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Museum – UK – ENGLAND
NORTH WEST
Imperial War Museum, Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M17 1TZ, England.
0161 836 4000 - www.iwm.org.uk
Mon-Sun 10.00-16.00
IWM North’s multi-award winning building, designed by Daniel Libeskind, represents a globe shattered by conflict. Inside, we continue to explore the impact of war by bringing the stories of real people to life through powerful and thought-provoking exhibitions and displays.
Towneley Hall Art Gallery and Museum, Off Todmorden Road, 1 mile from Burnley city Centre, Burnley, Lancashire, BB11 3RQ, England.
01282 424 213 – www.towneley.org
Open all year Mon-Thurs 10.00-17.00 Sat & Sun 12.00-17.00
This 14C house contains a Museum and features oil paintings, English watercolours, 18C glass wear, furniture and natural history exhibits. Also the museum of local crafts & industries which had displays on Burnley’s recent social and industrial history.
Rossendale Museum, Whittaker Park, Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, Rossendale, Lancashire, BB4 6RE, England. 01706 244 682 – Wed, Thurs & Sundays 13.00-16.30 Feb – October
This museum displays an impressive collection of fine art and furniture, natural history, local industrial and domestic artefacts and stuffed animals. Former 19C mill owners mansion recently restored to its original glory.
Bolton Museum, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton, Bolton, Lancashire, England.
01204 332 211 - www.boltonmuseums.org.uk
Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00 Closed Sun
Renown for its collection of Eqyptian antiquities this museum also has a wild life gallery, activity centre and collections of natural and social history, archaeology and local history.
Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England.
0161 275 2634 – www.museum.manchester.ac.uk
(Mon-Sat) 10.00-17.00 (Sun) 11.00-16.00
A variety of exhibitions and attractions that include a fabulous Egyptian collection, and a three tiered mammal gallery that has a multitude of stuffed exhibits and an aquarium containing a ten foot long boa-constrictor.
Gallery Of English Costumes, Platt Hall, Platt Field Park, Wilmslow Road, Rusholm, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M14 5LL, England.
0161 224 5217 – www.manchestergalleries.org
Open last Saturday of every month 10.00-17.00
This unusual museum depicts the various fashions and styles throughout the ages and places a degree of emphasis on Manchester’s past history as a textile centre, and the clothes of the working class people.
Grosvenor Museum, 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2DD, England. 01244 402 008 – www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk (Mon-Sat) 10.30-17.00 (Sun) 14.00-17.00
This museum gives an insight into the Roman history of Chester. Displays cover a wide range of subjects including, The City Buildings, Legionary Systems, Grave Sites, Defences, Daily Life and Culture. There is also a collection of Roman tombstones.
Nantwich Museum, Pillory Street, Nantwitch, Cheshire, CW5 5BQ, England.
01270 627 104 - www.nantwitchmuseum.org.uk
Apr-Sep (Mon-Sat) 10.30-16.30, Oct – March (Tues-Sat) 10.30-16.30
The museum comprises a variety of cottage industry artefacts that give an insight into the town’s past, including cheese making, salt making and shoe making.
The Dock Museum, North Road, Barrow-in-Furnace, Cumbria, LA14 2PW, England.
01229 894 444 - www.dockmuseum.org.uk
East-Oct (Tues-Fri) 10.00-17.00 (Sat-Sun) 11.00-17.00 Nov-Easter (Wed-Fri) 10.30-16.00 (Sat & Sun) 11.00-16.30
The museum is situated in a dried out graving dock where shipped used to be repaired and now contains a history of the town’s ship building past told through a variety of media.
THE WEST COUNTRY
Lawrence House Museum, 9 Castle Street, Launceston, Cornwall
Website: www.lawrencehousemuseum.org.uk
Lawrence House, Launceston, is a fine Georgian house built in 1753, located in a street which John Betjemen described as ‘having the most perfect collection of 18th Century townhouses in Cornwall’. It is owned by the National Trust and leased to Launceston Town Council, who use it to house the town museum, and as a civic centre.
Royal Cornwall Museum, River Street, Truro, Cornwall, TR12SJ
Website: www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk
The Royal Cornwall Museum holds collections of Cornish and European archaeology and social history, as well as world cultures.
Bristol Museum And Art Gallery, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1RL, England.
01779 223 571 - (Daily) 10.00-17.00
The museum has various exhibits on archaeology, geology and natural history. Including a large collection of eastern art and egyptology.
Plymouth City Museum, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AJ, England.
01752 304 774 – www.plymouthmuseum.gov.uk
Tues-Fri 10,00-17,30 Sat 10.00-17.00 Closed Sundays and Mondays Free Admission to the Main Building.
This free attraction offers collections and exhibitions of works by Caufmann, Reynolds, Watteau and many more.
Mshed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN, England.
0117 352 6600
Tuesday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm http://mshed.org/
A museum dedicated to telling the amazing history of the city. Three galleries reveal the fascinating story of the city and its unique place in the world. From prehistoric times to the present day, explore the history of Bristol through the objects and stories of the people who made the city what it is today.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Queen Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3RX, England.
01392 265 858 -
http://rammuseum.org.uk/
(Mon-Sat) 10.00-17.00
A wide range of curious exhibits from stuffed animals to different building styles throughout the different cities.
Museum Of Barnstaple and North Devon, The Square, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 8LN, England.
01271 346 747 - www.devonmuseums.net
Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 17.00 all year
The museum displays exhibitions on wildlife and 18C pottery.
Daphne du Maurier Literary Centre, 5 South Street, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1AR, England.
01726 833 616 – (Daily) Mid May-Sep 10.00-17.00
The building contains a small exhibit on the life and works of Daphne DuMaurier.
Penlee House Gallery And Museum, Morrab Road, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4HE, England.
01736 363 625 - www.penleehouse.org.uk
Free On Saturdays Only 10.00-17.00
The house contains various maritime scenes and artefacts.
LONDON TO THE SEVERN
Museum Of Modern Art, 30 Pembroke Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1BP, England.
01865 722 733 -
www.modernartoxford.org.uk
Tues – Sat 10.00-17.00 Sun 12.00-17.00
The gallery displays a variety of modern art and has 2 exhibits on show at the same time.
Museum Of The History Of Science, In the Old Ashmolean Building, Broad Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3AZ, England.
01865 277 280 http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/
(Tue-Sat) 12.00-16.00 (Sun) 14.00-17.00
The museums displays microscopes and early calculators.
Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2PH, England.
01865 278 002 – www.ashmolean.org
Open: Tues – Sunday 10am – 6pm, Bank Holiday Monday 10am – 6pm
This is the oldest public museum in the country and has a variety of displays including Egyptian artefacts, eastern and Italian art.
University Museum Of Natural History, Parks Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3PW, England.
01865 270 949 - www.oum.ox.ac.uk
(Daily) 12.00-17.00
The museum includes a working bee hive and impressive fossil dinosaurs.
Luton Museum, Wardown Park, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 7HA, England.
01582 546 722 - http://www.museumsluton.com/
Tues-Sat 10.00-17.00, Sun 13.00-17.00
Collections of lace, Victorian displays, archaeology and natural history are on show in this Museum.
Benson Veteran Cycle Museum, The Bungalow, 61 Brook Street, Benson, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 6LH, England.
01491 838 414 www.visitsoutheastengland.com
April – Aug 09.00-13.00 by prior arrangement with owner
Veteran and vintage cycles dating from 1818-1925.
John Bunyan Museum, Mill Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 3EU, England. 01234 213 722 www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk
Tues – Sat 11.00-16.00
Museum dedicated to the famous writer and author of “The Pilgrims Progress” Collections include his personal effects and 60 of his published works.
Abingdon Museum, County Hall, Market Place, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 3HG, England.
01235 523 703 – http://www.abingdonmuseum.org.uk/ Daily 10.30-16.00
Contains local historical and archaeological displays housed within this 1678 County Hall.
CENTRAL ENGLAND
Birmingham Museum and Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3DH, England.
0121 303 2834 – www.bmag.org.uk
Mon-Thurs 10.00-17.00 Fri 10.30-17.00 Sat 10.00-17.00 Sun 12.30-17.00
This museum and gallery offers temporary exhibitions and permanent collections covering archaeology, industrial history and fine art.
Warwickshire Museum, The Market Place, Swan Street, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4SA, England.
01926 412 500 – www.warwickshire.gov.uk/museum
Tues – Sat 10.00-17.30, May – Sept only Sun 14.30-17.00
Various displays including geological and wildlife exhibits, a huge tapestry dating from 1647 depicting a map of the country, and a video exhibit about the 1694 Great Fire.
Saint John’s House, Saint John’s, Cotton End, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4NF, England.
01926 412 021 – www.warwickshire.gov.uk/museum
Tue-Sat 10.00-12.30 & 13.30-17.00 (Sun May – Sept Only ) 14.30-17.00
Small museum housing displays of period costume and social history exhibits.
Broadfield House Glass Museum, Compton Drive, Kingswinford, West Midlands, DY6 9NS, England.
01384 812 745 – www.dudley.gov.uk/glassmuseum/ Glass Blowing Wed-Sun 12.00-16.00
This glass museum has a collection of approx 10 000 glass items, there is also a glassmaking studio where visitors can watch the craftsmen at work.
Walsall Leather Museum, Littleton Street West, Wisemore, Walsall, West Midlands, WS2 8EQ, England.
01922 721 153 – www.walsall.gov.uk/leathermuseum/
Tues-Sat 10.00-17.00 Sun 12.00-17.00 ( Nov-March closes at 16.00 )
Displays the history of the development of the leather industry and its effect on the town.
Jewry Wall and Archeology Museum, St Nicholas Circle, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 4LB, England.
01162 254 971
April – Sept Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00 Sun 13.00-17.00 Oct – March Mon-Sat 10.00-16.00 Sun 13.00-16.00
The history of Leicester from Pre-Historic to Present day. Roman relics, Fosse Way milestones, mosaic pavement and beautiful medieval glass.
Central Museum And Art Gallery, Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, England.
01604 838 111 – www.northampton.gov.uk/museums
(Mon-Sat) 10.00-17.00 Sun 14.00-17.00
Exceptional displays of shoes including silk slippers, clogs and high heeled 19C court shoes as well as displays on local history from Roman times to the present.
EAST ANGLIA
The Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RB 
www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
The Fitzwilliam Museum houses world-class collections of works of art and antiquities spanning centuries and civilisations. Highlights include masterpieces of painting from the fourteenth century to the present day, drawings and prints, sculpture, furniture, armour, pottery and glass, oriental art, illuminated manuscripts, coins and medals and antiquities from Egypt, the Ancient Near East, Greece, Rome and Cyprus.
Sailor’s Reading Room, East Cliff and East Street, Southwold, Suffolk, IP18 6EL, England.
01502 723 782
1 Jan – 9 April Daily 09.00-15.30 10 April – 23 Oct daily 09.00-17.00 24Oct – 31Dec Daily 09.00-15.30
Built in the mid 1800s in an attempt to keep fishermen out of the local public houses. The interior of this building is decorated with model ships and various examples of nautical text.
Sedgwick Museum Of Earth Sciences, University Of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3EQ, England.
01223 333 456 - www.sedgwickmuseum.org
(Mon-Fri) 09.00-13.00, 14.00-17.00 (Sat) 10.00-13.00
The museum contains various collections including fossils and skeletons of dinosaurs and mammals.
Whipple Museum Of Science, University Of Cambridge, Free School Lane, Off Pembroke Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3RH, England.
01223 330 906 - www.hps.cam.ac.uk/whipple
(Mon-Fri) 13.30-16.30
The museum contains a wide array of scientific instruments.
Museum Of Archaeology and Anthropology, University Of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3DZ, England.
01223 333 516 – http://maa.cam.ac.uk/home/index.php Tues – Sat 14.00-16.30
This fascinating museum has a wide variety of extensive collections that focus on anthropology and archaeology from around the world. An also features an exhibition that shows the development of the city from pre-historic times to the present day.
Scott Polar Research Institute, University Of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 1ER, England.
01223 336 540 - www.spri.cam.ac.uk
Tues-Sat 14.30-16.00
This museum was founded in 1920 and dedicated to the memory of Captain Scott, inside the museum are various exhibitions of articles from his expeditions.
Bridge Cottage, Flatford, East Bergholt, Suffolk, CO7 6UL, England.
01206 298 260 – www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford-bridge-cottage/ 3 March – 30 April Wed -Sun 11.00-17.00 1 May – 30 Sept Daily 10.00-17.30 1 Oct – 31 Oct Daily 11.00-16.30 3 Nov – 19 Dec Wed-Sun 11.00-15.30 8 Jan – 27 Feb Sat & Sun 11.00-15.30
The cottage has been painstakingly restored and now houses a collection of memorabilia to the artist John Constable.
HAMPSHIRE / DORSET / WILTSHIRE
Winchester City Museum, The Square, Winchester, Hampshire, England.
01962 848 269 – www.winchester.gov.uk
Apr-Oct Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00 Sun 12.00-17.00 Nov – March Tues-Sat 10.00-16.00 Sun 12.00-16.00
Rest of the year closed on Mondays. The museum displays various collections and exhibits detailing local history.
Westgate Museum, High Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9AP
Website: http://www.visitwinchester.co.uk/site/things-to-do/p_15701 Winchester’s Tudor and Stuart age is revealed in this beautifully refurbished listed monument, the last of the medieval gates into the city. Lots of activities for children.
Wiltshire Heritage Museum, 41 Long Street, Devizes, 7 miles from Avebury, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1NS, England. 01380 727 369 – www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk (Mon-sat) 10.00-17.00. Sun 12.00-16.00 Entry is FREE on Sundays for Wiltshire residents. The museum houses various collections of prehistoric finds, including the “Marlborough Bucket” that dates from the 1st Century BC and is decorated with bronze relief’s.
Bedwyn Stone Museum, 91 Church Street, In Great Bedwyn, between Hungerford and Marlborough, Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire, SN8 3PF, England.
01672 870 234
Please call for opening times
The art of the stone mason and his craft has been shown here by the Lloyd family for more than 200 years.
Portsmouth City Museum, Museum Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2LJ, England.
023 9282 7261 – www.portsmouthcitymuseums.co.uk
April – Sept Daily 10.00-17.30 Oct-March 10.00-17.00
This museum documents the history of Portsmouth and includes audio visual displays.
YORKSHIRE
National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ Tel:
08448 153139
Website: www.nrm.org.uk
Discover over 300 years of history and over a million wonderful objects. Marvel at iconic locomotives, watch engineering work in progress in the Workshop, browse our object-filled Warehouse, or let off steam in the outdoor play area.
Craven Museum and Gallery, Town Hall, High Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1AH, England.
01756 706 407 – www.cravenmuseum.org/ April – Sept Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00 Sun 14.00-17.00 Oct – March Mon-Fri 13.30-17.00 Sat 10.00-16.00
The museum illustrated the geology, flora & fauna, folk history and archaeology of Craven. A variety of displays include bicycles, policemen’s helmets, flints, fossils, snuff boxes, grandfather clocks and a hippopotamus skull!
Whitby Lifeboat Museum, Pier Road, Harbour Front, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3PU, England.
01947 602 001 – www.rnli.org.uk/who_we_are/the_heritage_trust/whitby East – Oct Daily 10.00-16.00 ( Subject to weather )
This museum is the best of its kind in the country. The life boat crew at Whitby have won more gold medals for Gallantry than any other crew in Britain. The museum contains the last ever hand rowed life boat that was used well into the 20C.
Bagshaw Museum, Wilton Park, Batley, West Yorkshire, WF17 0AS, England. 01924 326 155 - Open – Mon-Fri 11.00-17.00 Sat & Sun 12.00-17.00
This museum covers displays and exhibitions from across the continents, including the rain forests and Eqyptian tombs, as well as a range of local history.
Hull and East Riding Museum, 36 High Street, Old Town, Hull, Yorkshire, HU1 1PS, England.
01482 613 902 – www.hullcc.gov.uk Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00 Sun 13.30-16.30
This museum covers 235 million years of history from pre historic times to the Dark Ages.
Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery, Chequer Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN1 2AE, England.
01302 734 293 – www.doncaster.gov.uk Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00 Sun 14.00-17.00
Displays of archaeology, geology and the regimental museum of the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.
Bradford Industrial Museum, Moorside Road, Eccles Hill, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD2 3HP, England.
01274 435 900 – www.bradfordmuseums.org Open Tues-Sat 10.00-17.00 Sun 12.00-17.00 Steam Days usually held on Wednesdays 10.00-16.30
This Victorian working mill includes textile machinery, engines, mill owner’s house and workers cottages. There is a shire horse demonstration twice daily.
NORTH EAST
Dorman Museum, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, TS5 6LA, England.
01642 813 781 – www.dormanmuseum.co.uk
Tues – Sun 9.30 am – 5.00 pm
The Dorman Museum aims to create a learning environment that inspires confidence, enjoyment, understanding and a desire to return, by providing a range of opportunities for a wide cross section of people regardless of age, background or ability. The Dorman Museum has 8 permanent display galleries and 2 changing exhibition spaces on two floors
Wylam Railway Museum, Falcon Terrace, Wylam, Northumberland, NE41 8EE, England.
01661 852 174 – Open all year Tues & Thurs 14.00-17.00 and 17.30 – 19.30 Sat 09.00-12.00
This museum shows the history and importance of Wylam and the railways. Remenbering local railway pioneers such as George Stephenson.
Museum Of Hartlepool, Maritime Avenue, Hartlepool, County Durham, TS24 0XZ, England.
01429 860 006 – (Daily) 10.00-17.00
The museum gives visitors the opportunity to trace the history of the town and climb the Port’s original lighthouse.
Newcastle Discovery, Blandford Square, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, NE1 1JA, England.
0191 232 6789 – www.twmuseums.org.uk
(Mon-Sat) 10.00-17.00 (Sun) 14.00-17.00
The museum tells the history of the town through various displays and exhibits covering maritime history, pioneering inventors, armed forces, local costumes and fashion.
Woodhorn Colliery Museum, Queen Elisabeth II Country Park, Off the A189, Woodhorn, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9YF, England.
01670 856 968
Open all year Wed – Sun 10.00 – 17.00 ( Closes 16.00 Sept – April )
Housed in an original Colliery, this museum covers social and mining history, reconstructions, paintings and local crafts.
House of Hardy Museum, Willowburn, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 2PF, England.
01665 510 027 - www.houseofhardy.co.uk
Open Mon – Fri 9.00- 17.00. Sat 10.00-17.00. Sun 13.30-17.00.
A history of rods and fishing tackle from the worlds finest manufacture of these products.
Kirkharle Courtyard, Off the B6342 Between the A68 and the A696 Near Kirkharle, Near Wallington, Kirkhale, Northumberland, NE19 2PE, England.
01830 540 426 - www.kirkharle.com
Open all year Daily 10.00-17.00
Changing exhibitions, fine art and English furniture making as well as a collection of vintage bicycles. Birthplace of Capability Brown.
Chantry Bagpipe Museum, Bridge Street, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 1PJ, England.
01670 500 717 – www.morpethnet.co.uk/chantry
All year Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00, 25th July – 11th August and Bank Holidays 11.00-16.00
The chantry bagpipes are unique to Northumbria and this museum follows the development and history of the bagpipes.
Otterburn Mill, Otterburn Mills Ltd, Otterburn, Northumberland, NE19 1JT, England.
01830 520 225 - www.otterburnmill.co.uk
Open all year Daily 9.00-17.30 Sun 11.00-17.00
This working woollen mill houses a display on old woollen mill machinery and you can buy their products on site.
SURRY KENT AND SUSSEX
Chichester District Museum, 29 Little London, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1PB, England.
01243 784 683 – www.chichester.gov.uk/museums/
(Tue-Sat) 10.00-17.30
The museum has various displays and exhibitions concentrating on local life.
Chichester Guildhall, The Priory, Priory Road, Chichester, West Sussex, England.
01243 784 683
7 June – 13 Sept Sat Only 12.00-16.00
The guildhall museum is situated in a 13C Franciscan church in the centre of Priory Park.
Guildford Museum, Castle Arch, Quarry Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3SX, England.
01483 444 750
(Mon-Sat) 11.00-17.00
The museum features collections and mementoes of the famous author Lewis Carrol.
The Guildhall Museum, High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1PY, England.
01634 333 111 – (Daily) 10.00-16.30
The museum contains a model of King John’s siege of the castle and an exhibition on the prison ships.
Whitstable Museum And Gallery, Oxford Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1DB, England.
01227 276 998 – www.whitstable-museum.co.uk
Mon-Sat 10.00-16.00 July & August also Sundays 13.00-16.00
The museum features a photographic display of the town of Whitstable in its hey day and an exhibition of diving.
Royal Military Police Museum, Roussillon Barracks, Broyle Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 4BN, England.
01243 534 225 – www.army.mod.uk/rhqrmp
April – Sept Tues -Fri 10.30-16.30 Sat & Sun 14.00-17.00
A museum of Military Police History from Tudor times to present day including UN and Nato Operations.
Tunbridge Wells Museum And Art Gallery, Civic Centre, Mount Pleasant, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1JN, England.
01892 554 171
(Mon-Sat) 09.30-17.00
The museum displays varied collections including local relics, domestic ceramics and historical artefacts.
Brighton Museum And Art Gallery, Royal Pavillion Gardens, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1EE, England.
01273 290 900 – Tues 10.00-19.00 Wed – Sat 10.00-17.00 Sun 14.00-17.00
The museum has a varied number of exhibits including nouveau furniture, paintings, pottery and porcelain.
Booth Museum Of Natural History, 194 Dyke Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 5AA, England.
01273 292 777 – (Mon – Sat) 10.00-17.00 (Sun) 14.00-17.00
The museum houses collections of stuffed birds, animals and skeletons and the building was purpose built to house Mr E. T. Booth’s Collections.
LONDON CITY – INNER LONDON
National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, Inner London, SW3 4HT, England.
020 7730 0717 - www.national-army-museum.ac.uk
(Daily) 10.00-17.30
The purpose of this museum is to make the history of the British soldier accessible to all. The museum displays life size figures from a variety of eras, but rather than famous people, it uses real people with real stories.
Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, London, Inner London, E2 8EA, England.
020 7739 9893 – www.geffrye-museum.org.uk
Tues-Sat 10.00-17.00 Sun 12.00-17.00
Originally the building was almshouses that were built in 1715 and converted into a museum of furniture and interior design in 1914. There are a variety of rooms reconstructed in period style that make an atmospheric journey through the ages.
Percival David Foundation Of Chinese Art, 53 Gordon Square, London, Inner London, WC1H 0PD, England.
020 7387 3909 - www.pdfmuseum.org.uk
(Mon-Fri) 10.30-17.00
This collection is the finest of its kind outside China.There are 1,700 items in the permanent collection that mostly date form the 10-18C although there are some earlier pieces from the Tang Dynasty.
Bethnal Green Museum Of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London, Inner London, E2 9PA, England.
020 8980 2415 - www.museumofchildhood.org.uk
Daily 10,00-17.50 Closed Fridays
Inside the 19C building is a mammoth collection of dolls, trains, cars, children’s clothes, books and puppets. Including some exquisite Japanese ceremonial dolls.
Petrie Museum Of Egyptian Archaeology, University College London, Malet Place, London, Inner London, WC1E 6BT, England.
020 7679 2884 - www.petrie.ucl.ac.uk
Tues – Fri 13.00-17.00 Sat 10.00-13.00
A variety of ancient artefacts are displayed including the oldest garment in the world dating from 3000BC and underwear dating from 2400BC, as well as an exhumed pot burial with a skeletal occupant still squatting inside!
British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, Inner London, WC1B 3DG, England.
020 7323 8299 - www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk
Sat-Wed 10.00-17.30 Thurs & Fri 10.00-20.30
This is London’s No1 tourist attraction and is in fact a live encyclopaedia being one of only two museums in the world that fulfils the concept of having all branches of human knowledge under one roof.
Sir John Soane’s Museum, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, Inner London, WC2A 3BP, England.
020 7405 2107 – www.soane.org
(Tue-Sat) 10.00-17.00, First Tue of every month also 18.00-21.00
The museum houses collections of Indian drawings, Christopher Wren’s watch, casts of ancient sculpture and Soane’s own architectural plans and models.
Bank Of England Museum, Bartholomew Lane, Off Threadneedle Street, London, Inner London, EC2R 8AH, England.
www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum
(Mon-Fri) 10.00-17.00
The museum tells the 300 year old history of the bank, and was designed by Sir John Soane in 1793. Attractions include figures in period costume and the opportunity to come depressingly close to a stack of gold bars!
Clock Makers Company Museum, The Clockroom, Guildhall Library, Aldermanbury, London, Inner London, EC2P 2EJ, England.
www.clockmakers.org
(Mon-Fri) 09.30-16.30
The oldest collection of time pieces in the world. Including the watch worn by Sir Edmond Hillary when he climbed Everest, and John Harrison’s prize winning chronometer.
OUTER LONDON
Ragged School Museum, 46-48 Copperfield Road, London, Outer London, E3 4RR, England.
020 8980 6405 – www.raggedschoolmuseum.org.uk
Only FREE First Sunday of every Month) 14.00-17.00
Founded by Dr Barnardo to educate and feed poor children. The museum is now housed in what was one of the largest schools in London and has now been restored to its original state, and includes a reconstructed Victorian Classroom.
Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London, Outer London, SE23, England.
020 8699 1872 – www.horniman.ac.uk
Daily 10.30-17.30
Houses a variety of the 19C tea merchant Fredrick Horniman’s collections. With natural history hall with stuffed animals, music room where visitors can listen to and play instruments from all over the world, sunken gardens and small zoo with farm animals.
William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road, London, Outer London, E17 4PP, England.
020 8527 3782 - www.ibwf.org.uk/wmg
(Tue-Sat, First Sun every month) 10.00-13.00 & 14.00-17.00
Opened in 1950 this was the childhood home of the late Victorian designer William Morris. Part is dedicated to William Morris and selection of his memorabilia whilst part is devoted to his associates who made his designs what they are today.
Crystal Palace Museum, Anerley Hill, London, Outer London, SE19 2BA, England.
07956 587 257 – www.crystalpalacefoundation.org.uk
Sundays 11.00-17.00
Built in 1851 to house the Great exhibition, the museum tells the story of the exhibition is situated in an old engineering school where John Logie Baird invented the television. The extensive grounds contain amusement park with life size dinosaur models.
Livesey Museum, 682 Old Kent Road, London, Outer London, SE15 1JF, England.
020 7639 5604 - www.liveseymuseum.org.uk
(Tue-Sat) 10.00-17.00
Since becoming a museum in 1974 the building has hosted a variety of temporary exhibitions, most of which are aimed at children.
Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road, Walthamstow, London, Outer London, E17 9NH, England.
020 8509 1917 – vestry.house@al.lbwf.gov.uk
(Mon-Fri) 10.00-13.00 & 14.00-17.30, (Sat) 10.00-13.00 & 14.00-17.00
This museum is dedicated to two of the areas most famous sons. Alfred Hitchcock and Fredrick Bremer who designed Britains first motor car. Bremer’s 1894 vehicle is on display inside the building which also has good exhibitions on costumes and toys.
Wandsworth Museum, The Court House, 11 Garrett Lane, London, Outer London, SW18 4AQ, England.
020 8871 7074 – www.wandsworth.gov.uk
Tues – Sat 10.00-17.00 Sun 14.00-17.00
This local museum displays exhibits dedicated to the development of social history in the Borough of Wandsworth from medieval times to the present day. Attractions include interactive displays and children’s quizzes.
Royal London Hospital Archives and Museum, Whitechapel, London, Outer London, E1 1BB, England.
020 7377 7608 – (Mon-Fri) 10.00-16.30
Part of this museum is dedicated to Joseph Merrick (The Elephant Man) who in the 1880s was first a patient and then an exhibit at the Royal London Hospital. The rest of the museum tells the history of the hospital and medicine in general.
North Woolwich Old Station Museum, Pier Road, North Woolwich, London, Outer London, E16 2JJ, England.
020 7474 7244
Apr-Sep (Fri,Sun) 14.00-17.00,(Sat) 10.00-17.00
This museum is dedicated to The London And North Eastern Railway. On the first Sunday of the Summer months steam engines chug up and down outside. The museum houses a 1920s ticket office and various steam train memorabilia such as station signs.
