Museums in England, Scotland and Wales

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 façade 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 façade 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 façade, 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 on the original route of the world’s first steam powered passenger railway, the Head of Steam Museum exhibits artefacts and collections relating to the development and operation of railways in North East England. The museum has a number of locomotives on display, including Locomotive No. 1. Built by George Stephenson, Locomotive No. 1 hauled the first passenger train along the Stockton and Darlington Railway on 27th September 1825. Open daily Tues – Sun during the summer months and Wed – Sun in winter, admission charges apply.

Helicopter Museum, Weston-super-Mare

Type of Museum: Aviation Museum
Country: Somerset, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 281053
Address: Locking Moor Road, Weston-super-Mare BS24 8PP

The Helicopter Museum celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2014. It’s collection, which is the largest of its kind in the World includes a Russian Gunship, two aircraft of the Queens Royal Flight, the Vietnam Veterans and a 37 seat transport helicopter! Events, Open Cockpit Days and Air Experience Flights take place throughout the year. Open Wednesday to Sunday all year. Shop, Cafe, Film Theatre and large free car park on site. Admission charges apply.

Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, Helmshore Rossendale

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Lancashire, England
Owned / Operated by: Lancashire County Council
Address: Holcombe Road , Helmshore Rossendale BB4 4NP

Set beside the River Ogden in the Rossendale Valley are two of the historic Lancashire textile mills that powered the Industrial Revolution. Now a working museum equipped with original machinery, together they tell the story of how the mills were used to process the raw wool and cotton, transforming it into yarn ready to be woven into the cloth that clothed the world. Open afternoons from Apr to end-Oct, admission charges apply.

Helston Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Cornwall, England
Owned / Operated by: South Kerrier Heritage Trust
Address: Market Place, Helston TR13 8TH

Founded in 1949, the museum is housed in Helston’s historic Market House and Drill Hall. The museum’s collections tell the story of the social and industrial history of the Lizard Peninsula, from mining, fishing and farming, through to home life from the 18th century to the present day. Open daily Mon – Sat, free admission.

Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: West Midlands, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 1152899
Address: Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP

Named after local industrialist Sir Albert Herbert, the museum’s impressive collections range from the natural history of the surrounding area to the large industrial machinery that dominated this once great manufacturing centre. The museum also features a notable collection of costumes dating from the 1800s. Its gallery spaces include sculpture and paintings by major artists, such as LS Lowry, Stanley Spencer, David Bomberg and Paul Nash. Open daily Mon – Sat and Sun afternoons, free admission.

Hereford Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Herefordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Herefordshire Council
Address: Broad Street, Hereford HR4 9AU

Set in a Victorian gothic building, the museum houses archaeological and natural history exhibits, as well as a diverse collection of art associated with the county of Herefordshire. The gallery’s collection includes around 3,500 works of art, dating from the 17th century to the present day. Open daily Wed – Sat, free admission.

Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon

Type of Museum: Transport Museum
Country: Warwickshire, England
Owned / Operated by: British Motor Industry Heritage Trust
Address: Banbury Road, Gaydon CV35 0BJ

Located next to the current Jaguar Land Rover Engineering Centre, the museum houses a unique collection of vehicles. Dedicated to preserving Britain’s motoring heritage, the museum displays models from all of the companies that have contributed to the nation’s motor manufacturing history, including the first Mini produced. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Hertford Museum

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Hertfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Hertford Town Council
Address: 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT

Originally opened in 1903, the museum tells the story of the county town and surrounding parishes of Hertfordshire. Set within a 17th century Jacobean town house, the museum’s collections cover local, military, natural, and social history, as well as displaying archaeology finds from the area. Open daily Tues – Sat, free admission.

Hexham Old Gaol

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Northumberland, England
Owned / Operated by: Northumberland County Council
Address: Hall Gate, Hexham NE46 1XD

Set in England’s first recorded purpose-built prison, built in 1333 the museum explores the history of the gaol and the inmates it housed, including the notorious Border Reivers. Open daily Tues – Sat from April to end-Sept, admission charges apply.

Higgins Art Gallery and Museum, Bedford

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Bedfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Bedford Borough Council
Address: Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD

Set in the Castle Quarter of the town, the Higgins Art Gallery and Museum recently reopened after an extensive refurbishment. The principal art gallery and museum in the county, it is named in honour of one of town’s major benefactors, the philanthropic brewer, Cecil Higgins. Originally founded to house his collection of ceramics, glass and objets d’art, it now exhibits an impressive collection of prints, including some of the finest British artists as well as internationally renowned figures such as Picasso. Open daily Tues – Sat and Sunday afternoons, free admission.

Highlanders’ Museum, Inverness

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: Highlands and Islands, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Friends of the Highlanders’ Museum
Address: Fort George, Ardersier, Inverness IV2 7TD

Housed within Fort George, a working army barracks on the outskirts of Inverness, the museum explores the history of the famous Highland Regiments from the Battle of Culloden through to the present day. Occupying three floors of the former Lieutenant Governors quarters, it is boasts 20,000 artefacts, the largest collection of military memorabilia outside of London. Open daily throughout the year.

Historylinks Museum, Dornoch

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Highlands and Islands, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. SCO08747
Address: The Meadows, Dornoch, Sutherland IV25 3SF

Dedicated to the history and archaeology of Dornoch, from the violent days of the early Picts and Vikings though to the feuding clans, and on to the shameful burning of Scotland’s last condemned witch. Open daily throughout the summer months, admission charges apply.

Horsham Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Sussex, England
Owned / Operated by: Horsham District Council
Address: 9 Causeway, Horsham RH12 1HE

Founded in 1893, the museum tells the story of Horsham and its people through the extensive number of artefacts in its collection displayed throughout its 26 galleries. The museum also houses a significant collection of memorabilia relating to the locally born poet Percy Shelley. Open daily Mon – Sat, free admission.

Hove Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Sussex, England
Owned / Operated by: Brighton and Hove City Council
Address: 19 New Church Road, Hove BN3 4AB

Opened in 1927, the museum displays a unique collection of toys as well as early cinema paraphernalia. Other exhibits include contemporary craft and a fine arts collection. Open daily Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun afternoons, free admission.

Hovercraft Museum, Lee-on-the-Solent

Type of Museum: Transport Museum
Country: Hampshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Hovercraft Museum Trust
Address: Gosport, Lee-on-the-Solent PO13 9NY

Boasting a collection of more than sixty hovercrafts housed within several hangars, the museum occupies the former HMS Daedalus (Fleet Air Arm) site. The museum’s collection includes the world’s first working hovercraft model built by Christopher Cockerell in 1955, and two of the world’s largest civil hovercraft, the SR.N5 craft. Open Saturdays and Wednesdays, admission charges apply.

Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, Glasgow

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: West Coast of Scotland, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: University of Glasgow
Address: University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ

Founded in 1807, The Hunterian is the oldest museum in Scotland and includes The Hunterian Art Gallery, The Anatomy Museum, Mackintosh House and The Zoology Museum, all located in various buildings on the main campus of the University of Glasgow. Built upon the bequest of Dr William Hunter, the collections include scientific instruments used by Lord Kelvin, Joseph Lister and James Watt, as well as finds of Roman artefacts from the Antonine Wall. Open daily all year round except Monday’s, free admission.

Ilfracombe Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Devon, England
Owned / Operated by: Ilfracombe Museum Trust
Address: Wilder Road, Ilfracombe EX34 8AF

Set in the former laundry of the grand Ilfracombe Hotel, , the museum exhibits a collection of eclectic finds, including a shrunken head and a display of pickled bats. More routine collections relate to Ilfracombe’s maritime history, a display of military uniforms and exotic butterflies. Open daily between Easter and end-Oct, admission charges apply.

Imperial War Museum North, Trafford Park

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: Manchester, England
Owned / Operated by: Imperial War Museum
Address: Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester M17 1TZ

Set overlooking the Manchester Ship Canal in Trafford Park, the IWM North is one of five branches of the Imperial War Museum and the only one located in the north of England. Opened in 2002, the museum explores the impact of modern conflicts and the ‘wartime experience’, from the First World War to the present day. Open daily, free admission.

Imperial War Museum, Duxford

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: Cambridgeshire, England
Owned / Operated by: British National Museum
Address: Duxford CB22 4QR

Set on a former First and Second World War airfield, IWM Duxford is home to some of the most iconic aircraft in the world including the legendary Spitfire, Lancaster and Concorde. With over 200 aircraft on display as well as tanks, military vehicles and boats, the museum tells the story of British and Commonwealth aviation. The largest aviation museum in Britain, the site is also accommodates several British Army regimental museums, including the Parachute Regiment and the Royal Anglian Regiment. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Imperial War Museum, Southwark

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: British National Museum
Address: Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ

Opening its doors again in July 2014 to mark the Centenary of the First World War, the newly transformed IWM London will feature ground-breaking galleries telling the many stories of the men and women who lived and served on the home front and on the fighting fronts during the Great War. The museum’s other permanent exhibitions will also reopen, including the Lord Ashcroft Gallery featuring the world’s largest collection of Victoria Crosses and the Holocaust Exhibition.

International Slavery Museum, Liverpool

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Merseyside, England
Owned / Operated by: National Museums Liverpool
Address: Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AX

Set on Liverpool’s Albert Dock in the same building as the Merseyside Maritme Museum, the museum relates the history of slavery. Displays explore the transatlantic slave trade, the legacies of slavery and current human rights issues. Open daily, free admission.

Inveraray Jail, Argyll

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: West Coast of Scotland, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Scottish Office
Address: Church Square, Inveraray, Argyll, PA32 8TX

Portraying life in a 19th century prison, Inveraray Jail is a living museum complete with costumed characters re-enacting the roles. Browse the exhibition of prison artefacts, watch actual courtroom trials, talk to the prisoners and even sample the punishments, before making good your escape. Open daily all year round, admission charges apply.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Highlands and Islands, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. SCO42593
Address: Castle Wynd, Inverness IV2 3EB

First opened in 1826, the museum explores the people, environment and traditions of the Highlands through a wealth of artefacts and exciting exhibitions. From the geology and natural history of the region, to its more recent history, including Jacobite memorabilia, Inverness silverware, authentic Highland weapons and bagpipes. Open daily all year round, closed Sundays and Mondays during summer months and Sunday to Wednesday during the winter. Free admission.

Ipswich Museum

Type of Museum: County Museum
Country: Suffolk, England
Owned / Operated by: Ipswich Borough Council
Address: High Street. Ipswich IP1 3QH

Telling the history of Ipswich and the wider county of Suffolk, the museum also houses a significant natural history collection including exotic foreign animals. The Ogilvie British Bird Gallery is considered to be one of the most complete in the country, whilst the Suffolk Wildlife Gallery is home to a life-sized model of the woolly mammoth. Open daily Tues – Sat, free admission.

Ironbridge Gorge Museums

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Shropshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust
Address: Coalbrookdale TF8 7DQ (and, various other post codes)

Widely regarded as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, there are ten museums spread along the valley of the River Severn at Ironbridge. Collectively known as the Ironbridge Gorge Museums they include Blists Hill Victorian Town, Broseley Pipeworks, Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Coalport China Museum, Coalport Tar Tunnel, Darby Houses, Enginuity, Iron Bridge and Tollhouse, Jackfield Tile Museum and the Museum of the Gorge. Open daily throughout the year, entrance charges apply.

Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum, Newport Quay

Type of Museum: Transport Museum
Country: Isle of Wight, England
Owned / Operated by: Registered Charity
Address: Newport Harbour PO30 2EF

Set in a former grain warehouse on Newport Quay, the museum houses a collection of road vehicles dating back to the 1910s, many of which have previously operated on the island. Open regularly from Easter – end Oct, admission charges apply.

Jane Austen’s House Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Hampshire , England
Owned / Operated by: Charity Number 1156458
Address: Chawton, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1SD

The museum tells the story of Jane Austen and her family. Exhibits include family portraits and memorabilia, original manuscripts and first editions novels. Open daily, admission charges apply. Closed Jan and Feb 2017.

Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Scottish Borders, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Scottish Borders Council
Address: Castlegate, Jedburgh TD8 6AS

Constructed in 1823, Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum gives an insight as to what life was like in a 1820s prison. One of the finest remaining Howard reform prisons in Scotland, visitors can walk through the original cell blocks of this Georgian jail. The main building houses a collection of artefacts, prints and paintings which tell the story of Jedburgh, through the traditions, industries and important individuals of this historic Scottish town. Open daily from April to Oct, free admission.

Jewish Museum London, Camden

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 2655110
Address: 129-131 Albert Street, London NW1 7NB

Founded in 1932, the museum houses an internationally noted collection of Jewish ceremonial art. In addition to exploring Jewish culture, heritage and identity, it also places the Jewish story into the wider context of British history. Open daily from Sun to Fri, admission charges apply.

John Paul Jones Cottage Museum, Nr Kirkbean

Type of Museum: Maritime Museum
Country: Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Dumfries and Galloway Council
Address: Arbigland DG2 8BQ

Exploring the life of “The Father of the American Navy”, the museum is housed in a traditional Scottish cottage, the birthplace of John Paul Jones in 1747. Furnished in the style of the 1700s, there is an authentically reconstructed cabin of the ship he commanded when he confronted HMS Serapis off Flamborough Head, Yorkshire in 1779. Open Tues – Sun from April to end-Sept, daily in July and Aug, admission charges apply.

Jorvik DIG, York

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Yorkshire, England
Owned / Operated by: York Archaeological Trust
Address: St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN

Based on major excavations undertaken by the York Archaeologist Trust, unearth Roman, Viking, Medieval and Victorian artefacts similar to those found by the Trust’s archaeologists during their digs in four replica excavation pits. Grab a trowel for yourself and dig up the clues that reveal how folk lived in these times. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Jorvik Viking Centre, York

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Yorkshire, England
Owned / Operated by: York Archaeological Trust
Address: Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT

This joint museum and visitor attraction first opened its door to the public in 1984. Based upon archaeological finds uncovered from site on which it stands, visitors can journey through a reconstruction of the streets of the Viking city of Jorvik as it would have appeared nearly 1,000 years ago. The museum itself displays many of the finds from the site and explores what life was like 10th century Viking York. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Judges Lodging, Presteigne, Powys

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Mid Wales, Wales
Owned / Operated by: Presteigne Shire Hall Museum Trust
Address: Broad Street, Presteigne, Powys LD8 2AD

Housed in a former court room dating from 1829, this recently restored building now tells the story of the people who lived and worked in the Lodgings, from the elegant judge’s apartments to the dingy gas lit world of the servant’s quarters. Presentations include audiotours of actual trials from bygone days in the court house, whilst the basement houses the dark and damp prisoner’s cells. Open Monday to Saturday throughout the year, free admission.

Keep Military Museum, Dorchester

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: Dorset, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1054956
Address: Barrack Road, Dorchester DT1 1RN

Located to the west of Dorchester town centre in the former gatehouse to the County Armoury, the museum is the official home to the collections of The Devonshire Regiment, The Dorset Regiment, The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, The Dorset Yeomanry, The Queen’s Own Dorset Yeomanry, The Dorset Militia, The Royal Devon Yeomanry and 94 Field Regiment RA. The weapons, uniforms, medals and stories of the soldiers and their families are revealed over the museums three floors. Open daily Mon – Sat during the summer months and Tues – Fri in winter, admission charges apply.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: West Coast of Scotland, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Glasgow City Council
Address: Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AG

Originally opened in 1901 as the Palace of Fine Arts, this recently refurbished building is one of Scotland’s most popular free-to-enter visitor attractions. Now boasting over 8,000 exhibits on display, it also houses one of Europe’s finest civic art collections. The wide ranging collections explore natural history, arms and armour and of course art, from a variety of different art movements, including Salvador Dali’s ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’. Open daily all year round, free admission.

Kendal Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Cumbria, England
Owned / Operated by: South Lakeland District Council
Address: Station Road, Kendal LA9 6BT

Founded in 1796, the museum includes collections of local archaeology, history and geology. The World Wildlife Gallery provides an introduction to a variety of animals, birds and insects collected from around the world. Open daily Tues to Sat, free admission.

Kent Battle of Britain Museum

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: Kent , England
Owned / Operated by: Privately Owned and Operated
Address: Aerodrome Rd, Hawkinge, Folkestone, CT18 7AG

Located on the former RAF Station Hawkinge, this independent museum is dedicated to all pilots shot down during WW2. The museum displays the largest collection of Battle of Britain artefacts in the country and includes many personal stories, as well as wreckage from over 600 crashed aircraft. Open daily Tue – Sun from Mar to Oct, admission charges apply.

Killhope, Lead Mining Museum

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Co. Durham, England
Owned / Operated by: Durham County Council
Address: nr Cowshill, Upper Weardale DL13 1AR

Set on the site of the former Park Level Mine, Killhope is a fully restored 19th century Victorian lead mine. Featuring a large working waterwheel and other associated machinery, the museum explores the life and work of the lead mining families of the region. Open daily from Apr to end-Oct, admission charges apply.

Kilmartin Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: SC022744
Address: Kilmartin PA31 8RQ

Set in the heart of prehistoric Kilmartin Glen, the museum excavates and displays the artefacts that it finds. Many such finds are of international significance, including rare jet necklaces and some of the earliest beaker pots in Britain. Other items include a 2000 year old sword, found point down in a bog on the nearby Isle of Shuna. Open daily from March to Christmas, admission charges apply.

Kington Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Herefordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Company Reg: 298365
Address: Mill Street, Kington HR5 3AL

Opened in 1986, the museum is housed within the former stables of the now demolished King’s Head Inn. The museum tells the history of Kington town and its surrounding area through artefacts collected from local residents. Open daily Tues – Sat between Apr to Sept, free admission.

Kinross (Marshall) Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Perth and Kinross, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Charity Number SC027144
Address: Loch Leven Community Campus, Muirs, Kinross, KY13 8FQ

Located in the Loch Leven Community Campus at the north end of Kinross, the museum exhibits a wealth of pictures and artefacts reflecting life as it was in and around the county town. In particular, the town’s close association with the textile industry is explored. Open daily Tues – Sat, free admission.

Kirkcaldy Galleries

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Fife, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Fife Cultural Trust
Address: War Memorial Gardens, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1YG

On the ground floor of Kirkcaldy Galleries, the museum tells the story of the town and its surrounding area, and on the lives of the men, women and children who lived there. Open daily, free admission.

Lakeland Motor Museum, Backbarrow, Ulverston

Type of Museum: Transport Museum
Country: Cumbria, England
Owned / Operated by: Lakeland Motor Museum Ltd
Address: Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8TA

The Lakeland Motor Museum houses a collection of classic cars, motorcycles, bicycles and other transport related memorabilia. Boasting a collection of some 30,000 exhibits, all housed in a purpose built, state-of-the-art building. Open daily, entrance charges apply.

Lancaster City Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Lancashire, England
Owned / Operated by: Lancashire County Council
Address: Market Square , Lancaster LA1 1HT

Set in the elegant surroundings of the former town hall, the museum also houses the museum of Lancaster’s King’s Own Royal Regiment from its formation in 1680. The City Museum’s collections trace the history of Lancaster from Roman times. Open daily Mon – Sat, free admission.

Leeds Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Art Gallery
Country: Yorkshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Leeds City Council
Address: The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA

First opened in 1888, the museum’s houses a significant collection of 19th and 20th century British Art. Set in the heart of Leeds, the museum also displays impressive collections of prints, watercolours, paintings, sculptures, photography, and contemporary art, from well know local and international artists. Open daily, free admission.

Leeds City Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Yorkshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Leeds City Council
Address: Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 8BH

Founded in 1819, the museum’s considerable and diverse collections are displayed over four floors and several galleries. One collection explores the local history of Leeds and its people, whilst another considers the cultures of the world’s five continents. Life on Earth details the planet’s natural history, and yet another presents civilisations from the ancient world. Open daily Tues – Sun, free admission.

Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills Museum, Armley, Leeds

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Yorkshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Leeds City Council
Address: Canal Road, Armley, Leeds LS12 2QF

Set in what was once the world’s largest woollen mill, the museum tells the industrial history of Leeds through collections of textile machinery, railway equipment and other engineering artefacts that helped to power the Industrial Revolution. Located on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the nearby Botany Bay Yard is so named as it was the first place in England where wool from Australia was landed for processing. Open daily Tues – Sun, admission charges apply.

Leominster Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Herefordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Leominster Museum Trust
Address: Etnam Street, Leominster HR6 8AL

Through its collection of artefacts, photographs and documents, the museum tells the story of Leominster and its people from prehistoric times through to the present day. It also houses a collection of paintings and drawings by the famous local Victorian artist John Scarlett Davis. Open daily Mon – Sat from Apr to Sept, free admission.

Lion Salt Works

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Cheshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Cheshire West and Chester Council
Address: Ollershaw Ln, Marston, Northwich, CW9 6ES

Housed in a restored open-pan salt making site in the village of Marston, this newly opened museum details how the salt works operated and the impact of salt on mid-Cheshire’s people, economy and landscape. Open daily Tues to Sun, admission charges apply.

Llangollen Museum, Denbighshire

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: North Wales, Wales
Owned / Operated by: Llangollen Museum Trust
Address: Parade Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire LL20 8P

With a collection of more than 5,000 artefacts, photographs and documents, the museum features displays concerning the history of this area in the borderlands of Wales. From the Stone Age, through the Romans, Normans and on to more recent times, discover more out about the people, places, stories, myths and legends of Llangollen and the surrounding region. Open daily throughout the year, free admission.

London Canal Museum, Islington

Type of Museum: Transport Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 277484
Address: New Wharf Road, London N1 9RT

Housed in a Victorian ice warehouse, the museum tells the story of the English canal system and the folk that plied their trade along these waterways. Other exhibits and displays consider the art, craft and engineering of London’s canals, whilst the buildings use to house ice imported from Norway is explained. Open daily except Mondays, admission charges apply.

London Fire Brigade Museum, Southwark

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: London Fire Brigade
Address: 94a Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 0EG

The museum tells the story of firefighting from the days of the Great Fire of London in 1666 to the present day, including the essential role that the fire service’s ‘heroes with grimy faces’ played during World War II. Housed in the original Southwark fire station, it is home to a unique collection of historical fire engines and other equipment. Visits to the museum are by guided tour only and must be booked in advance, admission charges apply. Telephone 020 8555 1200 ext 39894.

London Transport Museum, Westminster

Type of Museum: Transport Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1123122
Address: Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB

Housed in a Victorian iron and glass building once part of the Covent Garden Flower Market, the London Transport (LT) Museum tells the story of the transport heritage of the nation’s capital city. The museums large collection of exhibits and displays includes more than 80 road and rail vehicles, as well as photographs, posters, signs, tickets, maps and uniforms. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Lostwithiel Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Cornwall, England
Owned / Operated by: Cornwall Museums Partnership
Address: The Guildhall, 16 Fore St, Lostwithiel, PL22 0BW

Housed in a listed Georgian building, the museum tells the story of Lostwithiel from its founding in the 12th century by a Norman Lord to its growth to become the county town of Cornwall. Displays explain how the town grew rich through the export of tin. Open daily Mon – Fri, from early-Apr to end-Sept, free admission.

Low Parks Museum, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: West Coast of Scotland, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: South Lanarkshire Council
Address: 129 Muir Street, Hamilton, ML3 6BJ

Housed in two historic buildings, both originally associated with the Dukes of Hamilton, the museum traces the local history of South Lanarkshire, with displays relating to Hamilton Palace, demolished in 1927. Other collections and exhibits detail the working life of the area, including agriculture, weaving, and coalmining; and also the history of the local regiment, the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). Open daily all year round.

Lowewood Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Hertfordshire , England
Owned / Operated by: Broxbourne Borough Council
Address: High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BH

Housed in an imposing Georgian building, the museum tells the story of the historic town of Hoddesdon and the borough of Broxbourne from prehistoric times to the present day. Collections include displays of geology, archaeology, social history, costume, photography and art. Open daily Wed – Sat, free admission.

Lowewood Museum, Hoddesdon

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Hertfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Borough of Broxbourne
Address: High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BH

Set in a grand Georgian building in the historic town of Hoddesdon, the museum tells the history of the borough of Broxbourne. Open daily Wed to Sat, free admission.

Lutterworth Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Leicestershire, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1008383
Address: Gilmorton Road, Lutterworth LE17 4DY

Located in the OneStop Shop just a short walk from the heart of Lutterworth, the museum tells the story of the town and the surrounding villages. In particular it displays a very large collection of Frank Whittle memorabilia, inventor of the modern jet engine. Open Tues to Sat from 10 – 13.00, free entry.

Lynn Museum, Kings Lynn

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Norfolk, England
Owned / Operated by: Norfolk Museums
Address: Market Street, King’s Lynn, PE30 1NL

Originally founded in 1844, the museum relates the history of West Norfolk. Highlights of the museum include a life size replica of the Bronze Age timber circle known as ‘Seahenge’ and a hoard of Iceni gold coins hidden in a cow bone for nearly 2000 years. Open daily Tues – Sat, admission charges apply.

Macclesfield Silk Museums

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Cheshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Silk Heritage Trust
Address: Park Lane, Macclesfield SK11 6TJ

The four separate sites that constitute the Macclesfield Silk Museums include the Silk Museum, Old Sunday School, West Park Museum and Paradise Mill. Between them they tell the history of Macclesfield’s Silk Industry, from cocoon to the journey along the Silk Road and on to the growth of the town’s Silk Mills. In Paradise Mill, step back into 1930s industrial Macclesfield and discover what it was like to work in the Silk Industry with 26 restored Jacquard Looms. Open daily Mon – Sat, admission charges apply.

Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Kent, England
Owned / Operated by: Maidstone District Council
Address: St Faith’s Street, Maidstone ME14 1LH

A treasure chest of over 600,000 fascinating artefacts and specimens. Our outstanding collections, housed in an Elizabethan manor house in the centre of Kent’s country town, are amongst the best in the South-East. The Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, and has a lively programme of events for all ages. Admission free, temporary exhibitions may have an entry fee.

Malvern Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Worcestershire, England
Owned / Operated by: Malvern Museum Society Ltd
Address: Priory Gatehouse, Abbey Road, Malvern WR14 3ES

Set in the heart of the town, the museum tells the story of Malvern and its people over five exhibition rooms. Downstairs the museum explores how Celtic tribes existed on the surrounding windy hills before the Romans invaded and occupied the area. The upstairs rooms consider how Malvern was transformed from a tiny hamlet to a popular Victorian holiday destination. Open daily from Easter to end-Oct, admission charges apply.

Manchester Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Art Gallery
Country: Manchester, England
Owned / Operated by: Manchester City Galleries Trust
Address: Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3JL

Featuring a significant collection of the English School, with works by Gainsborough and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, the gallery occupies three historic buildings set close to the city centre. Over three floors and 21 rooms, its historic galleries also display international masterpieces from the 17th and 18th centuries. As well as paintings, the museum exhibits collections of furniture, glass and silverware. Open daily, free admission.

Manchester Museum

Type of Museum: County Museum
Country: Manchester, England
Owned / Operated by: University of Manchester
Address: Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL

First opened to the public in 1888, the museum’s collections include works of archaeology, anthropology and natural history. Home to one of the most significant collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the Britain, it also houses galleries that explore the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. Exhibits from the natural world include a collection of dinosaurs fossils, with live reptiles and amphibians left to roam in the Vivarium. Open daily, free admission.

Mansfield Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Nottinghamshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Mansfield County Council
Address: Leeming Street, Mansfield NG18 1NG

This local history museum explores the social and industrial heritage of the district through a range of artefacts and photographs. The Art and Exhibition Galleries house a collection of 18th century porcelain and watercolours showing Victorian Mansfield. Open daily Mon – Sat, free admission.

Mappa Mundi and Chained Library, Hereford Cathedral

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Herefordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Hereford Cathedral
Address: Cathedral Close, Hereford, HR1 2NG

Housed in Hereford Cathedral, the Mappa Mundi shows how 13th century scholars viewed the world, combining spiritual as well as geographical terms. Dating from around 1300, the map is drawn on a single sheet of vellum (calf skin). The Cathedral’s Chained Library is the largest in Europe to survive with all its chains, rods and locks intact. Open daily Mon – Sat, admission charges apply.

Margate Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Kent, England
Owned / Operated by: Friends of Margate Museum
Address: Market Place, Margate Old Town CT9 1ER

Set just a short walk from the sea front in the second oldest building in Margate, the museum tells the story of the town and its people. Displays also explore the buildings former use as the town’s police station and magistrates’ court, including the original Victorian cells. Open daily Wed, Sat and Sun between May to Sept, Sat and Sun only in winter, admission charges apply.

Market Hall Museum, Warwick

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Warwickshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Heritage & Culture Warwickshire
Address: Warwick CV34 4NF

Set in the 17th century Market Hall, the museum includes displays on the geology, natural history and early history of Warwickshire. Notable exhibits include the stuffed Warwickshire Bear, replicating the county’s heraldic sign, and the Sheldon Tapestry, a 16th century map of the county. Open daily Tues – Sat and Sundays during summer, free admission.

Marlipins Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: West Sussex, England
Owned / Operated by: The Sussex Archaeological Society
Address: 36 High St, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5DA

Housed in one of the oldest Norman buildings in Sussex, the museum relates the the story of Shoreham’s maritime and local history from prehistoric to medieval times. Open Tue to Sat, May to Oct, admission charges apply.

Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Perthshire, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Historic Environment Scotland
Address: Dundee Rd, Meigle, PH12 8SB

Dating from the late 700s to late 900s, the museum displays a set of 26 carved stones, the remaining legacy of the Picts’ power centre at Meigle. Open daily, Apr to Sept, admission charges apply.

Mere Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Wiltshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Mere Museum Committee
Address: Barton Lane, Mere BA12 6JA

Founded in 1970, preserving the history of Mere with a collection of more than 7,000 items. Open most days, not Sundays.

Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool

Type of Museum: Maritime Museum
Country: Merseyside, England
Owned / Operated by: National Museums Liverpool
Address: Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AQ

Set on Liverpool’s Albert Dock in the same building as the International Slavery Museum, the museum explores the international significance of the port as the gateway to the world, including its role in emigration, the merchant navy and the transatlantic slave trade. The museum of the UK Border Agency, ‘Seized!’ is housed in the building’s basement. Open daily, free admission.

Mevagissey Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Cornwall, England
Owned / Operated by: Mevagissey Museum Trust
Address: East Wharf, Mevagissey PL26 6QR

Housed in an 18th century building originally used to construct vessels for smuggling, the museum relates the history of the boatyard through the original tools and equipment left behind when the last boat builder retired. The wider picture of life in and around Mevagissey is told through a broad collection of artefacts, displays and exhibits, including a cider press and a recreated Cornish kitchen. Open daily from Easter to Oct, free admission.

Midland Air Museum, Baginton

Type of Museum: Aviation Museum
Country: Warwickshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 508326
Address: Baginton CV3 4FR

Located on the fringe of Coventry Airport, the museum features an impressive collection of aircraft as well as the Frank Whittle Jet Heritage Centre. With more than 30 aircraft on display including an Avro Vulcan and two English Electric Lightnings, the museum details the story of the local aviation pioneer and inventor of the jet engine, Frank Whittle. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Mildenhall Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Suffolk, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity Number 281511
Address: Mildenhall Museum, 6 King Street, Mildenhall, Suffolk, IP28 7ET

The museum tells the story of Mildenhall, its treasures and people through displays in newly developed galleries. From pre-history to the Lakenheath Warrior, discover the mystery of the Mildenhall Treasure; and find out about the key role Mildenhall’s air base played in WWII. Open Mar to mid-Dec, p.m. only Tues, Wed, Thur & Sat, a.m. and p.m. Fri, free admission.

Milestones Museum, Basingstoke

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Hampshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Hampshire County Council
Address: Churchill Way West, Basingstoke RG22 6PG

Recreating a network of cobbled streets from turn of the century Hampshire, this living history museum features original buildings from the era, as well as a 1930s town with shops. Complete with costumed characters helping to recreate the age, the museum also houses a collection of beautifully restored vintage road and rail vehicles. Open daily Tues – Sun, admission charges apply.

Mill Green Mill and Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Hertfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council
Address: Mill Green Lane, Hatfield AL9 5PD

Enjoying an attractive riverside setting, Mill Green Museum is a restored 18th century working flour mill powered by water to produce flour and demonstrate historic milling practices. The range of historic buildings also house a changing programme based on local art and history. Open daily Tues to Thurs, Sun and Bank Holidays afternoons, admission charges apply.

Milton Keynes Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Buckinghamshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Milton Keynes Museum Trust
Address: McConnell Dr, Wolverton, Milton Keynes, MK12 5EL

Housed in a former Victorian model farmstead, this interactive museum includes an old school room, air raid bunker and a working GPO telephone exchange. Open daily Wed – Sun summer, weekends only Nov – end-Mar, admission charges apply.

Moffat Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Moffat Museum Trust
Address: Churchgate, Moffat DG10 9EG

Originally housed in an old bakehouse, the recently expanded museum relates the history of the town and its people. It provides a fascinating insight into Moffat’s history; from early Roman times, the Border Reivers, the Convenanters, the discovery of the Well and to Moffat’s success as a Spa town. Open daily Mon to Sat (closed Wed), from Apr – Sept open Sun pm, free admission.

Moyses Hall Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Suffolk, England
Owned / Operated by: St Edmundsbury Borough Council
Address: Icklingham Road, Suffolk, Bury St. Edmunds, IP28 6HG

Set in an impressive medieval building in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, Moyse’s Hall Museum houses collections relating to local and social history. From Afghanistan to the Normandy beaches, the battles, traditions and stories of the Suffolks are revealed in the Suffolk Regiment Gallery. Open daily Mon to Sat, and Sun p.m., admission charges apply.

Mull Museum, Tobermory

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: West Coast of Scotland, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. SCO000223
Address: Main Street, Tobermory, Isle of Mull PA75 6NY

A small museum detailing the history of the Isle of Mull and its people. From the early days of duns and brochs, through to the age of warring clans and on to more recent times. Exhibits of crofting, farming, fishing and everyday objects trace what life was like in Mull through the ages. Open from Easter – end Oct, Mon to Fri daily, free admission.

Museum in the Park, Stroud

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Gloucestershire, England
Owned / Operated by: Stroud District Council
Address: Stroud GL5 4AF

Set in the grounds of Stratford Park in the market town of Stroud, this museum of local history and culture is housed in a listed 17th century wool merchant’s mansion house. Displaying over 4,000 artefacts, the museum’s collections represent all aspects of human and geological life in the Stroud District, including patent drawings as well as actual examples of the world’s first lawnmower. Open daily Tues – Sun, free admission.

Museum of Abernethy

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Perthshire, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. SCO023100
Address: School Wynd, Abernethy PH2 9JJ

Opened in 2000, the museum is housed within 18th century farm buildings and includes artefacts and information relating to the ancient Pictish capital of Abernethy. There is a core exhibition relating to the historic Pictish Round Tower and more recently, when Abernethy was home to many Polish troops in WWII. Open from early May to end Sept, Wed – Sun pm, admission is free.

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Cambridgeshire, England
Owned / Operated by: University of Cambridge
Address: Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DZ

Founded in 1884, the MAA houses the University of Cambridge’s collection of local antiquities, together with archaeological artefacts from around the world and throughout human history. The museum is organised in five key collection areas, including archaeological, anthropological, photographic, modern and contemporary art, and archival material. Open daily Tues – Sat and Sunday afternoons, free admission.

Museum of Army Flying, Stockbridge

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: Hampshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 279897
Address: Middle Wallop, Stockbridge SO20 8DY

Set beside the Army Air Corps’ working airfield at Middle Wallop, the museum tells the story of flying in the British Arms. From the early days of the Army Balloon section, through the founding of the Royal Flying Corps, the museum brings the story up to date with establishment of the Army Air Corps in 1957. The museum houses a fine collection of fixed wing and rotary aircraft, as well as multiple flight simulators. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, Barnstaple

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Devon, England
Owned / Operated by: Devon Museums
Address: The Square, Barnstaple EX32 8LN

Telling the story of the natural and human history of Barnstaple and North Devon, the museum also houses the regimental collection of the Royal Devon Yeomanry. Open daily Mon – Sat, free admission.

Museum of Cambridge

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Cambridgeshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Cambridge 800 Trust
Address: Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AQ

The Museum of Cambridge, housed in a 17th century timber frame building which was formerly the White Horse Inn, holds a wonderful and varied collection displaying a wealth of Cambridge tradition and history. By exploring the nine room settings including the Bar, the Guest Room and the Childhood Room, visitors can discover an array of intriguing objects, as well as some familiar household favourites! Open Tues-Sat 10.30am-5pm and Sun 2-5pm. Closed Mondays. Adults £3.50, concessions £2.00, children £1.00 (one child free with each paying adult).

Museum of Carpet

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Worcestershire, England
Owned / Operated by: Carpet Museum Trust
Address: Museum of Carpet, Stour Vale Mill, Green Street, Kidderminster DY10 1AZ

Once the major employer in Kidderminster, the museum exhibits a unique collection of equipment and artefacts associated with the manufacture of carpets and similar textiles’. Samples of rugs and carpets are used to illustrate different fibres and dyes, and the changing styles of design. Open Tues to Sat & Bank Holidays, admission charges apply.

Museum of Croydon

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: London , England
Owned / Operated by: London Borough of Croydon
Address: Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon, CR9 1ET

Housed inside the Croydon Clocktower arts facility, this newly refurbished interactive museum explores the history of Croydon through its collections of art and social history objects. The Riesco Gallery exhibits a collection of Chinese pottery and ceramics. Open daily Tues – Sat, free admission.

Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Suffolk, England
Owned / Operated by: Registered Charity
Address: Iliffe Way, Stowmarket IP14 1DL

Telling the agricultural history of East Anglia, this living history museum is set on 75 acres of prime Suffolk countryside, originally part of the Abbot’s Hall estate. Many of the museum buildings have been relocated from other parts of the county in order to preserve them, including the 18th century watermill. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Museum of Edinburgh

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Edinburgh and Fife, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: City of Edinburgh
Address: 142 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8DD

Located on the Royal Mile, the museum’s vast collections illustrate the development of the city from prehistoric times to the present day. Highlights include the National Covenant, James Craig’s plans for Edinburgh’s New Town, and the collar and bowl of Greyfriars Bobby, the famous little Skye terrier whose devotion touched the heart of the nation. Open daily all year round, free admission.

Museum of Lancashire, Preston

Type of Museum: County Museum
Country: Lancashire, England
Owned / Operated by: Lancashire County Council
Address: Stanley Street , Preston , Lancashire, PR1 4YP

Set in the former Quarter Sessions House (courthouse) on the outskirts of Preston city centre, the museum tells the 2000 year old story of Lancashire’s history and heritage. The county’s archaeological collections include 4,000 year old Stone Age axes, Roman artefacts and early industrial items. Other collections include Lancashire at Play, at Work, at War, a People Gallery and Law and Order. Open daily Tue – Sun, free admission.

Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Lincoln

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Lincolnshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Lincolnshire County Council
Address: Burton Road, Lincoln LN1 3LY

Set in the former barracks of the Royal North Lincoln Militia, the museum explores the culture of Lincolnshire and its people through exhibits and displays reflecting commercial, domestic, agricultural, industrial and community life. The museum also houses one of the first World War I tanks, built by the local firm of William Foster & Co., as well as a collection of early farm machinery built by other Lincolnshire companies. Open daily from April to Sept, Mon – Sat from Oct to Mar, free admission.

Museum of Liverpool

Type of Museum: County Museum
Country: Merseyside, England
Owned / Operated by: National Museums Liverpool
Address: Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1DG

Set on Mann Island at Liverpool’s Pier Head, this new purpose-built museum tells the story of the city and its people. Located over four large galleries, the museum’s displays explore the following themes; The Great Port, Global City, People’s Republic, and Wondrous Place. Open daily, free admission.

Museum of London, City of London

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: City of London Corporation
Address: 150 London Wall, London EC2Y 5HN

Overlooking the old Roman city wall, the museum records the history of London from prehistoric to more modern times. Opened in 1976, its galleries gradually reveal the story of the nation’s capital from its earliest days to its development as a city by the Romans, moving through medieval times and on to the Great Fire of London. More recently, it relays the horrors of the days and nights endured by Londoners in the blanket bombings of World War II. And even more recently, the role that London fashion played in shaping the swinging 60s through to the present day. Open daily with free admission.

Museum of Oxford

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Oxfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Oxford City Council
Address: St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BX

Set in the city’s Town Hall, the museum tells the history of the Oxford and its colleges through displays of original artefacts, from prehistoric times onwards. Open daily Mon – Sat, free admission.

Museum of Richmond, Richmond-upon-Thames

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Surrey, England
Owned / Operated by: Richmond Borough Council
Address: Whittaker Avenue, Richmond-upon-Thames TW9 1TP

The Museum celebrates the rich heritage of Richmond, Ham, Petersham and Kew and, through the exhibition and education programmes, all other areas of the borough. Admission is free and the colourful displays span from mediaeval times to the present day. The museum is close to the River Thames and to Richmond Green on the second floor of the Old Town Hall.

Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Manchester

Type of Museum: Science Museum
Country: Manchester, England
Owned / Operated by: MOSI (Enterprises) Ltd
Address: Liverpool Road, Castlefield M3 4FP

Set on the site of the world’s first railway station, the museum explores the historic development of engineering, technology and industry, with particular focus on Manchester’s contribution to these fields. The museum’s extensive collections are themed in terms of transport, power, sanitation, textiles, communications and computing, from complete aircraft and locomotives to the world’s first stored-program computer. Open daily, free admission.

Museum of Somerset, Taunton

Type of Museum: County Museum
Country: Somerset, England
Owned / Operated by: Somerset County Council
Address: Taunton Castle, Taunton TA1 4AA

Based at Taunton Castle in the centre of town, the museum also houses the Somerset Military Museum. In addition to displaying objects from the museum’s permanent galleries, including geology, archaeology, medieval and ethnography, there are regularly changing temporary exhibitions and activities. Open Tuesday to Saturday, admission is free.

Museum of St Albans

Type of Museum: County Museum
Country: Hertfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: St Albans City and District Council
Address: Hatfield Road, St Albans AL1 3RR

Originally opened in 1898 as the Hertfordshire County Museum, the museum presents the history of St Albans from the end of the Roman era to the present day. One gallery is dedicated to the story of Alban, Britain’s first Christian martyr, and the abbey that was founded to his memory. Other displays explore how St Albans grew from a small quiet little market town into a bustling commuter city. Open daily Mon – Sat and Sunday afternoons, free admission.

Museum of the Broads, Stalham

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Norfolk, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 1036734
Address: The Staithe, Stalham NR12 9DA

Set in the picturesque location of Stalham Staithe, this waterside museum tells the history of Broadland life and explores how people’s working lives have helped shape the landscape. River trips on a Victorian steam launch are available at extra costs. Open daily from April to end Sept, admission charges apply.

Museum of the History of Science, Oxford

Type of Museum: Science Museum
Country: Oxfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: University of Oxford
Address: Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AZ

Set in the world’s oldest surviving purpose-built museum building, the Old Ashmolean, the Museum of the History of Science displays a unique collection of early scientific instruments. A department of the University of Oxford, its extensive collections range from medieval times through to the early 20th century and includes navigational, mathematical and optical instruments. Open afternoons Tues – Sunday, free admission.

Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester, Cheetham Hill

Type of Museum: Transport Museum
Country: Manchester, England
Owned / Operated by: Transport for Greater Manchester
Address: Boyle Street, Cheetham M8 8UW

Located approximately 2 miles north of the city centre, the museum holds one of the largest collections of public transport road vehicles in the country. Exploring the history and heritage of Greater Manchester’s local passenger transport system, the museum is home to around 100 buses. Open daily on Wed, Sat and Sun, admission charges apply.

Museum on the Mound, Edinburgh

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Edinburgh and Fife, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Bank of Scotland
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ

Only opened in 2006 in the former Bank of Scotland headquarters building, the museum presents a unique insight into the world of money, finance and economics. Hands on exhibits reveal how art and design, crime, security, technology and trade all play their part in the story of money. Open daily all year round, free admission.

Nantwich Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Cheshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Nantwich Museum Trust Ltd
Address: Pillory Street, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5BQ

Telling the story of Nantwich through the ages, the museum is housed in the town’s former Victorian Jubilee library. Displays include Roman salt making, the English Civil War – Battle of Nantwich, the town’s shoe and clothing industries. Open daily Tues to Sat, free admission.

Narberth Museum, Pembrokeshire

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: South Wales, Wales
Owned / Operated by: Narberth Museum
Address: Church Street, Narbeth, Pembrokeshire SA67 7BH

Located in a former bonded store, the new Narberth Museum tells the long history of the town through the use of artefacts, scale models, interpretive panels and interactive activities. Open throughout the year, admission charges apply.

National Civil War Centre & Newark Museum

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: Nottinghamshire, England
Owned / Operated by:
Address: 14 Appletongate, Newark, NG24 1JY

This brand new museum is dedicated to telling the story of Britain’s deadliest conflict, The English Civil War (1642-1646). Set on the Great North Road at a safe crossing point over the River Trent, the strategic importance of Newark is explored. Open daily, admission charges apply.

National Coal Mining Museum for England, Overton, nr Wakefield

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Yorkshire, England
Owned / Operated by: National Museum
Address: Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield WF4 4RH

Set on the site of one of the oldest working mines in Britain, the museum traces the significance of the coal mining industry to the nation’s history. Based at the Caphouse Colliery in Overton, much of the original machinery and engineering remains in place to fully appreciate. Travel 140 metres underground and retrace the footsteps of the thousands of miners who descended into the cramped, dark and cold pit. Open daily, free admission.

National Fishing Heritage Centre, Grimsby

Type of Museum: Maritime Museum
Country: Lincolnshire, England
Owned / Operated by: North East Lincolnshire Council
Address: Alexandra Dock, Grimsby DN31 1UZ

Set on the town’s Alexandra Dock, the museum provides an insight into Grimsby’s maritime history. Portraying the 1950s heyday of the distant waters fishing fleet, it explores what life was like for the trawlermen and their families. Open daily Tue – Sun, admission charges apply.

National Football Museum, Manchester

Type of Museum: Sport Museum
Country: Manchester, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 1050792
Address: Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, M4 3BG

Located in the Urbis building in Manchester city centre, the world’s biggest soccer museum is set over four floors and houses a significant collection of association football memorabilia, including the first ever rule book from 1863. Exploring football’s past and present with a collection of over 140,000 items; the museum seeks to explain why football has become known as ‘the people’s game’. Open daily, free admission.

National Heritage Centre for Horseracing & Sporting Art

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Suffolk, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity Number 283656
Address: 99 High Street, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8JH

Scheduled to open in Autumn 2016, the museum tells the story of horseracing and the science behind the development of the thoroughbred horse. The gallery will exhibit examples of sport related art, sourced from a variety of fine collections.

National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth

Type of Museum: Maritime Museum
Country: Cornwall, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1067884
Address: Discovery Quay, Falmouth TR11 3QY

Set on the Falmouth’s harbourside, the museum presents the story of the sea and boats over several major galleries. In addition to exhibiting the National Small Boat Collection (under 33-foot), the museum devotes three galleries to the maritime history of Cornwall, detailing topics such as fishing, trading, boatbuilding, wrecks and emigration. The pontoon directly in front of the museum building allows a changing display of boats on the water. Open daily, admission charges apply.

National Maritime Museum, Greenwich

Type of Museum: Maritime Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Royal Museums Greenwich
Address: Park Row, Greenwich SE10 9NF

The largest museum of its type in the world, the National Maritime Museum tells the stories of discovery and adventure of this proud seafaring nation. Through its vast collection of original artefacts and modern state-of-the-art technology, it relates tales of epic exploration, fierce battles, pioneering trade, using ancient charts to ships’ biscuits and even Nelson’s uniform from the Battle of Trafalgar. Open daily, free admission.

National Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Edinburgh and Fife, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. SCO88361
Address: Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, Midlothian EH22 4QN

With over 60,000 artefacts including the Scotland’s largest winding engine, the museum traces the significance of the coal mining industry to the nation’s history. Based at the Lady Victoria Colliery, much of the original machinery and engineering remains in place to fully appreciate. Retrace the footsteps of the thousands of miners who descended into the cramped, dark and cold pit. Open daily all year round, admission charges apply.

National Motor Musem, Beaulieu

Type of Museum: Transport Museum
Country: Hampshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Beaulieu Enterprises Ltd
Address: Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN

See the National Motor Museum’s stunning collection of over 250 vehicles, the World of Top Gear exhibition with genuine vehicles from the BBC show, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House and the picturesque grounds and gardens, plus enjoy unlimited rides on the high level Monorail. Open daily throughout the year, entrance charges apply.

National Motorcycle Museum, Bickenhill

Type of Museum: Transport Museum
Country: West Midlands, England
Owned / Operated by: National Motorcycle Museum Trust
Address: Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ

Opened in 1984, the museum houses the world’s largest collection of British-built motorcycles including examples of the more famous marques such as BSA, Norton and Triumph, to the lesser known makers including Montgomery and New Imperial. Open daily, admission charges apply.

National Museum Cardiff

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: South Wales, Wales
Owned / Operated by: National Museum of Wales
Address: Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP

Officially opened in 1927, the museum houses Wales’s national collections of archaeology, botany, fine and applied art, geology and zoology. The museum tells the story of the evolution of Wales from the early Neanderthals to the present day, whilst the art collection is one of the finest to be found in Europe. Open daily throughout the year, free admission.

National Museum of Brisih Popular Culture

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Shropshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Mitchell Family
Address: Market Street, Craven Arms SY7 9NW

Also known as Stella Mitchell’s ‘Land of Lost Content’, the museum houses a private collection of 20th century memorabilia, bristling with the nostalgia of yesteryear’s schooldays, holidays, film, TV, radio, food and drink. Celebrating over 100 years of British ingenuity, quirkiness, style and technology. Open daily (except Wednesdays), admission charges apply. Closed December and January.

National Museum of Flight, East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian

Type of Museum: Aviation Museum
Country: Edinburgh and Fife, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Scottish Government
Address: East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian EH39 5LF

Home to no less than 43 aircraft, this historic First and Second World War airfield features stars of the skies such as a Tiger Moth, Spitfire, Comet, Sea Hawk and Concorde. In and around four hangars, visitors can trace the story of aviation and take part in more than 25 activities where they can feel the force of lift and discover what aircraft are made from. Or, perhaps, test your own skills in a flight simulator. Open daily all summer and weekends during winter months, admission charges apply.

National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: West Coast of Scotland, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Scottish Government
Address: Philipshill Road, East Kilbride G76 9HR

Set just 13 miles from Glasgow’s city centre, the National Museum of Rural Life, which opened in 2001, features a purpose-built museum, historic farmhouse and 1950s working farm. The museum tells the story of how the last 300 years of farming have transformed the Scottish countryside, whilst Wester Kittochside farm provides an insight as to what farm life was really like around 60 years ago. Open daily all year round, admission charges apply.

National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Edinburgh and Fife, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Scottish Government
Address: Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF

One of the top 10 visitor attractions in the UK, this recently redeveloped museum houses an extensive collection of over 20,000 artefacts. These vast collections not only relate the detailed history of Scotland, but also explore the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, art and design, as well as science and technology. Open daily all year round, free admission.

National Portrait Gallery, Westminster

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Westminster City Council
Address: St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE

Displaying paintings, sketches and caricatures of almost everybody from ancient royals to modern celebrities, the gallery exhibits a vast collection of almost 200,000 portraits arranged in chronological order. Founded in 1856, the collection includes portraits of famous British men and women from across the spectrum, including artists, musicians, philanthropists, politicians, scientists and writers, as well as sporting and military heroes. Open daily with free admission.

National Railway Museum Shildon

Type of Museum: Transport Museum
Country: Co. Durham, England
Owned / Operated by: Science Museum Group
Address: Shildon DL4 1PQ

Part of the National Railway Museum, Shildon tells the 300 year old history of the railways through its vast collection of exhibits. Sited at the home of world’s first passenger railway, the museum is now home to more than 70 locomotives and rolling stock from the national collection. From the viewing gallery of the conservation workshop, visitors can see the work carried out restoring some of the exhibits. Open daily, free admission.

National Railway Museum, York

Type of Museum: Transport Museum
Country: Yorkshire, England
Owned / Operated by: National Museum
Address: Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ

Set on the site of the former York North locomotive depot, the museum houses the national collection of historically significant railway vehicles, including a collection of more than 100 locomotives and almost 300 examples of rolling stock. Displayed over a 20 acre site, it details the 300 years of railway history. Open daily, free admission.

National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, Newport

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: South Wales, Wales
Owned / Operated by: National Museum of Wales
Address: High Street, Caerleon, Newport NP18 1AE

Guarding the western extremities of their empire, the Romans built one of only three permanent legionary fortresses in Britain at Caerleon. The National Roman Legion Museum lies inside what remains of the fortress known to the Romans as Isca Augusta of Legio II Augusta, and displays many of the archaeological finds that have been recovered from the site. Step outside and discover the most complete amphitheatre in Britain and the remains of the Roman Legionary barracks. Open daily all year round, including Sunday afternoons, free admission.

National Slate Museum, Llanberis, Gwynedd

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: North Wales, Wales
Owned / Operated by: National Museum of Wales
Address: Llanberis, Gwynedd LL55 4TY

Housed in the massive 19th century workshops of the Dinorwig Slate Quarry, the museum tells the story of the Welsh slate industry that roofed the Industrial Revolution. Set on the dramatically beautiful shores of Llyn Padarn, the innovative displays include Victorian era slateworkers cottages and the largest working waterwheel in the UK. Talks and demonstrations, including slate-splitting, provide an insight into the lives of the thousands of men that worked the Welsh quarries. Open daily throughout the year (closed Saturdays from Nov to Easter), free admission.

National Space Centre, Leicester

Type of Museum: Science Museum
Country: Leicestershire, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1078832
Address: Exploration Drive, Leicester LE4 5NS

Dedicated to space exploration and science, the National Space Centre includes rockets, satellites and many other space related artefacts. Opened in 2001, the centre also includes the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium experience. Restricted opening hours and entrance charges apply, closed on Mondays.

National War Museum, Edinburgh Castle

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: Edinburgh and Fife, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Scottish Government
Address: Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh EH1 2NG

Follow the story of Scotland’s military history within the stunning setting of Edinburgh Castle. Through a vast collection of military artefacts and personal accounts, discover the stories of Scottish military life from the weapons to the reality of war. Trace the developments in warfare as swords were replaced in the 18th century by guns and discover how weapons evolved through advances in technology. Open daily all year round, admission to the museum is included in entry to Edinburgh Castle.

National Waterfront Museum, Swansea

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: South Wales, Wales
Owned / Operated by: National Museum of Wales
Address: Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3RD

Set in Swansea’s Maritime Quarter, the museum relates the huge contribution of industry and innovation in Wales to Britain’s Industrial Revolution. Combining modern interactive technology with traditional displays, it explores the nation’s vast industrial and maritime heritage. Opened in 2005, the museum elegantly marries the old and the new, with the original listed waterfront warehouse linked to a new, ultra-modern slate and glass building. Open daily all year round, free admission.

National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port

Type of Museum: Transport Museum
Country: Cheshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Canal and River Trust
Address: South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW

Set on the banks of the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal, the museum contains the largest collection of canal boats in the world. Designed by the famous Scottish civil engineer, Thomas Telford, it occupies the 7 acre site of the former canal port and consists of a system of locks, docks and warehouses that house the museum’s displays. Open daily, admission charges apply.

National Wool Museum, nr Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: South Wales, Wales
Owned / Operated by: National Museum of Wales
Address: Dre-Fach Felindre, nr Newcastle Emlyn, Llandysul, Carmarthenshire SA44 5UP

Housed in the historic Cambrian Woollen Mills, the museum relates the story of arguably the most important of Wales’s industries. Located in the beautiful Teifi valley, once the centre of the thriving woollen industry, follow the process from fleece to fabric and discover how blankets, shawls, shirts, socks and stockings were made. Open daily from April to Sept, Tues-Sat between Oct and March, free admission..

Natural History Museum of Tring

Type of Museum: Natural History Museum
Country: Hertfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Natural History Museum
Address: Akeman Street, Tring HP23 6AP

Once the private museum of Lionel Walter, 2nd Baron Rothschild, over its six galleries the museum exhibits one of the finest collections of stuffed birds, mammal, reptiles and insects in the country. Open daily Mon – Sat and Sunday afternoons, free admission.

Natural History Museum, Kensington and Chelsea

Type of Museum: Natural History Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Department of Culture, Media and Sport
Address: Cromwell Road London SW7 5BD

With a collection of more than 70 million specimens from across the natural world, the Natural History Museum remains a world-renowned research centre. The ornate architecture of the museum building has earned it the title a cathedral of nature, with five main collections covering the fields of botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology. Most famous perhaps for its displays of dinosaur skeletons, it is also home to the 1,000s of specimens collected by the celebrated naturalist, Charles Darwin, during his five year voyage on HMS Beagle. Open daily with free admission.

New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, Leicester

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Leicestershire, England
Owned / Operated by: Leicester City Council
Address: 53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA

Leicester’s original museum features a wide ranging collection spanning the natural and cultural world including Ancient Egypt, Dinosaurs, Wild Space and World Art galleries. The museum offers a range of events and temporary exhibitions. Open daily, free admission.

Newark Air Museum

Type of Museum: Aviation Museum
Country: Nottinghamshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 256434
Address: The Showground, Drove Ln, Winthorpe, Newark NG24 2NY

Set on the Winthorpe Showground a former World War II RAF training base, the museum is dedicated to the preservation of the country’s aviation heritage. On display are a diverse collection of aircraft and cockpit sections, as well as a fine selection of aero engines. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Newarke Houses Museum, Leicester

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Leicestershire, England
Owned / Operated by: Leicester City Council
Address: The Newarke, Leicester LE2 7BY

Occupying two historic houses, the museum relays the story of the city and the people of Leicester. The buildings also incorporate the Museum of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment, including a recreation of a World War I trench. Open daily, free admission.

Newcastle Museum and Art Gallery, Newcastle-under-Lyme

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Staffordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Newcastle Borough Council
Address: Brampton Park, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 0QP

Set in Brampton Park just a short walk from the town centre, the museum tells the 2000 year history of the Borough through a range of artefacts and displays. The Victorian Street scene depicts life in the town from that era. Open daily Mon – Sat and Sun afternoons, free admission.

North Devon Maritime Museum, Appledore

Type of Museum: Maritime Museum
Country: Devon, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 267268
Address: Odun Road, Appledore EX39 1PT

Set in the pretty village and sea port of Appledore, the museum reflects the maritime heritage of the area. Housed in an impressive Georgian building, over seven exhibition rooms it displays collections relating to the WWII beach landing experiments, sail and steam vessels, and shipwrecks. Open daily from April to end-Oct, admission charges apply.

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Northamptonshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Northampton Borough Council
Address: Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP

With exhibits from ancient Egypt to the present day, the museum boasts the largest collection of footwear in the world. Over two galleries the museum explores the history of shoemaking and how fashions in footwear have changed over the centuries. The museum also houses a collection of oriental ceramics and Italian art. Open daily Tues – Sat and Sunday afternoons, free admission.

Norton Priory Museum, Runcorn

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Cheshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Norton Priory Museum Trust
Address: Tudor Road, Runcorn WA7 1SX

Set on the site of one of the most important monastic remains in Cheshire, the museum relays the priory’s story from its foundation in 1134 through to its dissolution and later, as a manor house. The museum exhibits the stone carvings, grave markers and other artefacts excavated from the site. Open daily throughout the year, entrance charges apply.

Nottingham Castle Museum

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Nottinghamshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Nottingham City Council
Address: Lenton Road, Nottingham NG1 6EL

Set in a 17th century mansion on the site of the former medieval castle, the building houses the city’s main museum and art gallery, as well as the regimental museum of the Sherwood Foresters. The museum relates the history and archaeology of Nottingham, whilst the galleries exhibit the city’s fine and decorative art collections. Open daily mid-Feb to Oct, Wed – Sun during winter, admission charges apply.

Nottingham Contemporary

Type of Museum: Art Gallery
Country: Nottinghamshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Nottingham City Council
Address: Weekday Cross, Nottingham NG1 2GB

Opened in 2009, this contemporary art gallery features a number of major international exhibitions a year over its four galleries. It also houses an auditorium, education space and a study centre. Open daily Tues – Sun, free admission.

Nottingham Industrial Museum

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Nottinghamshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Wollaton Hall
Address: Nottingham Industrial Museum, The Courtyard, Wollaton Hall, Nottingham NG8 2AE

Housed in the 17th century stable block of Wollaton Hall, the museum exhibits an impressive collection of working steam and diesel engines, as well as textile and transport exhibits, reflecting local industries such as mining, railways, bicycles, motorcycles, pharmaceuticals, tobacco and printing. Open Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays, admission charges apply.

Novium Museum, Chichester

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Sussex, England
Owned / Operated by: Chichester District Council
Address: Tower Street, Chichester PO19 1QH

In the heart of the city centre, a bell’s ring from Chichester Cathedral, you can follow historical footprints through the Chichester District. Our collection spans 500,000 years of human history with a rich seam of archaeology – including the remains of a Roman Bathhouse on site. We have three floors of interactive exhibitions, activities and events for children and adults. Open daily between Apr and Oct, Tues – Sat during winter, admission charges apply.

Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Warwickshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council
Address: Riversley Park, Coton Road, Nuneaton CV11 5TU

Located in the grounds of Riversley Park, this local history museum features three galleries. One of the galleries exhibits a fine art collection, whilst another is dedicated to the local author George Eliot. Open daily Tues – Sat and Sunday afternoons.

Old House, Hereford

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Herefordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Herefordshire Council
Address: High Town, Hereford HR1 2AA

Set in a 17th century timber-framed house in the centre of Hereford, the museum portrays daily life in Jacobean times. Furnished in the style of the era, exhibits include wall-paintings, four-poster bed and a baby-walker. Open daily Tue – Thurs and Sat.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Type of Museum: Natural History Museum
Country: Oxfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: University of Oxford
Address: Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW

Set in a neo-Gothic style listed building, the museum houses the University of Oxford’s natural history collection. The museum’s collections are presented over the following four subject areas; Entomology, Geology, Mineralogy and Zoology. Open daily, free admission.

Padstow Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Cornwall, England
Owned / Operated by: Padstow Museum Trust
Address: Market Place, Padstow PL28 8AA

Located on the first floor of the Padstow Institute just 20 metres from the harbourside, the museum displays unique collection of artefacts, providing an insight into the history of the port from the 1800s to the present day. Open daily Mon – Sat, between Easter and Oct, free admission.

Peak District Lead Mining Museum, Matlock

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Derbyshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Peak District Mines Historical Society
Address: South Parade, Matlock Bath DE4 3NR

Housing thousands of artefacts, tools and equipment, the museum tells the story of the Derbyshire lead mining industry and the many families that eked out a living employed in this gruelling work. Across the road from the museum is Temple Mine, a working 1920s lead and fluorspar mine, where guided tours provide an authentic insight into life underground. Open daily during the summer months, Wed – Sun in winter, admission charges apply.

People’s History Museum, Spinningfields

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Manchester, England
Owned / Operated by: People’s History Museum (PHM)
Address: Left Bank, Spinningfields M3 3ER

Set within a former water pumping station that served the world’s first industrial city, the museum relates the history of democracy in Britain and explores the lives of ordinary people at work, rest and play since the time of the Peterloo Massacre of 1819 to the present day. The museum’s exhibits include documents and other items collected from the Labour Party, the Department for Works and Pensions and the co-operative movement. Open daily, free admission.

Perrys Cider Museum, Dowlish Wake

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Somerset, England
Owned / Operated by: Perry family
Address: Dowlish Wake, Ilminster TA19 0NY

See how Somerset cider is made the traditional way, by visiting the nearby orchards, pressing rooms and rural life museum. Enjoy the atmosphere of a real working cider mills, housed in the original 16th century thatched cider barn. Open daily all year, Sunday mornings only.

Perth Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Perthshire, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Perth and Kinross Council
Address: 78 George Street, Perth PH1 5LB

One of the oldest museums in Britain, it houses an impressive collection of more than half a million objects that reflect the history of the Perth and Kinross area. From Pictish stone sculptures, prehistoric flints, Bronze Age metalwork, through to a fibre glass replica of the largest rod and line salmon ever caught in Scotland in 1922 by Miss Georgina Ballantine. Open daily throughout the year.

Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Cambridgeshire, England
Owned / Operated by: City of Peterborough
Address: Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1LF

Set in an historic mansion house dating from 1816, the museum houses a significant collection of over 200,000 artefacts, including local archaeological finds and examples from the Roman pottery industry. The daily life of Peterborough’s people is presented through the Social History section. The collection of marine fossils from the Jurassic period is particularly worthy of note. Open daily Tues – Sun, free admission.

Pewsey Heritage Centre

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Wiltshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Pewsey Local History Society
Address: Avonside Works, High Street, Pewsey SN9 5AF

Located in the former foundry of the agricultural engineering works of Whatley and Hiscock, the museum records the social, farming and industrial history of Pewsey Vale. The heavy machinery manufactured by the company takes pride of place within Heritage Centre. Open most days other than Sundays, free admission.

Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery (currently closed for refurbishment)
Country: Devon, England
Owned / Operated by: Plymouth City Council
Address: Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AJ

Built in an Edwardian Baroque style, the museum’s interior was renovated after being gutted in The Blitz and now houses significant collections of fine and decorative arts, natural and human history. Local finds from prehistoric, Bronze and Iron Age times are displayed alongside artefacts from the Middle East and Ancient Egypt. The Art Gallery includes sizable collections of paintings, watercolours, drawings, prints and sculptures, including works by local lad made good, Sir Joshua Reynolds. Currently closed for a major refurbishment and due re-open in spring 2020.

Poole Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Dorset, England
Owned / Operated by: Borough of Poole
Address: 4 High Street, Poole BH15 1BW

Set within a 19th century quayside warehouse, over its four floors the museum reveals the story of this ancient port through its comprehensive collection of maritime archaeology and Poole Pottery. The museums other displays and exhibits include fine art, local trade and industry, as well as social history. Open daily Mon – Sat during the summer months and Tues – Sat in winter, also Sunday afternoons all year round, free admission.

Portland Museum, Wakeham

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Dorset, England
Owned / Operated by: Portland Museum Trust
Address: 217 Wakeham, Portland DT5 1HS

Set within two 17th-century thatched stone cottages in the ancient hamlet of Wakeham, through its collection of artefacts the museum tells the story of the local Portland Stone industry, the areas maritime past and its people. Over the centuries the Island of Portland has hosted foreign invaders, pirates, military garrisons, convicts, sailors, itinerate workers and artists. Open daily during the summer months only, admission charges apply.

Portsmoth Historic Dockyard

Type of Museum: Maritime Museum
Country: Hampshire, England
Owned / Operated by: National Museum of the Royal Navy
Address: HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ

Set within the site of HM Naval Base, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard plays host to several significant attractions relating to the naval history of Britain, including the Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the National Museum of the Royal Navy. The site also houses Action Stations, a centre featuring a wide range of interactive displays relating to today’s modern high-tech Royal Navy. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Portsmouth City Museum

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Hampshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Portsmouth City Council
Address: Museum Road, Portsmoth PO1 2LJ

Resembling a fairy-tale castle, the museum is housed in a former army barracks set within formal south facing gardens. Telling the story of Portsmouth’s rich history, the museum explores how the city and the life of its people has changed over the centuries. The Fine and Decorative Art Gallery features collections covering a wide range of material from the 17th century to the present day. Open daily Tues – Sun, free admission.

Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Staffordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Stoke-on-Trent Museums
Address: Bethesda Street, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3DW

Displaying one of finest collections of Staffordshire ceramics in the world, the museum’s galleries also display costume, local history, archaeology and natural history exhibits. A Submarine Spitfire designed by local lad R J Mitchell takes pride of place as do pieces from the Anglo-Saxon Staffordshire Hoard. Open daily Mon – Sat and Sun afternoons, free admission.

Purton Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Wiltshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Purton Historical Society
Address: 1 High Street, Purton, Swindon SN5 4AA

Located above the library in Purton High Street, the museum was started in 1990 and houses a collection of artefacts representing 2,000 years of the village’s history. From the nearby Ringsbury Iron Age Hillfort, through Roman and Saxon finds and on to more modern times. Open Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings, admission is free.

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Cheshire, England
Owned / Operated by: National Trust
Address: Styal, Wilmslow SK9 4LA

Built in 1788, Quarry Bank Mill is one of the best preserved textile mills of the Industrial Revolution. Powered by Europe’s most powerful working waterwheel, it now operates as a museum dedicated to the cotton industry. The inspiration for the 2013 television series The Mill, it explores the development of the cotton industry from medieval times through to the 19th century, complete with the deafening noise from the clattering heritage machinery and steam engines. Open daily during the summer months, Wed – Sun in winter, admission charges apply.

Quay Arts Centre, Newport

Type of Museum: Art Gallery
Country: Isle of Wight, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 272007
Address: Newport Harbour PO30 5BD

Set in a former 19th century brewery warehouse, the leading art gallery on the Isle of Wight comprises three gallery spaces and a 134 capacity theatre. Home to a regularly changing programme of Visual Arts, the Quay also operates an artist workshop. Open daily, admission charges may apply.

Queen’s House, Greenwich

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Royal Museums Greenwich
Address: Greenwich SE10 9NF

This stunning former royal palace was completed around 1635 for Henrietta Maria, queen of King Charles I. The museum relates the history behind England’s first truly classical building and tells the story of the royalty that occupied it. The Queen’s House is also home to some of the nation’s finest artworks, including paintings by Gainsborough, Hogarth, Reynolds and Hodges. Open daily with free admission.

Reading Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Berkshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Reading Borough Council
Address: Blagrave Street, Reading RG1 1QH

Housed behind the historic fa̤ade of Reading Town Hall, the museum first opened its doors to the public in 1883. From its origins as a 6th century Saxon settlement to the history of the biscuit-making industry that was once formed the mainstay of the Reading economy, the galleries tell the story of the town and its related industries. One gallery exhibits archaeological finds from nearby Calleva Atrebatum, Silchester Roman Town. Open daily Tues РSun, free admission.

REME Museum of Technology, Arborfield Garrison

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: Berkshire, England
Owned / Operated by: British Army
Address: Isaac Newton Road, Arborfield RG2 9NH

The museum of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, the corps of the British Army responsible for the maintenance and servicing of electrical and mechanical equipment. Exhibiting an assortment of technological artefacts associated with the work of the REME, including a large collection of military vehicles, uniforms and weapons. Open daily Sun – Fri, admission charges apply.

Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum, Salisbury

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: Wiltshire, England
Owned / Operated by: The Rifles Wardrobe Museum Trust
Address: 58 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EX

Opened in 1981, The Wardrobe is the home of the Infantry Regiments of Berkshire and Wiltshire in Salisbury. The museum currently holds over 34,000 items, including photographs, archive documents, medals, items of uniform, swords, rifles, pistols, anti-tank weapons, flags and other battlefield souvenirs. Closed during the winter months and on Sundays, restricted opening hours and admission charges apply.

River and Rowing Museum, Henley-on-Thames

Type of Museum: Sport Museum
Country: Oxfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 1001051
Address: Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames RG9 1BF

Set on the banks of the River Thames, the museums three galleries are dedicated to the international sport of rowing, the river itself and the local history of Henley on Thames. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Roman Museum, Canterbury

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Kent, England
Owned / Operated by: Canterbury Museums
Address: Butchery Lane, Canterbury CT1 2JR

Renovated in 2013, the museum is built on the remains of an original Roman town house complete with mosaics and under-floor central heating. Exhibiting significant excavated finds from Roman Canterbury, it explores how the town was built with displays of rare tools, glass and a hoard of hidden treasure. Open daily Mon – Sun, admission charges apply.

Royal Air Force Museum, Barnet

Type of Museum: Aviation Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Ministry of Defence
Address: Grahame Park Way, London, NW9 5LL

Located on the former Hendon Aerodrome the ‘Cradle of Aviation in the UK’, the museum tells the story of flight in general and the Royal Air Force in particular. Also known as the RAF Museum, it houses an impressive collection of over 100 aircraft in five major buildings and hangars, including the Battle of Britain Hall, Milestones of Flight, Bomber Hall, Historic Hangars and the Grahame-White Factory. A second collection of exhibits is housed the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford in Shropshire. Open daily with free admission.

Royal Air Force Museum, Cosford

Type of Museum: Aviation Museum
Country: Shropshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Royal Air Force
Address: RAF Cosford, Shifnal TF11 8UP

Boasting one of the largest aviation collections in the UK, there are more than 70 historic aircraft exhibited in three wartime hangars and within the National Cold War Exhibition. Iconic aircraft on display include the world’s oldest Spitfire and all three of Britain’s V Bombers: the Vulcan, Victor and Valiant. Open daily all year round with free admission.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, Exeter

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Devon, England
Owned / Operated by: Exeter City Council
Address: Exeter EX4 3RX

Set in a Gothic Revival building, the museum re-opened its doors to the public in 2011 after an extensive four-year redevelopment. Housing one of the most significant and diverse collections in the south west of England, the museum’s new displays and galleries include objects and artefacts from the following curatorial areas: antiquities, ethnography, natural history, decorative and fine arts. City centre location, busy programme of exhibitions and free entry. Open daily Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays and Bank Holidays.

Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: Yorkshire, England
Owned / Operated by: National Museum
Address: Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT

Together with the Tower of London and Fort Nelson in Hampshire, this purpose built museum displays the National Collection of Arms and Armour. Consisting of around 70,000 examples of arms, armour and artillery, the collection includes royal armours from the Tudor and Stuart kings, as well as exceptional exhibits of oriental arms and armour. The collection is now housed in three separate locations, with the artillery pieces displayed at Fort Nelson in Hampshire, the London exhibits relate directly to the Tower. Open daily, free admission.

Royal Armouries, Tower of London

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Historic Royal Palaces
Address: HM Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB

Located in the White Tower, the central keep of the Tower of London, the Royal Armouries is the oldest museum in the UK and one of the oldest in the world. Originally used to manufacture arms and armour for the kings of England, it has been open to the public since the days of Charles II. Consisting of around 70,000 examples of arms, armour and artillery, the collection includes royal armours from the Tudor and Stuart kings. The collection is now housed in three separate locations, with the artillery pieces displayed at Fort Nelson in Hampshire and the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds opening in 1996. The remaining part of the collection on display in London relates directly to the Tower. Open daily, admission charges are included in entry charges to the Tower of London.

Royal College of Physicians, Camden

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Royal College of Physicians
Address: 11 St Andrews Place, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4LE

Housed within the Royal College of Physicians building in Regent’s Park, the museum’s collection relates to the history of the college and the wider history of the medical profession. The museum’s collections include medical instruments, decorative silver, anatomical tables, apothecary jars, as well as more than 250 portraits of former presidents and other physicians associated with the college from its foundation in 1518. Open daily Monday to Friday, free admission.

Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro

Type of Museum: County Museum
Country: Cornwall, England
Owned / Operated by: The Royal Institution of Cornwall
Address: River Street, Truro TR1 2SJ

The Royal Cornwall Museum is the oldest museum in Cornwall. Dedicated to preserving Cornish culture, it also exhibits collections relating to Egyptology, fine art and world cultures, as well as displays of classical Greek and Roman artefacts. In addition, the museum contains a fine collection of minerals, decorative arts and old master drawings. Open daily Mon – Sat, admission charges apply.

Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport

Type of Museum: Maritime Museum
Country: Hampshire, England
Owned / Operated by: National Museum of the Royal Navy
Address: Haslar Jetty Road, Gosport PO12 2AS

Tracing the international history of submarines in general and the Submarine Service in particular, the museum is sited at HMS Dolphin, the home of the Royal Navy Submarine Service until 1999. The museum houses the Royal Navy’s first submarine Holland 1 and HMS Alliance, a full sized hunter-killer class, as well as a selection of other craft and associated weaponry. Open daily from Apr to Oct, Wed – Sun during the winter, admission charges apply.

Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park

Type of Museum: Science Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Royal Museums Greenwich
Address: Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich SE10 8XJ

Commissioned in 1675 by King Charles II, the Royal Observatory is the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and of course the location of the world’s prime meridian. Set on a hill in Greenwich Park with views over the River Thames, it also houses London’s only planetarium and the UK’s largest refracting telescope, completed in 1893 and measuring in at 28-inches. Open daily, there is free entry to the Astronomy Centre, however entrance charges apply to Flamsteed House and the Meridian Courtyard.

Rugby Art Gallery and Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Warwickshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Rugby Borough Council
Address: Little Elborow Street, Rugby CV21 3BZ

Located close to the town centre, this purpose built museum tells the local history of the town and its people. The museum also hosts a collection of Roman finds, excavated from the nearby Roman town of Tripontium ‘Three Rivers’. Open daily Tues – Sat, free admission.

Rural Life Centre

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Surrey, England
Owned / Operated by: Old Kiln Museum Trust
Address: The Reeds Rd, Tilford, Farnham, GU10 2DL

The largest countryside museum in the south of England, the Rural Life Centre extends over ten acres of field, woodland and barns. Exhibits include a large collection of implements and devices, representing over 150 years of farming. Open daily Wed to Sun, admission charges apply.

Rutland County Museum, Oakham

Type of Museum: County Museum
Country: Rutland, England
Owned / Operated by: Rutland County Council
Address: Oakham LE15 5HW

Set in the old riding school of the Rutland Fencible Cavalry regiment, the museum houses a collection of artefacts relating to the history of England’s smallest county, including exhibits of archaeology, agriculture, social and rural life. Open daily on Mon, Wed, Sat and Sun, free admission.

Saffron Walden Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Essex, England
Owned / Operated by: Uttlesford District Council
Address: Museum Street, Saffron Walden CB10 1JL

First opened in 1835, the museum’s substantial collections range from local archaeology to world cultures. Other displays include Ancient Egypt, Animals and Plants, Ceramics and Glass, Costumes and Textiles, and Earth Beneath our Feet. Open daily Tues – Sat and Sunday afternoons.

Salford Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Manchester, England
Owned / Operated by: Salford Community Leisure
Address: The Crescent, Salford M5 4WU

Opened in 1850, the museum tells the story of Salford and its people. Themed to reflect the buildings exterior, the Picture Gallery displays paintings and decorative arts from Victorian times, whilst the recreated Victorian Street presents typical shops from the era. Open daily Tues – Sun, free admission.

Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum, Salisbury

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Wiltshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 289850
Address: The King’s House, 65 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN

Housed in the historic King’s House and facing Salisbury Cathedral, the museum has one of the finest collections relating to Stonehenge and a renowned display of local archaeology. Other notable exhibits include prehistory, Romans, Saxons and a history of Old Sarum. Open daily during the summer months, Mon – Sat from Oct to May, admission charges apply.

Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Dumfries and Galloway Council
Address: High Street, Sanquhar DG4 6BN

Housed in a restored 18th century tolbooth that once served as a gaol and courthouse, the museum tells the story of the people of Upper Nithsdale, including the lives of the miners of Sanquhar and Kirkconnel. It also explores Sanquhar’s noted history as the centre of the knitwear industry in southern Scotland. Open daily Tues – Sat, Sun 14-16.00, from April to Sept, free admission.

Savings Banks Museum, Ruthwell, Dumfries

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Savings Banks Museum Trust
Address: Ruthwell, Dumfries DG1 4NN

Relating the story of the savings bank movement, the museum explains how the local minister, Rev Henry Duncan came to open the world’s first savings bank, paying interest on to his working class parishioners. Through exhibits and collections, it details how this community self-help project spread nationally and subsequently worldwide. The museum is housed in the very room where Reverend Duncan first opened for business on 10 May 1810. Open daily Tues to Sat from Apr – Sept, Thurs to Sat from Oct – Mar, free admission.

Scalloway Museum, Shetland Islands

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Highlands and Islands, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Shetland Bus Friendship Society
Address: Castle Street, Scalloway, Shetland Islands ZE1 0TP

Owned and run by the Shetland Bus Friendship Society (SBFS), the museum tells the heroic story of those who served and died in Shetland Bus operations during World War II. The Shetland Bus was the name given to the secret undercover operations between occupied Norway during the war. Open Monday to Sunday, from May to mid Oct.

Science Museum, Kensington and Chelsea

Type of Museum: Science Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Department of Culture, Media and Sport
Address: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD

Founded in 1857 with surplus items left over from the Great Exhibition, the Science Museum’s current collection of over 300,000 artefacts includes such famous exhibits as Stephenson’s Rocket and Puffing Billy, the oldest surviving steam locomotive. More recent additions include the first jet engine and a reconstruction of the DNA model built by Crick and Watson in 1953. Open daily with free admission.

Scott Polar Research Institute

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Cambridgeshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Cambridge University Museums
Address: Lensfield Rd, Cambridge, CB2 1ER

Part of the University of Cambridge and just 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre, the museum tells the story of both the history and contemporary significance of the Arctic and Antarctic and their surrounding seas. Open daily Tues to Sat, free admission.

Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther, Fife

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Edinburgh and Fife, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Scottish Fisheries Museum Trust
Address: Harbourhead, Anstruther, Fife KY10 3AB

Set on the harbour front in a collection of historic building in the beautiful port of Anstruther, this award-winning museum records the history of the Scottish commercial fishing industry. It reveals the story of how, through a constant process of innovation, the Scottish fisheries changed the lives of so many Scots. Open daily all year round, admission charges apply.

Scottish Football Museum, Hampden, Glasgow

Type of Museum: Sport Museum
Country: West Coast of Scotland, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Scottish Football League
Address: Hampden Park, Glasgow, G42 9BA

Located in Hampden Park, Glasgow, the world’s first international association football museum houses more than 2,000 items of memorabilia, including objects from the first official international soccer match of 1872. It also offers visitors an expansive and informative tour of Hampden Park, similar to that experienced by players on match day. Open daily all year round, admission charges apply.

Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine, Ayrshire

Type of Museum: Maritme Museum
Country: West Coast of Scotland, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Scottish Maritime Museum Trust
Address: 6 Gottries Road, Irvine, North Ayrshire, KA12 8QE

Housed in the historic Linthouse Building on Irvine’s harbourside, the museum’s collection includes shipbuilding machinery and machine tools, as well as a variety of small boats, canoes and lifeboats. Outside the museum’s collection of floating vessels, including Spartan, Scotland’s last Scottish-built puffer, a harbour tug and a steam yacht dating from 1898. Open daily from March – late Dec, admission charges apply.

SeaCity Museum, Southampton

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Hampshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Southampton City Council
Address: Havelock Road, Southampton SO14 7FY

Opened in 2012 to mark the centenary of RMS Titanic’s departure from the city, the museum houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to its sailing and another gallery explores Southampton’s wider role as the gateway to the world. Based in the heart of the city, it tells the story of Southampton’s maritime history and its people. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Seaford Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Sussex, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 272864
Address: Esplanade, Seaford BN25 1JH

Set in Martello Tower no 74 on Seaford’s seafront, the museum displays artefacts and archives relating to the local history of the area from pre-historic times to the present day. Open Sundays and Wed, Sat afternoons during the summer, Sundays only during winter, admission charges apply.

Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, Cambridge

Type of Museum: Science Museum
Country: Cambridgeshire, England
Owned / Operated by: University of Cambridge
Address: Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EQ

With a collection of over 1.5 million rocks, minerals and fossils, spanning the 550 million years of Earth’s history, the Sedgwick Museum is the geology museum of the University of Cambridge. Open daily Mon – Sat, free admission.

Senhouse Roman Museum, Maryport

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Cumbria, England
Owned / Operated by: Senhouse Roman Museum Trust
Address: Sea Brows, Maryport CA15 6JD

Set on cliffs overlooking the Solway Firth, the museum sits adjacent to a Roman fort and civil settlement, and exhibits the extensive finds excavated from the site. The museum displays a large collection of Roman military altar stones with inscriptions and some unique examples of Romano-British religious sculpture. An observation tower allows visitors to appreciate the full extent of the site, alternatively use the ‘Satellite’ option to view this interactive map. Open daily from Jun to Oct, Fri – Sun during the winter months, admission charges apply.

Sherborne Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Dorset, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 306251
Address: Church Lane, Sherborne DT9 3BP

Set within the gatehouse of the former monastery, the museum’s collections and exhibits relate to the social, historical and industrial life of this small market town. Of particular interest are the museum’s exhibits of fossils, silk and gloving displays, and large collection of watercolours by the botanical artist Diana Ruth Wilson. Open daily Tues – Sat from Easter to mid-Dec, Tues and Thurs mornings during winter, admission charges apply.

Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Shropshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Shropshire County Museum Service
Address: The Music Hall, Market St, Shrewsbury, SY1 1LG

Set in a recently restored Victorian Music Hall and 13th century mansion, this newly opened museum and art gallery now features five galleries dedicated to Shrewsbury and Shropshire’s history and a Special Exhibition Gallery for touring exhibitions. The museum exhibits some of the nation’s most treasured Roman artefacts, whilst artwork dedicated to to the work of scientist Charles Darwin is also on display. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden airfield

Type of Museum: Transport Museum
Country: Bedfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 307534
Address: Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome, Nr. Biggleswade SG18 9EP

Originally founded in 1928 by the pioneering aviator Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth, this aeronautical and automotive museum is located on the Old Warden Airfield. Housing an impressive collection of well-preserved aircraft and vintage cars, the museum’s emphasis is to restore as many aircraft as possible back to flying condition. Its success in doing so is demonstrated several times each year through air shows and flying displays. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Silk Mill, Derby

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Derbyshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Derby Museums
Address: Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AF

Standing on the site of the world’s first factory, the museum is housed in a historic former silk mill. Currently undergoing a community rebuilding project, whereby members of the public are helping to design and build new displays based upon the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) concept. Open daily Fri – Sun and Thursdays 3 – 9pm, free admission.

Sir Richard Arkwright’s Masson Mills, Matlock Bath

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Derbyshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Accredited Museum
Address: Derby Road, Matlock Bath DE4 3PY

Dating from 1783, this water-powered mill set on the west bank of the River Derwent is the finest surviving and best preserved example of an Arkwright cotton mill. This working textile museum houses a collection of historic machinery producing yarn and cloth, illustrating Arkwright’s legacy of over 200 years of industrial history. Experience the sights, smells, sounds and atmosphere of a working 18th century cotton mill. Open daily from Jan to Nov, admission charges apply.

Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, Gloucester

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: Gloucestershire, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1095077
Address: Gloucester Docks, Gloucester GL1 2HE

Located in the historic dock area in the city of Gloucester, the museum relates the proud history of the county’s two famous regiments, The Gloucestershire Regiment (The Glorious Glosters) and The Royal Gloucestershire Hussars. Collected over 300 years, the regimental exhibits on display reflect many of the campaigns that have influenced the course of British history, including battles in the American Revolutionary War, the defeat of Napoleon, the defence of Dunkirk and fighting the spread of communism in Korea. Due to reopen in April 2014, admission charges apply.

Solent Sky Museum, Southampton

Type of Museum: Aviation Museum
Country: Hampshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 262995
Address: Albert Road South, Southampton SO14 3FR

Exploring the history of aviation in the Southampton area, the museum pays particular attention to the Submarine aircraft company. Based in the city, the company manufactured a range of world beating aircraft, including its most famous product, R J Mitchell’s Submarine Spitfire. The museum houses a collection of 18 aircraft, including the Sandringham Flying Boat which operated from the Solent. Open daily Mon – Sat and Sunday afternoons, admission charges apply.

Solway Aviation Museum, Carlisle

Type of Museum: Aviation Museum
Country: Cumbria, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1034715
Address: Carlisle Airport CA6 4NW

The only aviation museum in Cumbria, is home to a unique collection of aircraft, aviation related items and displays representing this nation’s dominance in aircraft design and innovation at the start of the jet age. It’s run by a dedicated team of volunteers and the current collection of aircraft includes a Gloster Meteor, De Havilland Vampire, English Electric Canberra, Avro Vulcan (cockpit open to visitors), English Electric Lightning, Jet Provost, Sea Prince and an S55 Helicopter. The museum also contains exhibits relating to Wartime Cumberland and the men and women of the RAF who served in WWII. Open Fri – Sun and Bank Holiday Mondays from 4th Apr to Oct end. Admission charges apply, Family tickets and concessions.

Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust, Washford

Type of Museum: Transport Museum
Country: Somerset, England
Owned / Operated by: The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust
Address: The Railway Station, Washford TA23 0PP

The museum at Washford exhibits relics from the former Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway which ran from Bath to Bournemouth, before it finally closed in 1966. Exhibits include station nameboards, lamps, tools, signalling equipment, tickets, rolling stock and steam locomotives. Open from March to October, admission charges apply.

South Molton Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Devon, England
Owned / Operated by: South Molton Town Council
Address: The Square, South Molton EX36 3AB

Set on the town square, the museum is located on the ground floor of the impressive 18th century Guildhall. Chronicling the story of the life and times of this historic market town and surrounding area, the museum’s exhibits and displays include local archaeological finds, agricultural implements, domestic items, textiles, documents, maps and toys. Open daily Mon and Tues, mornings Thurs and Sat, free admission.

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Tyne and Wear, England
Owned / Operated by: Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums
Address: Ocean Rd, South Shields NE33 2JA

Housed in an historic building in the town centre, the museum explores the story of South Tyneside through displays and interactive exhibits. With the regions proud history of mining and shipbuilding represented, the museum also houses the council art collection. Open Mon to Sat, free admission.

Southampton City Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Art Gallery
Country: Hampshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Southampton City Council
Address: Commercial Road, Southampton SO14 7LP

Housed within the 1930s Civic Centre, the gallery houses a significant collection of more than 3,000 works spanning several hundred year of European art history from the Renaissance to the present day. Highlights of the collection include Post-Impressionism (including the Camden Town Group), Surrealism and contemporary art from the mid-1970s, as well as a 14th century altarpiece by Allegretto Nuzi. Open daily Mon – Sat, free admission.

Southend Central Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Essex, England
Owned / Operated by: Essex Borough Council
Address: Sothend on Sea SS2 6EW

Set in a listed Edwardian building formerly the town’s public library, the museum relates the story of the natural and human history of south east Essex. Housing collections of local archaeology and natural history, other displays within the museum reflect the story of Southend’s growth as a major seaside destination and home to the iconic EKCO radio. Open daily Tues – Sat and Sunday, free admission.

Spitfire and Hurrican Memorial Museum, Manston

Type of Museum: Aviation Museum
Country: Kent, England
Owned / Operated by: RAF Manston Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Trust
Address: Manston Road, Ramsgate CT12 5DF

Located at the historic Battle of Britain airfield in Manston, the museum houses the iconic RAF fighter planes of the Second World War, including the Supermarine Spitfire and the Hawker Hurricane, as well as many other exhibits from the war years. Open daily, free admission.

St Fagans National History Museum, nr Cardiff

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: South Wales, Wales
Owned / Operated by: National Museum of Wales
Address: Cardiff CF5 6XB

One of the finest open-air museums in Europe, St Fagans records the lifestyle, culture and architecture of the Welsh people. Comprising of more than 40 buildings recovered from all over Wales, they include a chapel, village schoolhouse, tollbooth, pigsty and tannery. Traditional crafts are represented in the form of a working blacksmith forge, a pottery, weaver and clog maker, as well as two water powered mills. Open daily throughout the year, free admission.

St John’s House Museum

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Warwickshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Warwickshire County Council
Address: Market Place, Warwick, CV34 4SA

As well as housing a social history collection reflecting the lives of local Warwickshire folk, this elegant Jacobean mansion is also host to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment of Fusiliers Museum. Galleries include a Victorian kitchen and schoolroom, whilst outside there is a pretty formal garden. Open daily throughout the summer, Tue – Sat in winter, free admission.

St Neots Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Cambridgeshire, England
Owned / Operated by: St Neots Museum Ltd
Address: 8 New Street, St Neots PE19 1AE

Housed in the towns Victorian Police Station and law courts, the museum relates the story of this busy market town and its people from prehistoric times to the present day. Open daily Tues – Sat, admission charges apply.

St Vigeans Stones and Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Angus, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Historic Environment Scotland
Address: Kirkstyle, St Vigeans, DD11 4RB

Collected from around the village, the museum displays a set of 38 carved stones, the remaining legacy of where a Pictish church or monastery may have once stood. Open by appointment only, admission charges apply.

St. Albans South Signal Box

Type of Museum: Transport Museum
Country: Hertfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: St Albans Signal Box Preservation Trust
Address: Ridgmont Road, St. Albans AL1 3AG

Built in 1892 by the Midland Railway, the St. Albans South Signal Box is now run by volunteers seeking to restore and preserve this piece of railway architectural heritage. One of only a few boxes on a mainline railway that’s open to the public, signalling demonstrations take place on the operating floor. Many signalling items and other railway-related exhibits are on display both inside and in the garden. Open on selected afternoon’s only, free admission.

STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway, Swindon

Type of Museum: Transport Museum
Country: Wiltshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Swindon Borough Council
Address: Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon SN2 2EY

Set on the site of the old Great Western’s Swindon Works in a restored railway building, the museum houses an impressive collection of locomotives and rolling stock. Opened in 2000, it tells the story of Isambard Kindom Brunel’s Great Western Railway and highlights the social impact that this new industry had on the ‘railway town’ of Swindon. With many hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, there are also reconstructions of areas of work, including the offices, workshops, signal box and foundry. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Tyne and Wear, England
Owned / Operated by: Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums
Address: Burdon Road, Sunderland SR1 1PP

The first municipally funded museum to be opened in the country outside of London, the museum now houses the largest collection of Sunderland lustreware pottery in the world. Other collections explore the industrial and social history of the region including shipbuilding, coal mining and more recently car manufacturing. The Winter Gardens exhibits an extensive botanical collection of plants and trees, displayed in naturalistic settings all under a 30 metre dome. Open daily Mon – Sat and Sunday afternoons, free admission.

Swanage Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Dorset, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 274200
Address: The Square, Swanage BH19 2LJ

The museum tells the story of the town of Swanage and its people, from Purbeck’s very early settlers, through the Roman period to the 120 Viking long ships lost off its coast in 877. The museum’s other exhibits relate to the Stone Trade, the principle industry of the area, and to the transformation of the town into a flourishing seaside resort in the Victorian era. Open daily from Easter to end-Oct, admission charges apply.

Swansea Museum

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: South Wales, Wales
Owned / Operated by: Swansea City Council
Address: Victoria Road, The Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 1SN

Completed in 1841, Swansea is the oldest museum in Wales. Over six galleries the museum displays a wide variety of artefacts and memorabilia, from ancient Egypt to the tug boat Canning. Other exhibits tell the story of Swansea’s contribution to the Industrial Revolution. Open daily, Tues – Sun, free admission.

Tate Britain, Westminster

Type of Museum: Art Gallery
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Department of Culture, Media and Sport
Address: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG

Housing the national collection of historical and contemporary British art from the 1500s to the present day, Tate Britain recently reopened its doors after two years of renovation work. Originally opened in 1897, it exhibits a substantial collection of the works of J M W Turner, John Constable and William Blake. More contemporary artists include the likes of Tracey Emin, John Latham and Douglas Gordon. Open daily with free admission.

Tate Liverpool

Type of Museum: Art Gallery
Country: Merseyside, England
Owned / Operated by: Tate
Address: Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4BB

Housed in a former warehouse within the Albert Dock, the museum displays work from the Tate Collection, the national collection of British art from the year 1500 onwards. The museum also exhibits an international collection of modern and contemporary art. Open daily, free admission.

Tate Modern, Southwark

Type of Museum: Art Gallery
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Department of Culture, Media and Sport
Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG

Opened in 2000, Tate Modern is the most-visited modern art gallery in the world. The gallery contains Britain’s national collection of international modern and contemporary art dating from 1900 until the present. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, the main collections are currently displayed in 4 wings of the building. Open daily with free admission.

Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, Pembrokeshire

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: South Wales, Wales
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 525673
Address: Castle Hill, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7BP

Founded in 1878, Tenby is the oldest independent museum in Wales. Dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of the town, the museum has a fine collection of local geology, biology, archaeological finds and maritime artefacts, as well as two art galleries. Open daily through the summer months, Tue – Sat during the winter, admission charges apply.

Tewkesbury Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Gloucestershire, England
Owned / Operated by: Borough of Tewkesbury
Address: 64 Barton Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5PX

Located in a 17th century half-timbered building, the museum tells the story of the social history and heritage of the ancient town of Tewksbury. The museum’s exhibits and displays include early Roman finds, the Roses €¦Battle of Tewkesbury, the local Mop Fair and the regions industries. Open Tues – Fri and Sat afternoons from April to Dec, Sat afternoon only Jan to Mar, free admission.

Thackray Museum, Leeds

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Yorkshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Thackray Medical Research Trust
Address: Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7LN

Housed within a former workhouse built to accommodate the city’s paupers, the museum tells the story of medicine from ancient times to the present. From the Hippocratic Oath first taken by the doctors in ancient Greece, the museum allows visitors to walk through the rat and flea infested slum streets of Victorian Leeds and explore the ailments and treatments of its inhabitants. Open daily, admission charges apply.

The British Library

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: The British Government
Address: 96 Euston Rd, Kings Cross, London, NW1 2DB

The national library of the United Kingdom. With over 170 million items to browse, including books, drawings, journals, magazines, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, patents, play-scripts, prints, stamps, videos, sound and music recordings, the British Library is the largest library in the world. Open daily, free admission.

The Centre for Computing History, Cambridge

Type of Museum: Science Museum
Country: Cambridgeshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1130071
Address: Rene Court, Coldhams Road, Cambridge CB1 3EW

Opened in 2013, the Centre for Computing History details the developments in computer technology over the past 50 years, exploring the social and cultural impact of the computing revolution. By blending history with science and education, it seeks to make the development of computing relevant and fun. Open daily from Wed to Sun, admission charges apply.

The Collection, Lincoln

Type of Museum: County Museum
Country: Lincolnshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Lincolnshire County Council
Address: Danes Terrace, Lincoln, LN2 1LP

The combination of a new purpose-built museum and the nearby Usher Gallery, The Collection is the county museum and art gallery for Lincolnshire. From the Stone Age to the Roman Ninth Legion, through Anglo-Savon and Viking Lincoln, the museum tells the story of the county through a range of artefacts, displays, reconstructions and hands-on activities. The Usher Gallery exhibits a diverse collection of fine and decorative arts, including works by the likes of Turner and Lowry. Open daily, free admission.

The Cricklade Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Wiltshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Cricklade Historical Society
Address: 16 Calcutt St, Cricklade SN6 6BD

The museum holds a diverse range of items from Cricklade and the surrounding villages. The artefacts range from bones of the Woolly Mammoth to the Romans and Saxons. Displays of glove making and Cricklade Pottery. Large collection of local photographs and local maps. Open Sat a.m. from mid-Jan to end-Nov, and Sat and Sun p.m. during July and Aug, admission charges apply.

The Cromwell Museum

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Cambridgeshire , England
Owned / Operated by: Cambridgeshire County Council
Address: Grammar School Walk, Huntingdon, PE29 3LF

Housed in his former school, the museum tells the story of Cromwell’s early years through to his rise to fame as Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland following the English Civil War. The collection displays several hundred Cromwellian related items, including portraits, clothing, miniatures, arms and armour, historical documents, and one of his death masks. Open daily Tue – Sun throughout the summer, p.m. only in winter, admission charges apply.

The Devil’s Porridge Museum, Eastriggs

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: SC031616
Address: Stanfield Farm, Annan Road, Eastriggs, DG12 6TF

On the site of the former HM Factory Gretna, this new state-of-the-art museum relates the story of one of the most remarkable factories in the world. Built soon after the start World War One in the middle of the Scottish border countryside, the factory stretched for nine miles and employed 30,000 munitions girls to produce 1,100 tons of cordite per week. Then a new type of munitions propellant, RDB Cordite provided the ammunition for the troops fighting on the front line. Open daily from Mar to end-Nov, closed Tues and Wed during winter months, admission charges apply.

The Fergusson Gallery

Type of Museum: Art Gallery
Country: Perth and Kinross, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Perth & Kinross Council
Address: Marshall Place, Perth, PH2 8NS

The Fergusson Gallery in Perth holds the largest collection of the eminent Scottish Colourist, John Duncan Fergusson’s (1874-1961), work in existence. Open daily Tues – Sat, Sun p.m. during summer, free admission.

The Green Howards Museum

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: North Yorkshire, England
Owned / Operated by:
Address: Trinity Church Square, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 4QN

Redeveloped in 2014, the museum relays the 300 year old story of this illustrious regiment though a unique collection of military artefacts and exhibits. Open Mon to Sun, admission charges apply.

The Guards Museum in London, Wellington Barracks

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: British Army
Address: Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London, SW1E 6HQ

The Guards Museum in London contains information and artefacts relating to the five regiments of Foot Guards namely Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards. Part of Her Majesty’s Household Division they enjoy the privilege of guarding The Sovereign and the Royal Palaces.Open daily, admission charges apply.

The Lightbox

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Surrey, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity Number 1073543
Address: The Lightbox, Chobham Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 4AA

The interactive museum is home to Woking’s Story, which explores the history of the town. The three galleries host a range of regularly changing exhibitions. Open daily Tue to Sun, free admission.

The Lowry, Salford Quays

Type of Museum: Art Gallery
Country: Manchester, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 1053962
Address: Pier 8, Salford Quays M50 3AZ

Set on Pier 8 at Salford Quays, this gallery and theatre complex first opened its doors to the public in 2000. Named after the early 20th century painter L S Lowry, the gallery space displays around 200 of his works in oil, pastel and watercolours, alongside other contemporary exhibitions. Open daily, free admission.

The McManus

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Tayside, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Dundee City Council
Address: Albert Square, Meadowside, Dundee, DD1 1DA

Within 8 galleries set over 2 floors, exhibits relating to the life of early man in the area, stunning paintings and decorative art through to artefacts from industries past and present, the City’s collections give an insight into Dundee and its people. Open daily Mon – Sat and Sun p.m., free admission.

The Museum of English Rural Life

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Berkshire , England
Owned / Operated by: University of Reading
Address: University of Reading, Redlands Rd, Reading, RG1 5EX

Reopening to the public on 19th October 2016, through 9 new galleries the museum will exhibit a collection of objects related to farming and the traditional processing of food. Open daily Tue – Fri, free admission.

The Museum of Lead Mining, Wanlockhead

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Charity No:
Address: Wanlockhead Village, ML12 6UT

Explore the underground workings of a real 18th century lead mine set deep into the hillside in the picturesque village of Wanlockhead, the highest village in Scotland. Visit the miners’ cottages and see how the miners and their families really lived, prior to discovering the second oldest subscription library in Europe. Open daily from April to end-Sept, admission charges apply.

The Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock

Type of Museum: County Museum
Country: Oxfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Oxfordshire County Council
Address: Park Street, Woodstock OX20 1SN

Set in a period 18th century house in the heart of Woodstock, permanent galleries relate the history of Oxfordshire. From the Dinosaur Gallery to the Roman Gallery, Victorian Oxfordshire includes more than 100 artefacts from the county collection. Open daily Tues to Sat and Sun afternoons, free admission.

The Queen’s Royal Lancers and Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: Nottinghamshire, England
Owned / Operated by: QRLNY Museum
Address: Thoresby Courtyard, Thoresby Park, Nr Perlethorpe, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9EP

The UK’s newest cavalry museum displays the historic collections of The Queen’s Royal Lancers, the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry and the South Nottinghamshire Hussars. Explore the history of the British cavalry, from the days of the horseback charge, through the great tank battles of the Second World War, to present-day operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Open daily Wed to Sun, between 1 Mar – 30 Nov, free admission.

The Royal West of England Academy (RWA)

Type of Museum: Art Gallery
Country: Somerset, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity no. 1070163
Address: Queen’s Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1PX

Set in an imposing listed building, the RWA is England’s only regional Royal Academy of Art and Bristol’s finest art gallery. Exhibiting the best of historic and contemporary British art, including works by Turner, Constable and Nash. Open Tues to Sun, admission charges apply.

The Scottish Crannog Centre

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Perthshire, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Scottish Trust for Underwater Archaeology
Address: Loch Tay, Kenmore, Nr Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2HY

Complete with a reconstruction of an ancient loch dwelling, the Scottish Crannog Centre provides a glimpse into life in the early Iron Age. Access to the Crannog roundhouse is via an authentic round log walkway on stilts above Loch Tay. The museum houses some of the original early Iron Age artefacts discovered at ‘Oakbank Crannog’. Opening times can be found on the Scottish Crannog Centre website.

The Stewartry Museum, Kirkcudbright

Type of Museum: Local History
Country: Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Dumfries and Galloway Council
Address: St Mary Street, Kirkcudbright DG64AG

Exploring the human and natural history of the Stewartry (the eastern half of the Galloway region), the museum first opened its doors to the public in 1893. Notable social history collections and displays covering the 18th and 19th centuries. Open daily all year Mon – Sat, Sun 14-17.00, free admission.

The Stirling Smith

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Stirlingshire, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Charity Number SCO16162
Address: Dumbarton Road, Stirling, FK8 2RQ

Set beneath Stirling Castle, in the King’s Park, the ancient hunting grounds of Scottish monarchs, the museum and art gallery is Stirling’s home of social history and the arts, as well as the world’s oldest football and curling stone. Open daily Tues – Sat, Sun p.m., free admission.

The Village Church Farm

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Lincolnshire, England
Owned / Operated by:
Address: Church Road South, Skegness, Lincolnshire, PE25 2HF

Set in the heart of the town, Village Church Farm is Lincolnshire’s only open air farming museum. Exploring agricultural life in days gone by, the 18th century farmhouse is the second oldest building in Skegness. Open Tues to Sun, free admission.

The Wilson, Cheltenham

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Gloucestershire, England
Owned / Operated by: Cheltenham Borough Council
Address: Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT

Recently refurbished and extended, The Wilson reopened its doors to the public in 2013. One of the new gallery spaces has been dedicated to the museums renowned Art and Crafts collection, other displays explore archaeology, Africa to Asia, fine furniture, local history and Cheltenham’s own Antarctic explorer, Edward Wilson. Open daily, free admission.

The Wordsworth Trust

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Cumbria , England
Owned / Operated by: The Wordsworth Trust
Address: Dove Cottage, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SH

Set in the first family home of Britain’s greatest poet, explore the traditional Lakeland cottage of William Wordsworth and discover what life was like at the turn of the 19th century. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Thinktank, Birmingham

Type of Museum: Science Museum
Country: West Midlands, England
Owned / Operated by: Birmingham Museums Trust
Address: Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7XG

Opened in 2001, this museum of science and technology displays its impressive collections and hands-on exhibits over four floors, and includes a purpose-built digital planetarium. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Thornbury and District Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Gloucestershire, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 296345
Address: Chapel Street, Thornbury

Run by volunteers, the museum tells the story of the historic borough and town of Thornbury and the parishes of the Lower Severn Vale. Featuring an exhibition from the Thornbury Roman Coin Hoard, the museum explores the local history of the town and villages and the lives of their occupants. Open Tues – Fri afternoons and Saturdays, free admission.

Time and Tide Museum, Great Yarmouth

Type of Museum: Maritme Museum
Country: Norfolk, England
Owned / Operated by: Maritme Heritage East Museums
Address: Blackfriars Road, Great Yarmouth NR30 3BX

The third largest museum in Norfolk is set in a recently renovated Victorian herring curing works and explores the rich maritime and fishing history of Yarmouth. The museum features a recreated street scene from the early 1900s and a view of Yarmouth quayside from the 1950s. Open daily Mon – Fri, admission charges apply.

Time Machine Museum, Bromyard

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Herefordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Private Museum
Address: 12 The Square, Bromyard HR7 4BP

This museum of science fiction houses collections associated with Dr Who, Star Wars, Red Dwarf and Gerry Anderson including costumes, props, droids, puppets and a full size TARDIS! Open daily Wed – Sun between Apr to Sept, weekends only in winter, admission charges apply.

Timespan Museum & Arts Centre

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Sutherland, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Charity Number SC009796
Address: Dunrobin Street, Helmsdale, KW8 6JA

Telling the story of the Scottish highlands, this local history museum and arts centre covers aspects such as the area’s archaeology, the Highland Clearances, the Strath Kildonan Gold Rush and the once important sea fishing industry. Open daily Mar to Oct, weekends and Tues p.m. in winter, free admission.

Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Devon, England
Owned / Operated by: Mid Devon District Council
Address: Becks Square, Tiverton EX16 6PJ

Founded in 1960, the museum traces the history of Mid Devon through exhibits and artefacts relating to the economic and social life of the area. The museum’s displays include the history of agriculture, the local lace making industry and everyday home life. Pride of place however, goes to the Great Western Railway steam locomotive known locally as the ‘Tiwy Bumper’, which features in the gallery related to road and rail transport in the county. Open daily Mon – Fri and Sat mornings from Feb to end-Dec, admission charges apply.

Torquay Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Devon, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1026390
Address: 529 Babbacombe Rd, Torquay TQ1 1HG

Founded in the mid-1800s, the museum originally housed the collection of the Torquay Natural History Society. Now ranked as one of the finest museums in the south west, it exhibits artefacts from the Torbay area and around the world. Displaying a fine collection of prehistoric finds from nearby Kent’s Cavern, the Agatha Christie gallery, tells the real-life story behind the world-famous crime writer, who was born in Torquay. Open daily Mon – Thurs, admission charges apply.

Towcester Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Northamptonshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity Number 1120909
Address: 163-165 Watling St, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 6BU

Set on the old Roman road of Watling Street, the museum tells the story of Towcester over the centuries. From military highway, international border and major coaching route, through to the everyday experiences of people who lived in the town. Open daily Tues – Sat, admission charges apply.

Trenchard Museum, RAF Halton

Type of Museum: Aviation Museum
Country: Buckinghamshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Royal Air Force
Address: RAF Halton HP22 5PG

Named in honour of Lord Trenchard, the father of the Royal Air Force, the museum exhibits artefacts relating to the history of the Aircraft Apprentice training scheme based at Royal Air Force Halton. With two complete aircraft, engines and weapons on display, it is dedicated to preserving the early history of the Royal Air Force. Open every Tues and by arrangement.

Tring Local History Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Hertfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1053276
Address: The Market Place, Brook Street, Tring HP23 5ED

This local history museum relates all aspects of life in and around the small market town of Tring. Set at the junction of two ancient trading routes beneath the Chiltern Hills, its people have carried on a rural way of life which has changed little over the centuries. Open Fridays and Saturdays, free admission.

Trowbridge Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Wiltshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Trowbridge Town Council
Address: The Shires, Court Street, Trowbridge BA14 8AT

This award-winning history museum includes the county’s only specialist textile museum. Highlighting Trowbridge’s nationally important collection of items relating to the woollen cloth industry, it includes one of only five Spinning Jennies in the world. This machine represents one of the most significant developments of the Industrial Revolution. Closed on Sundays and Mondays, admission is free.

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Cumbria, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 1143235
Address: Castle Street, Carlisle CA3 8TP

Set in a converted Jacobean mansion, the museum houses archaeological finds from Hadrian’s Wall and the two Roman forts based in Carlisle, alongside items on loan from the British Museum. A new permanent gallery explores the war zone that was home to the Border Reivers for more than 300 years. The museum also exhibits large displays of botanical, geological and zoological artefacts, as well as fine and decorative arts collections. Open daily, free admission.

Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Kent, England
Owned / Operated by: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Address: Mount Pleasant, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1JN

Founded in 1885, the museum houses collections of local archaeological finds, coins, costumes and toys, as well as a large display of natural history specimens. The museum also features the largest collection of Tunbridge Ware in the world and exhibits a fine display of Victorian oil paintings. Open daily, free admission.

Tweedale Museum and Gallery, Peebles

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Scottish Borders, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Scottish Borders Council
Address: Chambers Institution, High Street, Peebles EH45 8AJ

Located within the Chambers Institution, a building gifted to the people of Peebles in 1859 by William Chambers, one of the founders of the Chambers Harrap publishing house, is a museum, library and art gallery. The museum and gallery features displays of contemporary art and local history, as well as hosting a lively programme of exhibitions throughout the year. Open daily Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings, free admission.

Upottery Airfield Heritage Centre, Smeatharpe

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: Devon, England
Owned / Operated by: South West Airfields
Address: Cherry Hayes Farm, Smeatharpe, Near Honiton, Devon EX14 9RD

Step inside the WW2 Nissen Hut at Upottery Airfield Heritage Centre and you are transported back to World War Two and the D-Day landings. An informative and humbling video introduces you to the story of D-Day and uses film shot at the time to set the scene.The museum documents the major role the airfield played on the night of the 5th June 1944 and on D-Day itself.This was the airfield from which Easy Company (Band of Brothers) departed and there are lots of documents, letters and photographs related to them on display. Enthusiastic and very knowledgeable volunteer guides are on hand to help with any questions. Uniforms, weapons and artefacts are on display as well as models and dioramas. Free entry. Open Thursday to Sunday and Bank Holidays from Good Friday to the last Sunday in November, 11am to 4pm.

Usk Rural Life Museum, Usk, Monmouthshire

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: South Wales, Wales
Owned / Operated by: Usk Museum Trust
Address: New Market Street, Usk, Monmouthshire NP15 1AU

Set close the centre of Usk in a 16th century malt barn, the museum traces the story of rural life in Monmouthshire from the 1850s through a unique collection of over 5,000 artefacts. From small handtools through to large agricultural machinery and vintage tractors, other displays include a Victorian cottage, forge, cobbler and hardware shop. Open Apr to end-Oct, Tues – Sat, free admission.

Verdant Works

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Tayside, Scotland
Owned / Operated by: Dundee Heritage Trust
Address: W Henderson’s Wynd, Dundee, DD1 5BT

Scotland’s Jute Museum @ Verdant Works tells the tale of jute through the life and work of old Dundee, from the rise of the industry to its eventual decline. The orgininal restored machinery transports you back over 100 years when jute was king. Open daily in summer, Wed to Sun in winter, admission charges apply.

Verulamium Museum, St Albans

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Hertfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: St Albans City and District Council
Address: St Michael’s Street, St Albans AL3 4SW

Considered as one of the finest Roman history museums in the country, Verulamium sits on the site of one of the major cities in Roman Britain, the remains of which can be seen in the surrounding parkland. The museum was established following excavations carried out by the famous field archaeologist Mortimer Wheeler and now exhibits some of the finest Roman mosaics and wall plasters to be found outside the Mediterranean. Other artefacts on display include pottery, jewellery, tools, coins and a coffin complete with a male skeleton from the Roman period. Open daily Mon – Sat and Sunday afternoons, admission charges apply.

Victoria and Albert Museum, Kensington, Central London

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Department of Culture, Media and Sport
Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL

Founded in 1852, the V&A is the largest museum of decorative arts and design in the world. With more than 4½ million works exhibited over 145 galleries, its collection spans 5,000 years of art, from all corners of the globe. In particular, the museum’s collection of ceramics, costumes, furniture, glass, ironwork, jewellery, sculpture, silver and textiles are among the most comprehensive in the world. Open daily with free admission.

Victoria Gallery and Museum, Liverpool

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Merseyside, England
Owned / Operated by: University of Liverpool
Address: Ashton Street, Liverpool L69 3DR

Set in a ‘redbrick’ Victorian building, the museum houses the University of Liverpool’s art and museum collections. The second floor art gallery exhibits works by the likes of Turner, Epstein, Freud and Frink, whilst the upper floor displays collections on such diverse subjects as archaeology, dentistry, engineering, medicine, oceanography and zoology. Open daily Tues – Sat, free admission.

Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool

Type of Museum: Art Gallery
Country: Merseyside, England
Owned / Operated by: National Museums Liverpool
Address: William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EL

Named after its founder Sir Andrew Barclay Walker, a wealthy brewer and former mayor of Liverpool, the gallery first opened its doors to the public in 1877 and now houses one of the largest art collections in the country. From Rossetti to Hockney, the museum displays a diverse range of paintings, sculpture and decorative art from as far back as the 13th century to more modern times. Open daily, free admission.

Walsall Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: West Midlands, England
Owned / Operated by: Walsall Council
Address: Lichfield Street, Walsall WS1 1TR

Located in the centre of Walsall, the museum is home to a wide-ranging collection of exhibits exploring Walsall’s history, its proud industrial heritage, and the lives of its people. The museum also features a large display of costume and textiles, including a unique collection of working-class clothing from the 1920s to the 1960s. Open daily Tue – Sat, free admission.

Wardown Park Museum, Luton

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Bedfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Luton Borough Council
Address: Old Bedford Road, Luton LU2 7HA

Housed in a large Victorian mansion set within a landscaped park, the museum is located around 1½ miles north from the centre of Luton. Focussing on traditional Bedfordshire crafts and industry, it exhibits extensive collections of women’s hats as well as locally produced lace work. Other galleries explore the stories of the people of Luton, local archaeology and natural history. The long and illustrious history of the local regiment is relayed in the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment Gallery. Open daily Tues – Sat and Sunday afternoons, free admission.

Wareham Town Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Dorset, England
Owned / Operated by: Wareham Town Council
Address: East Street, Wareham BH20 4NN

Set in the centre of Wareham next to the town hall, the museum tells the story of the town and its people, from its very early settlers to the present day. The museum also features a special section dedicated to T. E. Lawrence, Lawrence of Arabia, who lived and died at nearby Clouds Hill, in May 1935. Open daily Mon – Sat from Easter through the summer months, free admission.

Warrington Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Cheshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Culture Warrington
Address: Museum Street, Warrington WA1 1JB

Originally opened in 1848, Warrington Museum and Art Gallery is one of the oldest municipal museums in the UK. With a collection of more than 200,000 artefacts, ranging from archaeology, ethnology, local and social history, natural science and numismatics, its fine art collection totals around 1,000 paintings. Open daily Mon – Sat, admission charges apply.

Watchet Boat Museum

Type of Museum: Maritime Museum
Country: Somerset, England
Owned / Operated by: Friends of the Flatner
Address: Harbour Road, Watchet TA23 0AQ

Occupying a former railway goods shed dating from the 1860s, the museum now houses a variety of different types of flatner boats, plus nets and other associated artefacts. Including displays of maps, knotwork and other fun activities specially designed for children. Open daily from Easter to end September, admission is free.

Watchet Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Somerset, England
Owned / Operated by: Watchet Town Council
Address: Market Street, Watchet TA23 0AN

Located where the Esplanade meets Market Street and occupying the ground floor of the town’s former Market House, constructed in 1820, is Watchet Market House Museum. Besides a fine collection of local artefacts, fossils and marine paintings there is an exhibition to celebrate West Somerset’s Industrial heritage from the Victorian era when the West Somerset Mineral Railway carried iron ore from the Brendon Hills to Watchet for shipment to the steel making furnaces of South Wales. Open from the end of March until the end of October 1030-1630 hrs with free entry.

Waterworks Museum, Hereford

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Herefordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No: 515866
Address: Broomy Hill, Hereford, HR4 0LJ.

Set in a Victorian water pumping station which had served Hereford for more than 100 years, the museum traces the history of drinking water from prehistoric times up to the present day. Home to the oldest working triple-expansion steam engine in the UK, the museum houses a significant collection of pumping engines. Open every Tuesday, admission charges apply.

Watford Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Hertfordshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Hertfordshire Museums
Address: 194 High Street, Watford WD17 2DT

Set in the former Benskins Brewery Mansion, the museum tells the story of Watford past and present. The museums galleries include displays of local history, industry and Watford FC, as well as exhibiting collections of fine art and sculpture. Open daily Thurs – Sat, free admission.

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Sussex, England
Owned / Operated by: Registered Charity
Address: Chichester PO18 0EU

Located on a 50 acre site, this open air museum comprises nearly 50 historic buildings set within landscaped gardens, complete with farm animals, walks and a lake. Comprising farmsteads, shops, barns, school, watermill and a smithy, the buildings, dating from the thirteenth to nineteenth centuries, have all been rebuilt to their original form. Along with the buildings, there are several other ‘hands-on’ activities and demonstrations. Open daily between Apr to end-Oct, Wed, Sat and Sun only during winter, admission charges apply.

Weaver Hall Museum, Northwich

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Cheshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Cheshire West and Chester Council
Address: 162 London Road, Northwich CW9 8AB

Set in the former Northwich Union workhouse, the museum houses a large collection of artefacts covering archaeology, architecture, exploring the industries and social history of West Cheshire from prehistory to the present day. Set in an area renowned for one industry in particular, it relates the story of salt extraction and processing from Roman times. Other displays trace the history of the workhouse itself, and the paupers who were consigned to a life there. Open daily Tues – Fri, Sat and Sun afternoons, admission charges apply.

Web Ellis Rugby Football Museum, Rugby

Type of Museum: Sport Museum
Country: Warwickshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Webb Ellis Ltd
Address: 5-6 St Matthews St, Rugby CV21 3BY

Located opposite from Rugby School, the museum is housed in the building where the Gilbert family made the world’s first rugby balls in 1842. Named after William Webb Ellis, who is credited with inventing the game, the museum exhibits a rich collection of international rugby memorabilia and tells the story of the game. Open daily Tues – Sat, free admission.

Wellcome Collection, Camden

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Wellcome Foundation
Address: 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE

Recently refurbished, the museum explores the interlinking themes of medicine, art and life, from ancient time to the present day through an unusual collection of medical artefacts and original artworks. The museum is named after the enthusiastic traveller and pharmaceutical entrepreneur, Sir Henry Wellcombe, who had gathered an extensive collection of books, paintings and objects, on the theme of the historical development of medicine. Open daily Tuesday to Sunday, free admission.

Wellingborough Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Northamptonshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 1079695
Address: 12 Castle Way, Wellingborough Wellingborough

Set within the historic Dulley’s Baths building, the museum’s collection spans over two million years of local history relating to Wellingborough and the surrounding area. The museum’s two galleries display artefacts from prehistory to 1930s, and from 1930s to the present day. Open daily Mon – Sat, free admission.

Wesley’s Chapel, Museum of Methodism, Islington

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Methodist Church
Address: 49 City Road, London EC1Y 1AU

Recently refurbished, the museum tells the story of Methodism’s influence on Britain and its spread throughout the world. Tracing the history of Methodism from John Wesley’s conversion, through to his organisational system of societies, to the faith’s ultimate separation from the Church of England. Interactive technology is used to convey John Wesley’s sermons and Charles Wesley’s hymns. Open daily Monday to Saturday, free admission.

West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Suffolk, England
Owned / Operated by: St Edmundsbury Borough Council
Address: Icklingham Road, Suffolk, Bury St. Edmunds, IP28 6HG

Combining the archaeology with living history, this reconstructed Anglo-Saxon Village is set within the 125 acres of West Stow Country Park. Based on an important archaeological site from the era, the museum has extensive indoor galleries. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Westonzoyland Pumping

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Somerset, England
Owned / Operated by: Westonzoyland Engine Trust
Address: Hooper’s Ln, Westonzoyland, Bridgwater, TA7 0LS

Housed in Somerset’s earliest steam-powered water pumping and land drainage station, the museum exhibits the largest collection of stationary steam engines and pumps in the south of England. Open every Sunday afternoon, admission charges apply.

Weymouth Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Dorset , England
Owned / Operated by: Dorset Museums Association
Address: Brewers Quay, Hope Square, Weymouth, DT4 8TR

Housed on the second floor of the historic Brewers Quay, the museum tells the story of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis from prehistoric times to the twentieth century. Displayed over two galleries, collections include art and ceramics, local industry, maritime items and local history artefacts. Open daily Wed – Sat, admission charges apply.

Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Co. Durham , England
Owned / Operated by: Independent
Address: Cemetery Grounds, Woodlands Avenue, Wheatley Hill, Co Durham, DH6 3LN

Housed in the original Chapel of Rest for the village, the heritage centre displays a permanent exhibition of an early 1900s East Durham colliery home. Other exhibits relate to the story of the village to the present day. Open daily Tues and Thurs & Sat afternoons between late spring to early autumn, admission charges apply.

Whipple Museum of the History of Science, Cambridge

Type of Museum: Science Museum
Country: Cambridgeshire, England
Owned / Operated by: University of Cambridge
Address: Free School Lane, Cambridge CB2 3RH

With a collection of scientific instruments and models, dating from the medieval period to the present day, the museum forms part of the Department of History and Science at the University of Cambridge. Relating to the history of science, its collections include instruments of astronomy, drawing, navigation, surveying and mathematics. Open daily Mon – Fri, admission charges apply.

Whitchurch Heritage Centre

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Shropshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Whitchurch Heritage Centre
Address: 12 St Mary’s Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 1QY

Exploring the history of this Shropshire market town, the museum contains a range of artefacts dating from the Roman occupation up until modern times. The town’s association with the manufacture of Tower Clocks is the subject of one exhibition hall. Open daily Tues, Thurs & Fri, free admission.

Wigston Frameworkers Knitters Museum

Type of Museum: Industrial Museum
Country: Leicestershire, England
Owned / Operated by: Oadby & Wigston Buildings Preservation Trust
Address: 42-44 Bushloe End, Wigston LE18 2BA

The museum recreates a knitting workshop from the early 1900s, featuring original knitting frames and other associated equipment that were used in the mass production of stockings and gloves. Explaining the industrial and social history associated with Hand-Frame knitting invented by William Lee in 1589. Open Sunday afternoons, other times by appointment.

Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Wiltshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Wiltshire County Council
Address: Cocklebury Road, Chippenham SN15 3QN

Preserving the archives of Wiltshire, the History Centre combines the archaeology, buildings record, conservation, and museum advisory services together with the county local studies library. For professional advice and guidance on other heritage issues, your passport to the past. Closed on Sundays and Mondays, admission is free.

Wiltshire Museum, Devizes

Type of Museum: County Museum
Country: Wiltshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Society
Address: 41 Long Street, Devizes SN10 1NS

Tracing 5,000 years of Wiltshire’s history from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman, Saxon, and Medieval, through to more modern times. The collections include important finds associated with the World Heritage Sites of Avebury and Stonehenge. Open throughout the year, admission charges apply.

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, Wimbledon

Type of Museum: Sport Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Lawn Tennis Association
Address: Church Road, Wimbledon SW19 5AE

Opened in 2007 inside the grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is the largest tennis museum in the world. With exhibits and artefacts dating back to the 1500s, the museum houses memorabilia from many famous players from the Victorian era right up to the present day. Guided tours are available around the grounds of the club, including access to the players’ restaurant and Centre Court. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Winchester’s Military Museums, Winchester

Type of Museum: Military Museum
Country: Hampshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Winchester Military Museums
Address: Romsey Road, Winchester SO23 8TS

Housed within the listed Peninsula Barracks close the city centre, Winchester’s Military Museums comprise a complex of five museums that are situated within metres of each other which are operated independently. The five museums are Horsepower, the Regimental Museum of The King’s Royal Hussars, The Royal Hampshire Regiment, The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum, The Gurkha Museum and The Guardroom Museum, the Museum of the Adjutant General’s Corps. Most museums are open daily Tues – Sat and Sunday afternoons, free admission applies only to the Royal Hampshire and Guardroom museums.

Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Worcestershire, England
Owned / Operated by: Worcester City Council
Address: Foregate Street, Worcester WR1 1DT

Set in a Victorian building in the heart of the city, the museum explores the industrial history of Worcester; exhibits include local geology, natural history, together with a 19th – 20th century art collection. The Worcestershire Soldier features collections, uniforms and medals from the Worcestershire Regiment and Worcestershire Yeomanry Cavalry. Open daily Mon – Sat, free admission.

Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle

Type of Museum: County Museum
Country: Worcestershire, England
Owned / Operated by: Worcestershire County Council
Address: Hartlebury Castle, nr Kidderminster Worcestershire DY11 7XZ

Set in north wing of Hartlebury Castle, home to the Bishops of Worcester for over 1,000 years, the museum explores the story of Worcestershire’s past. The museum’s galleries include displays relating to social history, archaeology, travel and transport, toys and an important collection of colourful Gypsy caravans. Open daily Tues – Sun, admission charges apply.

Workhouse, Southwell

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Nottinghamshire, England
Owned / Operated by: National Trust
Address: Upton Road, Southwell NG25 0PT

Perhaps the best preserved workhouse in England, this austere building dates from 1824. Following the adoption of the New Poor Law Act of 1834, it served as the prototype for hundreds of similar workhouses that were built up and down the country as a place of last resort for the poor and needy. Now a National Trust museum, it tells the story of the Victorian poor who sought refuge at The Workhouse, including the segregated work yards, day rooms and dormitories. Restricted opening hours and entrance charges apply.

World Museum, Liverpool

Type of Museum: General Museum
Country: Merseyside, England
Owned / Operated by: National Museums Liverpool
Address: William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EN

Housing one of the nation’s most extensive collections, the museum’s displays include archaeology, ethnology and the natural and physical sciences. The free planetarium explores various aspects of space science, including the Solar System and space exploration. The Aquarium features a variety of creatures from the deep, whilst the Bug House displays a selection of specimens from the museum’s vast collection alongside real live creepy crawlies. Open daily, free admission.

World of Glass, St Helens

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Merseyside, England
Owned / Operated by: Charity No. 1006990
Address: Chalon Way East, St Helens WA10 1BX

Reflecting the social and industrial heritage of St Helens, the museum tells the story of the town and its close association with the Pilkington Brothers glass works. Explore the history over the two galleries, before trying your hand at some live glassblowing. Open daily Mon – Sat, admission charges apply.

World Rugby Museum, Twickenham

Type of Museum: Sport Museum
Country: London, England
Owned / Operated by: Rugby Football Union
Address: East Stand Twickenham Stadium TW1 1DZ

Opened in 1996, the World Rugby Museum houses the finest collection of rugby memorabilia in the world and tells the story of the history of the sport from its origins to the present day. Set in the East Stand of Twickenham Stadium, it aims to promote the game of rugby football by inspiring, educating; and entertaining visitors. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Worthing Museum and Art Gallery

Type of Museum: Museum and Art Gallery
Country: Sussex, England
Owned / Operated by: Worthing Borough Council
Address: Chapel Road, Worthing BN11 1HP

Set in the heart of the town, the museum houses one of the largest costume and textile collections in the country. The largest museum in West Sussex, its fine art and decorative art collections span several centuries and represent many styles. Open Tues – Sat, free admission.

Wrexham County Borough Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: North Wales, Wales
Owned / Operated by: Wrexham County Borough Council
Address: County Buildings, Regent Street, Wrexham LL11 1RB

Housed in one of Wrexham’s iconic buildings, the museum details the eventful history of the region that spans the northern boundary of the Welsh and English border. With exhibitions and artefacts from prehistory to the present day, it tells the story of the borough and its inhabitants. Open throughout the year (closed Sundays and Bank Holidays), free admission.

Wycombe Museum, High Wycombe

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Buckinghamshire, England
Owned / Operated by: Wycombe District Council
Address: Priory Avenue, High Wycombe HP13 6PX

Surrounded by Victorian gardens, the museum exhibits collections relating to the social history of the town and wider Buckinghamshire area, including the local furniture industry. Open daily Mon to Sat and Sunday afternoons, free admission.

York Castle Museum

Type of Museum: Local Museum
Country: Yorkshire, England
Owned / Operated by: York Museums Trust
Address: Eye of York, York YO1 9RY

Set in former prison buildings erected on the site of the original Norman York Castle, the museum explores the lives of the inmates in this 18th century Debtors Prison. Other exhibits include a recreated Victorian Street and a collection of children’s toys. Open daily, admission charges apply.

Yorkshire Museum, York

Type of Museum: County Museum
Country: Yorkshire, England
Owned / Operated by: York Museums Trust
Address: Museum Gardens, York, YO1 7FR

Reopened in 2010 following a major refurbishment, the museum houses four nationally important collections of archaeology, astronomy, biology and geology; it is also home to the Cawood Viking sword. Other notable exhibits include the 8th century Anglo-Saxon Coppergate Helmet and gilded silver Ormside Bowl. Open daily, admission charges apply.