,500 women worked in the buildings during World War II. Open daily between Apr to Oct and weekends during winter, admission charges apply.

Eyam Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Derbyshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 702067

Address: Hawkhill Road, Eyam S32 5QP

Opened in 1994 in a former Methodist Chapel, the museum’s galleries present the history of Eyam from prehistoric times, including its most famous story as a 17th century plague village. Other displays record the growth and subsequent decline of local industries. Open daily Tues – Sun from April to Sept admission charges apply.

Eyemouth Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Scottish Borders, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Friends of Eyemouth Museum Trust

Address: Manse Road, Eyemouth TD14 5JE

Set in the Auld Kirk building in the centre of town, the museum tells the story of the towns fishing and social history. The museum displays a unique tapestry commemorating the Great East Coast Fishing Disaster of 1881, when the local community lost 189 of its sons at sea. Open daily from April to Oct, admission charges apply.

Fairlynch Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Devon, England

Owned / Operated by: Devon Museums

Address: 27 Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton, EX9 6NP

Housed in typical ‘marine cottage orne’, this picturesque thatched museum tells the local history of Budleigh Salterton and the Lower Otter Valley. Notable for its collection of period costumes and lace, the archaeology section includes artefacts from the Bronze Age as well as items from local Roman sites. Open daily Tues – Sun, between Easter and Oct, free admission.

Falmouth Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Art Gallery

Country: Cornwall, England

Owned / Operated by: Falmouth Town Council

Address: The Moor, Falmouth TR11 2RT

Housing one of the leading art collections in England’s southwest, the gallery features masterpieces by Gainsborough, Munnings, Tuke and Napier, alongside work by more contemporary artists. The gallery’s most famous painting is The Lady of Shalott by John William Waterhouse, it also houses an important print collection and exhibits The Surrealists in Cornwall Collection. Open daily Mon – Sat, free admission.

Felixstowe Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Suffolk, England

Owned / Operated by: Felixstowe History and Museum Society

Address: Viewpoint Road, Felixstowe IP11 3TW

Set at Landguard Point next to Felixstowe dock viewing area, the museum features 14 exhibition areas exploring the military, maritime and social history of the town. Built in 1878, the history of the museum building as a former marine mine factory is detailed. Open Sun afternoons between Easter and Oct, also Wed afternoons through the summer holidays, admission charges apply.

Firing Line, Cardiff Castle Museum

Type of Museum: Military Museum

Country: South Wales, Wales

Owned / Operated by: Cardiff Council

Address: The Interpretation Centre, Cardiff Castle, Cardiff CF10 3RB

Opened in 2010, the museum is housed within the Interpretation Centre at Cardiff Castle and is dedicated to the history of the 1st The Queens Dragoon Guards and The Royal Welsh. Commemorating more than 300 years of distinguished service, it spans the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, through the defence of Rorke’s Drift against the Zulus in 1879 and on to more recent times in Iraq and Afghanistan. Open daily throughout the year, admission charges are included in the entry ticket to the castle.

Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Cambridgeshire, England

Owned / Operated by: University of Cambridge

Address: Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB

Founded in 1816 with the bequest of Viscount FitzWilliam, the museum is located in central Cambridge. The art and antiquities museum of the University of Cambridge, its five major collections include the Ancient World, Applied Arts, Coins and Medals, Manuscripts and Books, and Paintings, Drawings and Prints. The museum’s extensive collection of paintings include works by Rubens, Van Dyck, Canaletto, Hogarth, Gainsborough, Constable, Monet, Turner, Renoir and Picasso, to name but a few. Open daily Tues – Sun, free admission.

Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton

Type of Museum: Aviation Museum

Country: Somerset, England

Owned / Operated by: Royal Navy

Address: RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester BA22 8HT

Boasting Europe’s largest naval aviation collection, the Fleet Arms Museum represents the flying arm of the Roval Navy. Comprising four large halls, the museum tells the story of naval aviation from the first manned kites to the awesome air power of the 21st century. Open all year round, Wed to Sun during winter, daily during summer months. Entry charges apply.

Fleetwood Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Lancashire, England

Owned / Operated by: Lancashire County Council

Address: Queens Terrace , Fleetwood FY7 6BT

Set within Fleetwood’s former Customs House overlooking Morecambe Bay, the museum relates the local and maritime history of the town. Planned as a seaside town in the Victorian era, the museum explores Fleetwood’s heyday as a holiday resort and its industrial past. Open daily Tue – Sat, admission charges apply.

Forge Mill Needle Museum, Redditch

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum

Country: Worcestershire, England

Owned / Operated by: Redditch Local History Society

Address: Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch B98 8HY

Once at the very centre of the world’s needle industry, the museum explores how needles were manufactured at the mill during Victorian times. The museum also details how these needles were used in the textile industry and for fishing. Open daily Apr to Sept, Tues – Fri and Sun afternoons through Feb, Mar Oct and Nov, closed Dec & Jan, admission charges apply.

Framework Knitters’ Museum, Ruddington

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum

Country: Nottinghamshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1087998

Address: Chapel Street, Ruddington, Nottingham NG11 6HE

This industrial museum explores a part of East Midlands history that impacted the whole country. Learn about the harsh lives of the framework knitters, the Luddites, the development of lace and the modern knitwear industry. Open daily Wed to Sat from April to Dec, Sunday afternoons from April to Sept, admission charges apply.

Fraserborough Heritage Centre, Aberdeenshire

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: North East Scotland, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Fraserburgh Heritage Society

Address: Quarry Road, Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire AB43 9DT

Housed in a former barrel store, the museum records the rich history of this small fishing town, which grew to become Scotland’s premier herring port. Explore the bustling quayside in the age of sail and discover the historical, social and economic development of the town. Open daily, April to end-October, admission charges apply.

Fusiliers Museum of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle

Type of Museum: Military Museum

Country: Northumberland, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 273064

Address: Alnwick Castle, Alnwick NE66 1NG

Set in the Abbot’s Tower of Alnwick Castle, the museum tells the proud story of one of the oldest infantry regiments in the British Army, the Fusiliers, and their unbroken record of service from 1674 to the present day. Open daily from July to end-Oct, entry to the museum is included in the admission price to the castle.

Gairloch Heritage Museum, Ross-shire

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Highlands and Islands, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. SCO10249

Address: Achtercairn, Gairloch, Ross-shire IV21 2BP

Through a wealth of exhibits and interactive displays, the museum explores the culture, heritage and customs of the north west Highlands, showing how local people lived and worked in Gairloch through the ages, from the Bronze Age, through crofting, the Jacobites, and traditional industries such as fishing to the present day. Open daily from April to end Oct, admission charges apply.

Galleries of Justice Museum, Nottingham

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Nottinghamshire, England

Owned / Operated by: The Egalitarian Trust

Address: The Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1HN

Set in Nottingham’s old courthouse and gaol, this museum of crime and punishment features several informative exhibitions and tours with costumed actors. The museum also houses HM Prison Service Collection. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Gallery Oldham

Type of Museum: Art Gallery

Country: Manchester, England

Owned / Operated by: Oldham Council

Address: Greaves Street, Oldham OL1 1AL

Set in the Cultural Quarter of central Oldham, with no permanent displays of its own, this public art gallery features an ever changing exhibitions programme over its four galleries. Exhibitions tend to combine touring displays with work from the gallery’s own collection of art, natural and social history. Open daily Mon – Sat, free admission.

Gatwick Aviation Museum, Charlwood

Type of Museum: Aviation Museum

Country: Surrey, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 1075858

Address: Charlwood, nr. Gatwick RH6 0BT

Set on the fringes of London’s Gatwick Airport, this aviation museum is home to a unique collection of British built aircraft. Collected from the decades when British aircraft designers produced the most technically advanced aircraft in the world, it features classic examples from the likes of Avro, Blackburn, de Havilland, English Electric, Gloster, Hawker and Westland. Open Saturdays from Apr to end-Oct, admission charges apply.

Gillingham Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Dorset, England

Owned / Operated by: Gillingham Local History Society (Registered Charity no 1014970)

Address: Chantry Fields, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4UA

Opening its doors to the public for the first time in 1996, the museum presents the history of the town of Gillingham and surrounding area from prehistoric times. Set out in chronological order, there are displays concerning the Iron Age, Roman, Saxon and Norman era’s, through to the present day. The geological section provides an insight as to how the brick making industry exploited the local clay deposits for more than 150 years. Open daily Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat and Mon mornings all year round, free admission.

Gladstone Pottery Museum, Longton

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum

Country: Staffordshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 507834

Address: Uttoxeter Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 1PQ

Dating from the 1780s, this former pottery factory is typical of the hundreds that once dominated the skyline of North Staffordshire, supplying the world with its bone china tableware. Now the last complete Victorian pottery factory in the country, the museum explores the history and working conditions endured by the men, women and children who powered this once great industry. Open daily Tue – Sat, admission charges apply.

Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: County Museum

Country: Gloucestershire, England

Owned / Operated by: Gloucester City Council

Address: Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1HP

Set in a listed Victorian building, this is the main museum in the City of Gloucester. Housing a significant collection of artefacts and paintings, the museum’s displays include archaeology, dinosaurs, furniture, local history, medieval, natural history, Roman, fine and decorative art items. Works by Turner and Gainsborough are displayed in the Art Gallery. Open daily Tues – Sat, admission charges apply.

Gloucester Folk Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Gloucestershire, England

Owned / Operated by: Gloucester City Council

Address: 99 – 103 Westgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2PG

Set in two of the oldest buildings in the city, the museum relates the social history of Gloucestershire through exhibits of local craft, costume and industries, with displays relating to domestic and school life over the last several centuries. Open daily Tues – Sat, admission charges apply.

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Art Gallery

Country: South Wales , Wales

Owned / Operated by: Swansea City Council

Address: Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3SN

Re-opening to the public in October 2016, this newly developed public art gallery now offers even more gallery and social spaces. Housed in a fine historic building, it displays a broad spectrum of visual art including works by Old Masters and an internationally important collection of ceramics.

Godalming Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Surrey, England

Owned / Operated by: Godalming Museum Trust

Address: 109A High Street, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1AQ

Step through the narrow blue entrance into the local history museum, art gallery, library and coffee shop. Open daily Tues – Sat, free admission.

Gordon Highlanders Museum, Aberdeen

Type of Museum: Military Museum

Country: North East Scotland, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Charity No. SCO22039

Address: St. Luke’s, Viewfield Road, Aberdeen AB15 7XH

Active between 1794 and 1994, the museum celebrates the distinguished history of the Gordon Highlanders. Exhibits include uniforms, weapons and other regimental treasures, as well as a collection of 12 Victoria Crosses from the 19 awarded to the regiment during its active service. Open daily, early February to end-November, admission charges apply.

Gordon Russell Design Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Worcestershire , England

Owned / Operated by: Gordon Russell Trust

Address: 15 Russell Square, Broadway Worcestershire, WR12 7AP

Located in his original workshop, the museum celebrates the life and work of the furniture designer Gordon Russell and his sixty years association with Broadway. Its unique collection of furniture embraces a range of styles spanning from the Arts and Crafts to 30s streamline. Open daily Tues – Sun, admission charges apply.

Grampian Transport Museum, Alford, Aberdeenshire

Type of Museum: Transport Museum

Country: North East Scotland, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Grampian Transport Museum Trust

Address: Alford, Aberdeenshire AB33 8AE

Featuring a range of transport exhibits from the 1800s, to some of the fastest cars ever produced. Climb aboard many of the vehicles to explore the history of travel and transport in the north east of Scotland. Open daily, April to end-October, admission charges apply.

Grantham Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Lincolnshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Grantham Community Heritage Association

Address: St Peters Hill, Grantham NG31

Located on St Peter’s Hill, the museum relates the history of the town and surrounding parishes. Displaying treasures from Anglo-Saxon Grantham to those of the town’s most famous daughter, the museum houses pieces donated by Baroness Thatcher. Open daily Thurs – Sat, free admission.

Great Dunmow Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Essex, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1080286

Address: Mill Lane, Dunmow CM6 1BG

Set in a 16th century timber framed maltings, the museum tells the story of the social history and economic development of Dunmow, from the ancient Flitch Trials to its World War II airfield. Open weekends and Bank Holidays, admission charges apply.

Great North Museum: Hancock

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Tyne and Wear, England

Owned / Operated by: Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums

Address: Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PT

Located on the campus of Newcastle University, the museum reopened its doors to the public in 2009 after undergoing an extensive refurbishment programme. The museum now includes new displays on topics such ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, geology, natural history, prehistory, world cultures, the Romans and Hadrian’s Wall. Open daily, free admission.

Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Norfolk, England

Owned / Operated by: Norfolk Museums

Address: Gressenhall, Dereham NR20 4DR

Although re-opened as the Museum of Norfolk Life in 1976, the workhouse first opened its doors to the poor of the parish in 1776. As well as the historic workhouse, the 50-acre site is also home to a museum of life on the land and a traditional farm complete with rare breed animals. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Grosvenor Museum, Chester

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Cheshire, England

Owned / Operated by: Chester City Council

Address: 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester CH1 2DD

Opened in 1886, the museum includes archaeological finds from the Roman period as well as collections of paintings, silver and musical instruments. Exhibiting displays of Roman life and times in Chester, it also explores the important role the city played in the history of English silver. Open daily Mon – Sat and Sunday afternoons, free admission.

Guildford Museum

Type of Museum: County Museum

Country: Surrey, England

Owned / Operated by: Guildford Borough Council

Address: Castle Arch, Guildford GU1 3SX

Forming part of the 17th century gatehouse to Guildford Castle, the museum houses the largest collection of archaeology, local history and needlework in Surrey. The archaeological finds trace life in the county from prehistoric times, whilst the local history gallery explores Guildford’s industries and its people. Open daily Mon – Sat, free admission.

Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery, Bangor

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: North Wales, Wales

Owned / Operated by: Gwynedd Council

Address: Ffordd Gwynedd, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 1DT

Preserving the history and culture of Gwynedd and its people, this is the regions only general museum. Collections include furniture, textiles and archaeological finds, showing how the inhabitants of the area lived and worked. Open daily throughout the year (closed Sundays, Mondays and Bank Holidays), free admission.

Hallaton Museum, nr. Market Harborough

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Leicestershire, England

Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1080871

Address: Churchgate, Hallaton LE16 8TY

Located in the Tin Tab in Churchgate, the museum presents a window into the world of village life including the story of Hallaton Bottle Kicking. The social history of the village is revealed through a unique collection of artefact, curio’s and photographs. Open Sat, Sun and Bank Holiday afternoons from May to end-Sept, free entry.

Halliwell’s House Museum, Selkirk

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: Scottish Borders, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Scottish Borders Council

Address: Market Place, Selkirk TD7

Set in the atmospheric narrow cobbled lane known as Halliwell’s Close, the museum tells the 400 year old story of the close, including the many different businesses that have occupied the buildings during that time. Over the century’s weavers, fleshers, ironmongers, shoemakers, tailors and bakers are just a few who have traded their wares from the close. The museum also relays the wider story of the historic burgh of Selkirk. Open daily from April to end-Oct, free admission.

Harborough Museum, Market Harborough LE16 7LT

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Leicestershire, England

Owned / Operated by: Leicestershire County Council

Address: The Symington Building, Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough LE16 7LT

Recently redeveloped, Harborough Museum now shares the first floor of the Symington Building with the town’s central library. In addition to celebrating Market Harborough’s history as a centre of trade and industry, the museum also exhibits a nationally important display of Iron Age and Roman finds. Open daily from Tues to Sun, Wed pm only, free admission.

Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: Lancashire, England

Owned / Operated by: Preston City Council

Address: Market Square, Preston PR1 2PP

Named in honour of its local benefactor Edmund Harris, the museum houses important collections on archaeology and local history. The museum’s fine art collection includes more than 800 oil paintings; it also displays significant decorative art exhibits of British ceramics and glass. Open daily Mon – Sat, free admission.

Haslemere Educational Museum

Type of Museum: General Museum

Country: Surrey , England

Owned / Operated by: Charity Number 1071244

Address: 78 High Street, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 2LA

Set in extensive grounds, the museum displays a wide range of exhibits related to natural history, geology and human history across thre large permanent galleries. Originally founded in 1888 by the famous Quaker surgeon Sir Jonathan Hutchinson, Haslemere Museum was one of the very first museums to encourage a ‘hands-on’ approach to the artefacts on display by children. Open daily Tue – Sat, free admission.

Hastings Fisherman’s Museum

Type of Museum: Maritime Museum

Country: Sussex, England

Owned / Operated by: Hastings Fishermen’s Protection Society

Address: Rock-a-nore Road, Hastings TN34 3DW

Set within a former chapel known locally as The Fisherman’s Church, the museum explores the fishing industry and maritime history of Hastings. Featuring one of the last of the luggers (sailing fishing boats), the museum also displays models, photos, paintings, rigging and a variety of other fishing related artefacts. Open daily, free admission.

Hastings Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery

Country: Sussex, England

Owned / Operated by: Hastings Borough Council

Address: Bohemia Road, Hastings TN34 1ET

Telling the story of Hastings and its people, as well as the darker tales of smuggling along the Sussex coast, the museum also displays dinosaur remains from more than 110 million years ago. The John Logie Baird Collection exhibits pieces relating to the early days of television history. Open daily Tue – Sat and Sun afternoons, free admission.

Hawick Museum and Scott Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Local Museum

Country: Scottish Borders, Scotland

Owned / Operated by: Scottish Borders Council

Address: Wilton Lodge Park, Hawick TD9 7JL

Housed in a historic 18th century mansion house within a beautiful Victorian park, the museum tells the story of the town of Hawick and its people. The Jimmie Guthrie and Steve Hislop Rooms showcase the lives and achievements of the town’s two tragic motorcycle champions. In addition, there are an old schoolroom, nature displays and archaeological finds to explore. Open daily through the summer months and afternoons through the winter, except Saturday’s, free admission.

Haworth Art Gallery, Accrington

Type of Museum: Art Gallery

Country: Lancashire, England

Owned / Operated by: Hyndburn Borough Council

Address: Manchester Road, Accrington BB5 2JS

Set in the home of the former local mill owner William Haworth, the gallery houses the largest public collection of Tiffany glass in Europe. Gifted to the town by local lad made good, Joseph Biggs had worked for the American Tiffany company for 40 years prior to sending his collection home in 1933. Displayed over four rooms, the gallery also exhibits a collection of 19th century oil painting and watercolours. Open afternoon Wed – Sun.

Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum

Type of Museum: Transport Museum

Country: Co. Durham, England

Owned / Operated by: Darlington Borough Council

Address: Station Road, Darlington DL3 6ST

Located o