Know a free museum we've missed? Please post it in the Free museums discussion and we'll add it to the list above.
General opening times are given as a guide, but always check with the venue before you go. Some exhibitions may cost extra.
Free 3mth gallery and museum pass
If your local museum's not free you may still get it for nowt! Membership scheme, National Art Pass, is offering three months' free which gets you entry to 200 UK museums and galleries. Full details in the MSE Days Out page.
Free London Museums
Map
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| Where: London (map) |
Link: Bank of Eng. Museum |
| Open: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Last entry 4.45pm. |
| Description:
This museum shows objects from the Bank of England's 300 years of existence, from cartoons to banknotes to furniture. You can even try and lift a real gold bar! |
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| Where: Gt Russell St, Lond. (map) |
Link: British Museum |
| Open: 10am-5.30pm daily. Open late Fridays. Closed 1 Jan & 24-26 Dec. |
Description: Impressively large museum with a collection of over seven million objects, with themes including Leaders & Rulers, Animals, and Money.
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| Where: London (map) |
Link: Geffrye Museum |
| Open: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm.
Sun & Bank Hol Mon 12-5pm. Closed Mon (unless Bank Hol), Good Fri, 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan. |
| Description: Special exhibition costs £5/£3 concessions and under 16s free. See the English domestic interior in a range of period rooms from 1600 to today. Collections include furniture, fine art and domestic objects. |
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| Where: Forest Hill, London (map) |
Link: Horniman Museum |
| Open: 10.30am-5.30pm daily except 24-26 Dec. |
Description: Museum packed with a range of different things to see, including musical instruments, natural history artefacts and cultural curios.
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| Where: London (map) |
Link: Hunterian Museum |
| Open: Tues to Sat 10am-5pm |
| Description:
Museum of anatomy, natural history, osteology and pathology, based on John Hunter's collection of 15,000 specimens and preparations. |
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| Where: London (map) |
Link: I.W.M.(London) |
| Open: 10am - 6pm daily. Last admission 5.45pm. Closed 15 & 24-26 Dec. |
| Description: Has a range of permenant exhibitions, including the Holocaust Exhibition and Conflicts Since 1945. |
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| Where: Croydon (map) |
Link: Museum of Croydon |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm |
Description: Shows the history of Croydon through different themes such as work & play, life & love, home & community, trends & movement.
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| Where: London (map) |
Link: Museum of London |
| Open: Every day 10am-6pm. Closed
24-26 Dec |
| Description: This is one of the world’s largest urban history museums and has exhibitions including the story of modern London from 1666 to today. |
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| Where: London (map) |
Link: London Docklands |
| Open: Every day 10am-6pm.
Closed 24-26 Dec |
| Description:
Varied museum narrating London's history as a port, from the regeneration of the Docklands right back to the Roman settlement. |
| |
| Where: London (map) |
Link: Maritime Museum |
| Open: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm |
| Description: Large museum dedicated to all things nautical, formed from the Maritime Galleries, the Queen's House and the Royal Observatory. |
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| Where: London (map) |
Link: National Portrait Gallery |
Open: Daily 10am-6pm. Thu-Fri
until 9pm
|
| Description: Founded in 1856, this large gallery has over 160,000 portraits, from modern subjects to paintings from the 16th Century. |
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| Where: London (map) |
Link: Natural History Museum |
| Open: Every day 10am-5.50pm. Last admission 5.30pm. Closed 24-26 Dec. |
| Description: The museum shows life and earth science specimens in five main collections: Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Paleontology and Zoology. |
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| Where: London (map) |
Link: Ragged School Museum |
| Open: Schools and Group bookings Mon-Fri. |
| Description: Museum with lots to see, including a Victorian East End kitchen, a reconstructed Victorian classroom
and several gallery areas. |
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| Where: S. Kensington, Lond.(map) |
Link: Science Museum |
| Open: 10am-6pm daily, except 24-26 Dec. |
Description: Vast museum dedicated to advancements in science, medicine, technology and industry. Suitable for young and old alike.
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| Where: London (map) |
Link: Tate Britain |
| Open:
Every day 10-6pm. Closes 10pm on first Fri of each month. Last admission to exhibitions 17.15 and on Fri/Sat 21.15. |
| Description: One of the four Tate galleries in the UK, Tate Britain has a vast range of British and international art from 1500 onwards. |
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| Where: Southbank, London (map) |
Link: Tate Modern |
| Open: Sun-Thu 10-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm. Closed 24-26 Dec. Last admission to exhibitions 17.15 and on Fri/Sat 21.15. |
Description: Large modern art gallery featuring international works from 1900 onwards. Striking gallery built from a disused power station in 2000.
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| Where: London (map) |
Link: The National Gallery |
| Open: Daily 10–6pm, Fri 10–9pm.
Closed 1 Jan & 24-26 Dec. |
| Description: Impressive London -based gallery with over 2,300 paintings in its collection, inc. Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ and Cezanne’s ‘Bathers’. |
| |
| Where: London (map) |
Link: The Wallace Collection |
| Open: Daily from 10am - 5pm. Open on all Public Holidays 10 - 5pm, except 24 - 26 Dec. |
| Description: London-based venue with an impressive art collection; things to see include works by Titian, Rembrandt, Hals and Velázquez. |
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| Where: London (map) |
Link: V&A; Museum |
| Open: Daily 10am-5.45pm.
Fri 10am-10pm. Closed 24-26 Dec. |
| Description: Large museum of art and design, with colourful collections arranged around themes including Materials & Techniques, Asia, and Europe. |
| |
| Where: London (map) |
Link: V&A; Museum |
| Open: Mon-Sun 10am-5.45pm |
| Description: The museum shows the story of childhood, from dolls' houses to contemporary children's clothing, to moving and optical toys. |
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| Where: London (map) |
Link: Wellcome Collection |
| Open: Tue-Wed & Fri 10-6pm, Thu 10-10pm, Sat 10-6, Sun 11-6
|
| Description: Varied attraction with lots to see and do, focusing on the history and progression of medicine around the world. |
Free Northern Ireland Museums
Map
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| Where: Armagh (map) |
Link: Armagh Museum |
| Open:
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm & 2-5pm |
| Description: Armagh-based museum with displays on the natural world, transport, art, archaeology, textiles and costume, traditions, and more. |
| |
| Where: Belfast (map) |
Link: Ulster Museum |
| Open: Tue- Sun 10-5pm |
| Description:
Museum with something for all, with a vast collection of artefacts from the natural sciences, art and history, ancient relics and more. |
Free Scotland Museums
Map
| |
| Where: Dundee, Scotland (map) |
Link: Broughty Castle |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10-4pm, Sun 12.30-4 (closed Mon from Oct-Mar) |
Description: Located at the mouth of the River Tay, this castle museum houses a range of displays on local subjects.
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| Where: Glasgow (map) |
Link: Kelvingrove Museum |
| Open: Mon-Thu & Sat 10am-5pm, Fri & Sun 11am-5pm. |
Description: Has a varied collection, including artefacts from Ancient Egypt, a collection of weapons and suits of armour, and Impressionist paintings.
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| Where: Glasgow (map) |
Link: Transport Museum |
| Open: Mon-Thu & Sat 10am-5pm, Fri & Sun 11am-5pm. |
Description: Museum dedicated to sea and land transportation. Contains an impressive collection of Scottish-built cars and the oldest pedal cycle.
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| Where: Edinburgh (map) |
Link: Museum on the Mound |
Open: Tues-Fri
10am-5pm,
Sat-Sun
1pm-5pm
|
| Description: The museum takes a fresh look at money and all themes related to it: art & design, technology, crime, trade and security. |
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| Where: Edinburgh, Scotland (map) |
Link: National Museum |
| Open: Daily 10am - 5pm. |
Description: Museum dedicated to the history, land and culture of Scotland. Artefacts include medieval oak carvings, steam engines and ornate quaichs.
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| Where: Glasgow (map) |
Link: People's Palace |
| Open: Mon-Thu & Sat 10am-5pm, Fri & Sun 11am-5pm (People's Palace closed Mon). |
Description: Museum narrating Glasgow's social heritage and the story of the city from 1750 onwards.
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| Where: Ayrshire, Scotland (map) |
Link: Rozelle House Galleries |
Open: Mon, Weds - Sat 10am – 5pm, Tues Closed, Sun 12 - 5pm.
|
Description: Rozelle House is an 18th century mansion house set in gardens. It's currently showing ‘Tam O’Shanter – a Tale’ a series of 54 paintings by Alexander Goudie.
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| Where: Dumfries, Scotland (map) |
Link: Savings Museum |
| Open: Apr-Sept: Tues-Sat 10-4pm; Oct-Mar: Thu-Sat 10-4pm. |
Description: Unusual museum with bank notes and coins from across the globe, a range of early home savings boxes and more.
|
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| Where: Glasgow (map) |
Link: Street School Museum |
| Open: Tue-Thu & Sat 10am-5pm. Fri & Sun 11am-5pm. |
Description: Museum devoted to Scotland's education history, exploring advancements in schooling and Scotland Street Public School's heritage.
|
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| Where: Glasgow (map) |
Link: St Mungo Museum |
| Open: Tue-Thu & Sat 10am-5pm, Fri & Sun 11am-5pm. |
Description: Museum dedicated to religious life and art, promoting respect between all faiths. Four exhibition areas, spread over three floors.
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| Where: Edinburgh, Scotland (map) |
Link: Trinity House Museum |
| Open: Guided tours only, book in advance by calling 0131 554 3289. Tue-Sat 10am-3.30pm. Closed Christmas & New Year hols. |
Description: Museum with a collection of maritime artefacts, located in a Georgian house.
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Free North East Museums
Map
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| Where: South Shields (map) |
Link: Arbeia Roman Fort |
Open: 1 Apr-31 Oct: Mon-Sat 10-5.30pm, Sun 1-5pm. 1 Nov-31 Mar: closed.
|
| Description: This fort formerly guarded the entrance to the River Tyne, and now shows visitors what it was like to live in Roman Britain. |
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| Where: Gateshead (map) |
Link: Baltic Centre |
Open: Daily 10am-6pm except Tue 10.30am-6pm. Closed 25-26 Dec & 1 Jan.
|
| Description: Impressive venue devoted to contemporary art, with four galleries, a library, an archive, two restaurants and a cafe bar. |
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| Where: Newcastle (map) |
Link: Biscuit Factory Gallery |
| Open: Tue-Wed & Fri-Sat 10-6pm, Thu 10-8pm, Sun 11-5, Mon 11-6pm |
Description: Displays paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewellery and glass by artists from all over the world.
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|
| Where: Newcastle (map) |
Link: Discovery Museum |
| Open: Mon to Sat 10am - 5pm,
Sun 2pm - 5pm. |
| Description: Museum that narrates the region of Newcastle and Tyneside, including science, technology, and its maritime and military history. |
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|
| Where: Newcastle (map) |
Link:
Great North Museum |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10-5pm, Sun 2-5. Closed 25-26 Dec & 1 Jan |
| Description: Impressive museum with lots to see, including displays on the Ancient Greeks, Ancient Egypt, animals and plants, and a planetarium. |
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|
| Where: Newcastle (map) |
Link: Hatton Gallery |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10-5pm, closed Sun |
| Description: Newcastle-based gallery with a range of contemporary and historical art exhibitions. |
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|
| Where: Newcastle (map) |
Link: Laing Art Gallery
|
| Open: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm,
Sun 2pm - 5pm |
| Description: Newcastle-based gallery with a range of historic and contemporary art and sculpture. |
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| Where: Sunderland (map) |
Link: Monkwearmouth |
| Open: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 2pm - 5pm |
| Description: Museum with seven interactive galleries. Things to see include the Children's Gallery. |
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| Where: Sunderland (map) |
Link: National Glass Centre |
| Open: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm. |
Description: Promotes the art, history and science of glass through exhibitions. Glass blowing demonstrations take place daily.
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| Where: Co. Durham (map) |
Link: N.R.M.S. |
| Open: 1 Apr-4 Oct: 10-5pm, 5 Oct-31 Mar: 10-4pm. |
Description: Located in Co. Durham, this National Railway Museum is based in one of the world's oldest railway towns. Suitable for all ages.
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| Where: Gateshead (map) |
Link: Shipley Art Gallery |
| Open: Mon-Sat, 10am - 5pm,
Sun 2pm - 5pm. |
| Description: Museum dedicated to contemporary craft and design. Its Designs for Life gallery has over 300 artefacts. |
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| Where: South Shields (map) |
Link: South Shields Museum |
Open: 1 Apr-31 Oct: Mon-Sat 10-5.30pm, Sun 1pm-5pm.
1 Nov to 31 Mar: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 11am-4pm, closed Sunday. |
| Description: Museum and gallery that narrates South Tyneside's history, with exhibits, artworks and colourful displays. |
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|
| Where: North Shields (map) |
Link: Stephenson Railway |
| Open:
Weekends 11-4pm, school holidays from 3 April '10 |
| Description: Museum that recreates the steam railway era. Based at the home of George Stephenson's engine 'Billy'. |
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| Where: Sunderland (map) |
Link: Sunderland Museum |
| Open: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm,
Sun 2pm - 5pm |
| Description: Museum with an art gallery, as well as an exhibition space and gardens, located in the city centre. |
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| Where: Ashington (map) |
Link: Woodhorn Colliery |
| Open: Wed-Sun 10am-5pm (Apr - Oct), 10am-4pm (Nov - Mar). |
Description: Shows mining history of the area, with a big focus on real people and village life. You can also research your family tree in the archive centre.
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Free Wales Museums
Map
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| Where: Torfaen (map) |
Link: Big Pit Museum |
Open: 9.30-5pm daily.
|
| Description: Museum devoted to all things mining-related, with plenty to see and do. Suitable for all ages. |
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| Where: Cardiff (map) |
Link: Cardiff Museum |
Open: 10am-5pm Tue-Sun. Open Bank Holiday Mondays.
|
Description: National Museum exploring Welsh history from early periods to the present day, including archaeology and geology. Suitable for all ages.
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| Where: Newport (map) |
Link: R. Legion Museum |
| Open: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm,
Sun 2pm - 5pm |
| Description: Museum on the Roman Legion, with artefacts from Roman Caerleon, the second Augustan Legion's base. |
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| Where: Gwynedd (map) |
Link: Slate Museum
|
| Open: Easter-Oct: daily 10-5pm. Nov-Easter: 10-4, closed Sat. |
| Description: Museum located in the Victorian workshops that were built near Elidir mountain. Narrates the history of the slate industry and its workers. |
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| Where: Swansea (map) |
Link: National Waterfront |
Open: 10am–5pm daily
|
| Description: Swansea-based museum narrating Welsh industry and innovation from three centuries ago to the present day. |
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| Where: Carmarthenshire (map) |
Link: National Wool Museum |
| Open: Apr-Sep: 10-5pm, daily;
Oct-Mar: Tue-Sat 10-5pm |
| Description: Situated in the former Cambrian Mills, this museum looks at this important industry in Wales. |
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| Where: Cardiff (map) |
Link: St Fagans Museum |
Open: 10am – 5pm daily (open Bank Holiday Mons)
|
| Description: Located in a hundred acres of parkland, this open-air museum explores Welsh culture and history. |
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|
| Where: Swansea (map) |
Link: Swansea Museum |
Open: Tue-Sun
10am-5pm.
Closed Mon except Bank Hol Mons
|
| Description: Wales' oldest museum, this attraction was opened in 1841 and tells the story of Swansea and its people. |
Free East England Museums
Map
| |
| Where: Colchester (map) |
Link: Colchester Museum |
| Open:
Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm all year round Sun 11am - 5pm.
|
| Description: Housed in the unique setting of the former All Saints Church in 1957, the Museum focuses on the rich natural heritage of north-east Essex. |
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| Where: Colchester (map) |
Link: Hollytrees Museum |
| Open:
Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm. |
| Description: Museum with plenty to see and do, including the story of Holytrees, an elegant Georgian town house dating from 1718. |
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| Where: Cambridge (map) |
Link: Kettle's Yard |
| Open:
Varies for summer and winter, see details. |
| Description: House and gallery containing a rich variety of modern art, founded by H.S. 'Jim' Ede for visual arts and music. |
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| Where: Hertfordshire (map) |
Link: Natural History (Tring) |
| Open:
Mon to Sat 10am -5pm,
Sun 2pm - 5pm |
| Description: Attractive Victorial museum with a wide range of natural history artefacts. Great for animal and bird enthusiasts. |
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| Where: Hertfordshire (map) |
Link: Royston Museum |
| Open: Wed, Thu & Sat 10-4.45pm. Easter-30 Sep, Sun & Bank Hol Mons 2-4.45pm. |
| Description: Museum and art gallery situated in the town of Royston, whose heretage is detailed in the Museum's Royston Tapestry. |
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| Where: Luton (map) |
Link: Stockwood D. Centre |
| Open: Apr-Oct:
Mon-Fri 10-5pm;
Sat, Sun & Bank Hol 11-5pm. Nov-Mar:
Mon-Fri 10-4pm;
Sat, Sun & Bank Hol 11-4pm |
| Description: Eco-friendly venue whose collections include rural crafts, social history, archaeology, and the Mossman collection of carriages. |
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| Where: Cambridge (map) |
Link: Fitzwilliam Museum |
| Open: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm.
Sun & Bank Hol Mons 12-5pm. Closed Fri 29 April 2011. |
| Description: Compact museum housing a range of displays, including British, Italian, Spanish and Flemish art, and Grecian, Roman and Egyptian artefacts. |
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| Where: Cambridge (map) |
Link: Sedgwick Museum |
| Open:
Mon-Fri
10-1pm & 2-5pm. Sat
10-4pm.
Closed bank hols.
|
| Description: Collection of over 1.5 million fossils, rocks and minerals. Display themes include forests and shallow seas, tropical reefs, costal plains and the ice ages. |
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| Where: Luton (map) |
Link: Wardown P. Museum |
| Open: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm,
Sun 1pm-5pm |
| Description: Museum exploring the history of Luton. Things to see include a massive collection of over 700 hats from the 1700s onwards. |
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| Where: Cambridge (map) |
Link: Whipple Museum |
| Open:12:30-4:30pm Mon-Fri, closed weekends & Bank Hols |
| Description:
Cambridge-based museum devoted to the history of science, with scientific models and instruments from the Middle Ages onwards. |
Free South West England Museums
Map
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| Where: Malmesbury (map) |
Link: Athelstan Museum |
| Open: 10.30am-4.30pm every day. |
Description:
Museum exploring Malmesbury's history, with artefacts including paintings, drawings, engravings, photographs, coins and more.
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| Where: Bristol (map) |
Link: B.C.H. Museum |
Open: Until 23 Apr '11: Sat & Sun 10.30am-4pm.
23 Apr - 30 Oct '11: Wed-Sun & Bank Hol Mons 10.30am-4pm.
31 Oct '11-Easter '12
Sat & Sun: 10.30am-4pm |
Description: Includes casts of Classical and Neo-Classical reliefs and sculptures, a model train collection, period costumes, and the 'Bristol at Home' galleries.
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| Where: Queen's Rd, Bristol (map) |
Link: Bristol City Museum |
| Open: 10.30am-5pm daily. Open until 8pm Wed. From 1 June: Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm, Sat, Sun & Bank Hol Mons: 10am-6pm. |
Description: Combined museum and art gallery featuring a freshwater aquarium in its British Birds and Mammals section, and an exhibition on Egypt.
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| Where: Devon (map) |
Link: Burton Gallery & M. |
| Open: Oct-Jun:
Mon-Sat 10am-4pm,
Sun 11am-4pm.
Jul-Sep: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm,
Sat 10am-4pm,
Sun 11am-4pm |
Description: The gallery's permanent collection includes oils and watercolours, with works by Sir John Lavery, Sir George Clausen R.A and E. Aubrey Hunt.
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| Where: Devon (map) |
Link: House of Marbles |
Open: Mon-Sat
9am-5pm,
Sun
10am-5pm
|
| Description: The House of Marbles, in Bovey Tracey, is a working glass and games factory located in a historic pottery. |
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| Where: Poole (map) |
Link: Poole Museum |
Open: Until 11 Apr: Tue-Sat 10am-4pm,
Sun 12 noon-4pm
|
| Description: Museum
narrating Poole's history and inhabitants, with a terrace and a visitor lounge with vistas over the Old Town and Poole Harbour. |
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| Where: Plymouth (map) |
Link: Plymouth City Museum |
Open: Tue-Fri
10am-5.30pm,
Sat
10am-5pm Closed Fri 22 and 29 Apr
|
| Description: Has artefacts and artworks from Ancient Egypt, archaeology, maritime and local history, fine art and decorative art collections. |
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| Where: Christchurch, Dorset (map) |
Link: Red House Museum |
Open: Tues-Sat 10am- 5pm, Sun 2pm-5pm, Closed 30 June
|
| Description: A Georgian building, originally built as a workhouse in 1764, now filled with displays and exhibitions, inc. local social and natural history, geology and archaeology. |
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| Where: Bournemouth (map) |
Link: Russell-Cotes Gallery |
| Open: Tues - Sun 10am - 5pm, open Bank Holiday Mondays. Closed Good Friday |
| Description: This Bournemouth-based gallery and museum includes a historic house, café, shop, and a children’s area. |
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| Where: Cornwall (map) |
Link: Royal Cornwall Museum |
| Open: Tues-Sat 10am-4:45pm.
Closed Sun, Mon & Bank Holidays. |
| Description:
Narrates Cornwall's social and archaeological past. Artefacts include an Early Bronze Age gold lunulae and the Lander medicine chest. |
Free West Midlands Museums
Map
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| Where: Wolverhampton (map) |
Link: Bantock House |
| Open: Tues-Sun 12pm-4pm (Nov-Mar),
11am-5pm (Apr-Oct) |
| Description: The museum displays Edwardian period décor with arts and crafts, as well as a range of interactive exhibitions exploring local history subjects. |
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| Where: Worcestershire (map) |
Link: Bewdley Museum |
| Open: 10-4.30pm May-Sept, 11-4pm Oct, 12-4 Fri-Sun Nov-Dec. |
Description: Especially suitable for families, this museum focuses on Wyre Forest crafts and trades, with a brass foundry, gardens and more.
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| Where: Birmingham (map) |
Link: Birmingham Museum |
| Open: Mon-Thu & Sat 10-5pm, Fri 10.30-5pm, Sun 12.30-5pm. |
Description: This museum and art gallery houses more than forty galleries, and is located in a Grade II listed building. It also has two exhibition spaces.
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| Where: Coventry (map) |
Link: Coventry Museum |
| Open: Daily 10am - 5pm. |
Description: Museum highlighting the history of road transport, from the first vehicles to break the land speed record right back to the earlies bicycles.
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| Where: Shropshire (map) |
Link: Granary Art Gallery |
| Open: Daily 11am - 4pm, except 25 Dec & 1 Jan. |
Description: Features contemporary art exhibitions and exhibits from the Weston Park collection, with a children's activity area and farm shop.
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| Where: Coventry (map) |
Link: Herbert Art Gallery |
| Open: Tue-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun-Mon 12pm-4pm |
| Description: The museum has collections of archaeology, natural history, social and industrial history and visual arts as well as a history centre. |
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| Where: Hereford (map) |
Link: Hereford M. & Gallery |
| Open: Tue-Fri 10-5pm, Sat 10-4pm. Apr-Sept, Sun & Bank Hol Mon 10-4pm.
Closed Mon, Good Friday, 25-26 Dec & 1 Jan. |
| Description: Museum and gallery with regularly changing exhibitions, located in a Victorian gothic building, with plenty on local history. |
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| Where: Birmingham (map) |
Link: Ikon Gallery |
| Open: Tue-Sun 11am-6pm. Closed Mon except Bank Holidays. |
Description: Gallery hosting art works over two floors. Features a range of different media, including painting, installation, film, sound and photography.
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| Where: Ledbury (map) |
Link: Ledbury Heritage Centre |
| Open: Open daily, Easter - Oct 10.30am - 4.30pm. |
Description: Historic venue that lets you have a go at timber framing, with information on the poets Elizabeth Barrett Browning and John Masefield.
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| Where: Shifnal, Shropshire (map) |
Link: RAF Museum Cosford |
| Open: 10am-6pm. |
Description: Housing Argentinian, Japanese, German, British and American aircraft, this museum explores the subject of military aviation.
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| Where: Stafford (map) |
Link: Shire Hall Gallery |
| Open: Mon 9.30-5pm,
Tue 10-5pm,
Wed-Sat 9.30-5pm,
Sun 1-4pm |
Description: Gallery in Stafford, dedicated to promoting visual arts and crafts, with a range of things to see for all ages.
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| Where: Stoke on Trent (map) |
Link: Potteries Museum |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm,
Sun 2-5pm. |
Description: This museum and gallery looks at the heretage of the Potteries, and contains a secret garden and the WW2 Spitfire.
|
Free East Midlands Museums
Map
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| Where: Leicester (map) |
Link: Abbey Pumping Station |
| Open: 11am-4.30pm Feb-Oct, open Nov-Jan for special events. |
Description: The Museum of Science and Technology for Leicester, this museum looks into the region's history of science, technology and industry.
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| Where: Leicester (map) |
Link: Belgrave Hall Museum |
| Open: Feb-Oct: Sat, Mon-Wed 11-4, Sun 11-4.30. Closed Nov-Dec. |
Description: This Leicester-based musem is one of the six museums run by Leicester City Council, and has a range of historial artefacts to see.
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| Where: Derby (map) |
Link: Derby Museum |
| Open: Closed until 1 Nov 2010, then open Mon 11-5pm,
Tue-Sat 10-5pm,
Sun & Bank Hol 1-4pm |
Description: There's a variety to see here, including two Egyptian mummies, a military gallery, and a collection of Derby porcelain.
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| Where: Leicester (map) |
Link: Jewry Wall Museum |
| Open: 11am-4.30pm Feb-Oct, open Nov-Jan for special events. |
Description: Museum packed with a range of different things to see, including musical instruments, natural history artefacts and cultural curios.
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| Where: Burton Rd., Lincoln (map) |
Link: Lincolnshire Life |
| Open: Apr-Sep 10am-4pm daily, Oct-Mar 10am-4pm Mon-Sat. |
Description: Community museum dedicated to all aspects of Lincolnshire's social history from 1750 onwards.
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| Where: Leicester (map) |
Link: Newarke Museum |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10-5pm,
Sun 11-5.
Closed 24-27 & 31 Dec, 1 Jan. |
Description:
Things to see include a variety of toys from the Tudor period onwards, a play area for kids to try out different games, and a cinema experience.
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| Where: Leicester (map) |
Link: New Walk M & G |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Sun 11-5pm. Closed 24-28 & 31 Dec |
Description: Combined museum and gallery; themes include Egyptians, Wild Space and World Arts, plus fine art displays, with works by Hogarth and Francis Bacon.
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| Where: Nottingham (map) |
Link: Nott. Contemporary |
| Open: Tue - Fri 10-7pm, Sat 10-6pm, Sun 11-5. Closed Mon. |
| Description: Nottingham-based attraction built on a vastly historic area, home to the medieval Town Hall and the city's Victorian railway. |
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| Where: Derby (map) |
Link: Pickford's H'se Museum |
| Open: Mon 11-5pm,
Tue-Sat 10-5pm,
Sun & Bank Hol 1-4pm |
| Description: Museum of Georgian Life and Costume, including Georgian replica rooms, plus displays of toys and toy theatres upstairs. |
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| Where: Lincolnshire (map) |
Link: Stamford Museum |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm. Closed 24-26 Dec, 31 Dec & 1 Jan. |
Description: Stamford-based museum, home to the Stamford Tapestry and a range of local history artefacts.
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| Where: Leicester (map) |
Link: The Guildhall |
| Open: Feb-Nov: Sat-Wed
11-4.30pm. Sun: 1-4.30pm. |
Description: Museum that lets you see infamous pick-pockets 'Emma Smith' and 'Crankie Gemmie' in the atmospheric Victorian police cells.
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| Where: Derby (map) |
Link: The Silk Mill |
| Open: Mon 11-5pm,
Tue-Sat 10-5pm,
Sun & Bank Hol 1-4pm |
Description: Museum on the site of the oldest factories in the world, devoted to exploring the industrial heritage of Derby and its inhabitants.
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Free Yorkshire and Humber Museums
Map
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| Where: Sheffield (map) |
Link: Bishops' House |
| Open: Mon-Fri 10am-3pm (pre-booked educational groups only), Sat 10am-4.30pm, Sun 11am-4.30pm |
Description: Bishops' House is a well-preserved timber-framed house, typifying the smaller English domestic house in the 16th and 17th centuries.
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| Where: Bradford (map) |
Link: Bolling Hall |
| Open: Wed - Fri 11am - 4pm,
Sat 10am - 5pm,
Sun 12 - 5pm |
| Description: Historic house with period decor from different eras, including a bed made by Thomas Chippendale for Harewood House. |
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| Where: West Yorkshire (map) |
Link: Bracken Hall Centre |
| Open: May – Aug: Wed-Sun 12-5pm.
Apr, Sep & Oct: Wed, Sat & Sun only 12-5pm. Nov-Mar: Wed & Sun only 12-5pm. Spring & Summer Bank Hol Mon 12-5pm |
| Description: Attraction with a range of displays on the region's history, geology, natural history and archaeology. |
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| Where: Bradford (map) |
Link: Bradford 1 Gallery |
| Open: Tue-Fri: 11am- 6pm, Thu until 8pm;
Sat & Sun: 12-5pm |
| Description: Gallery focusing on modern and historic art and crafts, with shows from regional and national touring venues. |
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| Where: Bradford (map) |
Link: Bradford Industrial |
| Open: Tues - Fri 10am - 4pm, Sat & Sun 11pm - 4pm. Closed Mon except Bank Hols, 25-26 Dec & Good Friday. |
| Description: Industrial museum with a varied programme of exhibitions. Things to see include textile machinery, motor vehicles and engineering. |
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| Where: West Yorkshire (map) |
Link: Cliffe Castle Museum |
Open: Tue - Sat 10am - 5pm,
Sun 12pm - 5pm
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| Description: Things to see include original furnished rooms with chandeliers, old dolls, toys, mounted birds, fossils and local mammals. |
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| Where: Dewsbury (map) |
Link: Dewsbury Museum |
| Open: Mon-Fri 11am-5pm,
Sat-Sun 12pm-5pm |
| Description: Illustrates the lives of children over the last century, from a 1940s classroom and war-torn Britain to a toy gallery. |
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| Where: Q. Victoria Sq., Hull (map) |
Link: Ferens Art Gallery |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1.30-4.30pm. |
Description: Hull-based art gallery housing a collection of sculptures and paintings, as well as a Children's Gallery and cafe.
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| Where: Sheffield (map) |
Link: Graves Gallery |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm |
Description: Displays collections from the 16th - 21st century, including works by famous names such as Edward Coley Burne-Jones and Bridget Riley.
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| Where: S. Church Side, Hull (map) |
Link: Hands on History |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1.30pm-4.30pm. |
Description: Museum on the people and history of Hull. Also houses an Egyptian Gallery with a 2,600 year old mummy.
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| Where: Leeds (map) |
Link: Henry Moore Institute |
| Open: Mon-Sun 10-5.30pm, Wed 10am-9pm. Closed Bank Hols. |
Description:
Attraction in the heart of Leeds, showing a variety of modern and historical sculpture from across the globe.
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| Where: Q. Victoria Sq., Hull (map) |
Link: Hull Maritime Museum |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1.30pm-4.30pm. |
Description: Hull-based museum devoted to all things maritime. Artefacts include a full-sized whale skeleton, ship models and more.
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| Where: High Street, Hull (map) |
Link: Hull & East R. Museum |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1.30pm-4.30pm. |
Description: Educational museum of archaeology with mosaics, an Iron Age village complete with weaponry, and a Roman bath house.
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| Where: Leeds (map) |
Link: Leeds Art Gallery |
| Open: Mon-Tue & Thu-Sat 10-5pm.
Wed 12-5pm. Sun 1pm-5pm. |
Description: Leeds-based gallery with a range of 20th century British art, plus seasonal temporary exhibitions. Suitable for all ages.
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| Where: Leeds (map) |
Link: Leeds City Museum |
| Open: Tue,Wed, Fri 10-5, Sat & Sun 11-5, Thu 10-7. Closed Mon |
| Description: Here you can see the Leeds Tiger, Leeds Mummy, step into 'Ancient Worlds' and even dig for fossils in the 'Life on Earth' gallery. |
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| Where: Ilkley (map) |
Link: Manor House Gallery |
| Open: Tue 1-5pm, Wed-Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 1-4pm
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| Description: Museum and gallery nestled in the picturesque Wharfe Valley with displays on Ilkley's history, as well as seasonal exhibitions. |
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| Where: Sheffield (map) |
Link: Millennium Gallery |
| Open: Mon-Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm |
Description: The venue has exhibitions of the visual arts, craft and design, and has four individual galleries.
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| Where: Wakefield (map) |
Link: National Coal Mining |
| Open: Daily 10-5pm |
| Description: Situated at Caphouse Colliary, this museum looks at the local and national history of coal mining. |
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| Where: West Yorkshire (map) |
Link: National Media Museum |
| Open:
Tue-Sun 10am-6pm,
Mons during school/bank hols. |
| Description:
This Bradford-based museum focuses on all things related to television, film, photography, radio and the internet. |
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| Where: Leeman Rd, York (map) |
Link: N.R.M.York |
| Open: Daily 10am-6pm. Closed 24-26 Dec. |
Description: York's National Railway Museum is dedicated to over three centuries of the history of rail. Suitable for all ages.
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| Where: Cleckheaton (map) |
Link: Red House Museum |
| Open: Mon-Fri 11am-5pm,
Sat-Sun 12pm-5pm |
| Description:1830's cloth merchant's home from Brontë's novel 'Shirley'. Includes period rooms, gardens and exhibitions in restored outbuildings. |
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| Where: Leeds (map) |
Link: R. Armouries Museum |
| Open: Daily 10am – 5pm.
The museum is closed 24-26 December |
| Description: It houses a large part of the national collection of arms and armour, and displays over 8,500 objects throughout its five themed galleries. |
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| Where: High Street, Hull (map) |
Link: Streetlife Museum |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1.30pm-4.30pm. |
Description: Museum of transport, exploring two centuries of the history of transportation. Things to see include a 1940s high street and a tram.
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| Where: Huddersfield (map) |
Link: Tolson Museum |
| Open: Mon-Fri 11am-5pm,
Sat-Sun 12pm-5pm |
| Description: Victorian mansion house with collections including local history, Roman history, archaeology, textiles, science, transport, toys and dolls. |
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| Where: Sheffield (map) |
Link: Weston Park Museum |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10-5pm, Sun 11-5pm |
Description: Interactive display of history from Egyptian mummies, to a traditional butcher's shop, to Snowy the polar bear.
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| Where: High Street, Hull (map) |
Link: Wilberforce House |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1.30pm-4.30pm. |
Description: Museum set in the birthplace of anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce, narrating the abolition of the slave trade.
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| Where: Exhibition Sq, York (map) |
Link: York Art Gallery |
| Open: Daily 10am-5pm, exc. 25-26 Dec & 1 Jan. |
Description: York's art gallery has paintings spread over the gallery's two floors in six areas, with a variety of portraits and landscapes to see.
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Free North West England Museums
Map
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| Where: Bolton (map) |
Link: Bolton Museum |
| Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm |
| Description: The museum has the following exhibitions: archaeology, art, botany, egyptology, entomology, geology, social history and zoology. |
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| Where: Newton St., Mancs (map) |
Link: G.M.P.M.& Archives |
| Open: Tues 10.30am-3.30pm. Other weekdays by appt. |
Description: Museum exploring the realms of forensic science and forgery. Things to see include a range of police equipment and local uniforms.
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| Where: Chester (map) |
Link: Grosvenor Museum |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm, Sun 1-4pm. |
Description: Museum exploring the city and people of Chester, including a collection of Roman tombstones and a silver collection, as well as changing exhibitions.
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| Where: Preston (map) |
Link: Harris Museum |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, except Tue 11am-5pm |
| Description: The museum offers collections of fine and decorative art, a contemporary art show and a range of artefacts. |
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| Where: Manchester (map) |
Link: I.W.M (North) |
| Open:
1 Mar-1 Nov: 10am-6pm, 2 Nov-28 Feb: 10am-5pm. |
| Description: Museum dedicated to revealing the impact of war on individual lives, with a 360 degree sound and light show, family activities and tours. |
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| Where: Liverpool (map) |
Link: I. S. Museum |
| Open: 10am-5pm daily. Closed 25-26 Dec & 1 Jan. |
Description: Liverpool-based museum narrating the international slave trade from approximately 1500 to 1865, looking at slavery today and in the past.
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| Where: Wirral (map) |
Link: Lady Lever Gallery |
| Open: 10am-5pm daily. Closed 25-26 Dec & 1 Jan. |
Description: Wirral-based museum with lots to see, including paintings, furniture, tapestries, sculpture, Chinese collections and more.
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| Where: Lancaster (map) |
Link: Lancaster City Museum |
| Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Closed Sun, Christmas & New Year. |
Description: Museum dedicated to Lancaster's diverse history, from the Roman era onwards. Also contains a range of landscapes and portraits.
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| Where: Liverpool (map) |
Link: Merseyside Museum |
| Open: 10am-5pm daily. Closed 25-26 Dec & 1 Jan. |
Description: Museum exploring the history of the port with lots to see, including objects from wrecks, ships, boats, paintings and uniforms.
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| Where: Ashton-under-Lyne (map) |
Link: Manchester Museum |
| Open: Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm. |
Description: This museum narrates the varied history of the Manchester Regiment soldiers, taking visitors from 1756 to 1958.
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| Where: Castlefield, Mancs (map) |
Link: M. O .S. I. |
| Open: Every day 10am-5pm, exc. 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan. |
Description: Museum narrating Manchester's industrial and scientific history, located in five listed buildings with a wide range of collections.
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| Where: Cheshire (map) |
Link: Nantwich Museum |
| Open: Tue-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm |
Description: Narrates the history of Nantwich, including the story of Roman salt production, the 1644 Battle of Nantwich, and the clothing and shoe industries.
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| Where: Manchester (map) |
Link: Football Museum |
| Open: Re-opening in 2011 |
Description: Museum devoted to all things football! Houses the ball from the 1966 World Cup Final, the oldest FA Cup trophy and other footie memorabilia.
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| Where: Manchester (map) |
Link: People's Museum |
| Open: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm |
| Description: Museum with nearly one and a half thousand artefacts from throughout history. Displays the most trade union and other banners in the world. |
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| Where: Ashton-under-Lyne (map) |
Link: Portland Basin Museum |
| Open: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. |
Description: Museum allowing visitors to experience the region's industrial, farming and mining past. Especially suitable for families.
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| Where: Liverpool (map) |
Link: Sudley House |
| Open: 10am-5pm daily. Closed 25-26 Dec & 1 Jan. |
Description: Liverpool-based former-home of a Victorian merchant, complete wtih period furniture and original paintings.
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| Where: Liverpool (map) |
Link: Tate Liverpool |
Open:
Sep-May:
Tue-Sun 10-5.50pm.
Jun-Aug: Mon-Sun, 10-5.50.
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| Description: One of the UK's four Tate museums, the Tate Liverpool shows pieces from the Tate collection, as well as special contemporary exhibitions. |
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| Where: Oxford Rd., Mancs (map) |
Link: Manchester Museum |
| Open: Tue-Sat 10-5; Sun-Mon, 27-31 Dec & bank hols 11-4pm. |
Description: Situated in the University of Manchester, this large museum has fifteen galleries with artefacts from across the globe.
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| Where: Preston (map) |
Link: The Queen's L. R. |
| Open: Tue-Thu 10am-4pm. Also open Sat or by appt. |
| Description: The displays, archive and military history library narrate the story of the Regiment from 1689 to the 21st Century. |
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| Where: Liverpool (map) |
Link: Walker Art Gallery |
| Open: 10am-5pm daily. Closed 25-26 Dec & 1 Jan. |
Description: Liverpool-based attraction with galleries for temporary exhibitions, 17th century galleries and more.
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| Where: Chester (map) |
Link: Watergate Gallery |
| Open: Mon-Sat 9-5pm,
Sun 11-4pm, or by appointment out of hours. |
Description: Gallery in Chester with over 1,000 framed pictures on display, including abstract works, cityscapes, local art and Victorian watercolours.
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| Where: Liverpool (map) |
Link: World Museum |
| Open: Daily 10am-5pm. Closed 25-26 Dec & 1 Jan. |
Description: Museum with a collection of artifacts from across the globe, with a bug house, a theatre, an aquarium and a planetarium.
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Free South East England Museums
Map
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| Where: Oxford (map) |
Link: Ashmolean Museum |
| Open: Tues-Sun 10am-6pm |
| Description: The museum’s collections span the eastern and western civilisations, charting the aspirations of humanity from the Neolithic era to today. |
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| Where: Hampshire (map) |
Link: E.B.E. House |
Open: 1-5pm in the last complete weekend (Sat & Sun) in every month, except Aug & Dec.
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| Description: Eastney Beam Engine House contains a pair of Boulton Watt beam engines and pumps which have been restored to original condition. |
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| Where: Kent (map) |
Link: Guildhall Museum |
Open: Tue-Sun 10am-4.30pm.
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| Description: This 17th century building showcases Medway's history, including a 200,000 year old axe that visitors can touch and Roman villa artefacts. |
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| Where: Hastings (map) |
Link: Hastings Museum |
| Open: Apr-Sep: Mon-Sat 10-5pm, Sun 11-5pm. Oct-Mar:
Mon-Sat 10-4pm, Sun 11-4pm |
| Description: Mixture of paintings and china, the cultures of other lands, and a view of local wildlife today and as it would have been 150 million years ago. |
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| Where: Kent (map) |
Link: Maidstone Museum |
Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5.15pm,
Sun 11-4pm.
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year's Day.
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| Description: Exhibition themes include Ancient Egyptians (including a 2,700 year-old mummy!), Biology, Costume and Archaeology. |
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| Where: Milton Keynes (map) |
Link: Milton Keynes Gallery |
| Open: Tues – Fri 12– 8pm, Sat 11am – 8pm, Sun 11am – 5pm
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| Description: Milton Keynes-based attraction showing contemporary art, with a variety of seasonal exhibitions. |
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| Where: Reading (map) |
Link: Museum of English R.L. |
| Open: Tue-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 2pm-4.30pm |
Description: Houses a national collection of objects, books and archives relating to the history of food, farming and the countryside.
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| Where: Reading (map) |
Link: Museum of Reading |
| Open: Tue-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun & Bank Hol Mons 11am-4pm. |
Description: Museum focused on the history of Reading with collections on a range of subjects, including the local environment and its oral history.
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| Where: Hastings (map) |
Link: Old Town Hall |
Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm (Apr-Sep).
Mon-Sun 11am-4pm (Oct-Mar). |
| Description: The Old Town Hall Museum provides an introduction to the history of the Old Town of Hastings. |
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| Where: Oxford (map) |
Link: O.U. Museum |
| Open: Everyday 10pm-5pm |
| Description: The museum houses Oxford University's scientific collections of zoological, entomological and geological artefacts. |
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| Where: Oxford (map) |
Link: Pitt Rivers Museum |
| Open:
Mon 12pm - 4.30pm, Tues - Sun 10am - 4.30pm |
| Description: Founded in 1884, this Museum has a range of ethnographic and archaeological artefacts from across the globe. |
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| Where: Portsmouth (map) |
Link: City Museum |
| Open: Daily
Apr-Sep 10-5.30pm, Oct-Mar 10-5pm, ex. 24-26 Dec. |
| Description: Museum devoted to Portsmouth's people. Also has temporary exhibition galleries with a range of seasonal and varied shows. |
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| Where: Portsmouth (map) |
Link: Portsmouth Museum |
| Open: Apr-Oct 10-5.30pm. Nov-Mar 10-5pm. Closed 24-26 Dec. |
| Description:
The museum tells the story of the wild things of the riverbank, marshes, woods and urban areas of Portsmouth. |
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| Where: Reading (map) |
Link: Riverside Museum |
| Open: Everyday 10am-3pm (Oct-Mar) / 10am-6pm (Apr-Sept) |
Description: Displays the story of Reading's two rivers - the Kennet and the Thames - through interactive exhibitions eg. showing how the mill worked.
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| Where: Fareham (map) |
Link: Fort Nelson Museum |
| Open: Apr-Oct
10-5pm
(Wed 11-5pm).
Nov-Mar
10.30-4pm
(Wed 11.30-4pm). Closed 24-26 Dec. |
| Description:
Open since 1995, this museum has the Royal Armouries artillery, with more than 350 big guns and cannons to see. |
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| Where: Southhampton (map) |
Link: Southampton Gallery |
| Open: Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm,
Sat and Sun 11am - 4pm |
| Description: Internationally renowned for its impressive art collection, the gallery spans six centuries of European art history. |
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| Where: Farnborough (map) |
Link: The FAST Museum |
| Open:
Sat & Sun 10-4pm.
Weekdays & schools by arrangement.
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| Description: Museum dedicated to aviation and its colourful history. Things to see include a working wind tunnel in action, early aviation photos and more. |
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| Where: Woking (map) |
Link: Lightbox Gallery |
| Open: Tues-Sat 10.30am-5pm,
Sun 11am-5pm |
| Description: Two spacious galleries host a huge range of exhibitions of contemporary art from local and nationally famous artists. |
