What to do and see in Nottinghamshire, England: The Best Specialty Museums

June 3, 2021 Christa Meece

Discover the best top things to do in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom including William Booth Birthplace Museum, Museum of the Horse, The Haunted Museum, Brewhouse Yard Museum, Framework Knitters' Museum, The Harley Gallery, Bassetlaw Museum, Museum of Timekeeping, Pleasley Colliery, Nottingham Industrial Museum.
Restaurants in Nottinghamshire

1. William Booth Birthplace Museum

10-14 Notintone Place Sneinton, Nottingham NG2 4QG England +44 115 979 3464 [email protected] http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/william-booth-birthplace-museum
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 62 reviews

William Booth Birthplace Museum

Independent museum and historic house. Open by arrangement, generally Tuesday-Thursday, but please call or email in advance to arrange to avoid disappointment. Open other dates and times for special events.

Reviewed By I_love_Drumnadrochit - Southern Queensland, Australia

We were delighted to visit this world-class museum. Julie was so helpful, and provided many extra insights into William and Catherine Booth's lives and ministry. Her knowledge was fabulous. We were thrilled to see many precious items belonging to the Booths, and Julie even arranged a visit for us to the nearby church where William was christened.

2. Museum of the Horse

1 Market Place, Tuxford NG22 0LA England +44 1777 872152 http://www.horsemuseum.co.uk/
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
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Poor
4%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 25 reviews

Museum of the Horse

Reviewed By DunelmArts - Aberdeen, United Kingdom

This is a lovely little museum situated in an old coaching inn. When we visited on the Monday before Christmas, the museum was shut, but the gallery assistant manning the downstairs art gallery opened up the museum for us. It’s a really interesting museum. Even if you’re not a “horsey” person, you will find something to interest you here. I loved the exhibits on horses in WWI, the pit ponies in coal mines and the American cowboys. If you’re a “horsey” person, you will be interested in the vast collection of stirrups, spurs and saddles. There’s loads more to see too. Ample free parking. Adult admission £5.50.

3. The Haunted Museum

Woodborough road, Nottingham NG3 5GJ England +44 115 962 4621 [email protected] http://www.thehauntedmuseum.co.uk
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 78 reviews

The Haunted Museum

Here at the haunted museum we house many haunted items and oddities from around the world. Join us for restricted area tours, late night paranormal investigations, horror movies in our original 1920's cinema and much more. If all that sounds a bit too scary, just come down and enjoy our tearoom within the museum, which has a five star food rating.

Reviewed By Jbwright000

Finally had the chance to visit and was not disappointed, travelled over 2 hours and was so worth it, I loved the fact we could walk around alone so we could read about each item and area at our own pace, the building itself is very eerie and the items fit in well, the chapel that holds the dybbuk box really stood out to me and I did feel a sense of somebody standing behind me, the rest of the visit was just as interesting, once we walked through the door to the main area the first thing I noticed was the architecture absolutely stunning and with it being an old cinema there is a magnificent large screen with beautiful red curtains to keep it with its time, There was so much to look at in this area everything from haunted items, oddities and horror movie props and what makes it more amazing is that some of the film props were used in the actual movies, I also love the shrunken head so interesting. The staff are so welcoming, friendly and informative And extra measures are in place for covid to keep everybody safe. I will definitely be visiting again with more friends and family. Thank you so much for all the hard work that had obviously been done to make the visit as amazing as it was.

4. Brewhouse Yard Museum

Brewhouse Yard Castle Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 1FB England +44 115 876 1400 http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/nottinghammuseums
Excellent
58%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 210 reviews

Brewhouse Yard Museum

5. Framework Knitters' Museum

Chapel Street Ruddington, Nottingham NG11 6HE England +44 115 984 6914 [email protected] http://www.frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 149 reviews

Framework Knitters' Museum

A Living MuseumNottinghamshire folk have been Framework Knitting for over 400 years.Isn’t it time you joined us?Discover how the Knitters lived and workedVisit the workshops and see a Framework Knitter in actionCreate your own souvenir on a circular knitting machineExplore the garden, the wash house and other period buildingsView our historic collection of hosiery including Queen Victoria’s stockingsSee the poor living and working conditions, which gave rise to the Luddite revoltDiscover the craft, which gave birth to the Nottingham Lace IndustryVisit our Textile Emporium shop and support contemporary crafts.Relax in the museum tea-room or enjoy refreshments on the lawn.

Reviewed By MinDragon - Littlehampton, United Kingdom

This is a small but fascinating museum, showing the social, industrial and political history of the time showing changes from home working to automation how the making how this important craft impacted on the community who lived and worked here. Ned Ludd became the local hero and the start of workers rights. There are two cottages here, showing the stark contrast between the living conditions of the manager and a workers cottage. Make sure you look in the drawers as there are beautiful examples of knitting and lace. You can use one of the machines to knit and is suitable for children. My guide was very informative and answered all my questions. Even though I visited quite late in the day there didn't feel rushed. There is a little shop, (and bought the most beautiful scarf) and quirky tea room which is reasonably priced. Highly recommended.

Welbeck Estate, Worksop S80 3LT England +44 1909 501700 [email protected] http://www.harleygallery.co.uk/index.php?pg_id=18
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 217 reviews

The Harley Gallery

Situated on the ducal Welbeck estate, the award-winning Harley Gallery shows contemporary exhibitions by leading visual artists. Exhibitions change five times a year, and range from ceramics to photography. The Portland Collection Museum displays works of art from Welbeck’s internationally significant historic collection, which has been built up over the centuries by the Dukes of Portland and their families. There are hundreds of treasures on show including Michelangelo’s ‘Madonna del Silenzio’, Van Dyck’s portrait of the Earl of Strafford, and the pearl earring worn by King Charles I to his execution. The Portland Collection opened in 2016 and has attracted critical acclaim and a national RIBA award for architecture. These two inspiring art galleries are accompanied by an award-winning gallery shop, which specialises in contemporary craft from leading names and emerging makers, Farm Shop and an award-winning Café.

Reviewed By ianbJ6368QG - Kinver, United Kingdom

On a overcast day , we went to welbec as an undercover attraction. The gallery has two parts the first building is mostly modern , not my thing unfortunately. But wait ... you must go to the next building housing the Portland collection . WOW what a fascinating look at the wealth and history of the family collection . Most important of all , the gentleman on security , a retired local officer. Was totally fascinating in his knowledge of the history of the pieces on display , paintings, jewellery, articles, he really brings it to life with his storytelling and facts , you must visit if he’s there . Made the place for us .

7. Bassetlaw Museum

40 Grove Street, Retford DN22 6LD England +44 1777 713749 http://www.bassetlawmuseum.org.uk/
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 68 reviews

Bassetlaw Museum

Reviewed By kensmoon - Lincoln, United Kingdom

Before you enter the museum spend a few minutes looking at the little display on the steps of hand painted rocks and pebbles with different designs and messages. Once inside I thoroughly enjoyed viewing the different exhibits, especially the World War II section and the vintage games, one of which I still have from a family Christmas four to five decades ago! Some of the art work in the gallery was beautiful and captivating. The agricultural display was interesting and The Pilgrims Gallery was superbly presented with plenty of information combined with an interactive element.

8. Museum of Timekeeping

Upton Hall, Main Street near Newark, Southwell, Newark-on-Trent NG23 5TE England +44 1636 817601 [email protected] http://www.museumoftimekeeping.org.uk
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

Museum of Timekeeping

The Museum of Timekeeping looks after a fascinating collection of clocks, watches and other timepieces, housed in the beautiful Grade 2 listed building of Upton Hall. In addition to timepieces, the collection includes tools, instruments, books, photographs and valuable documents, all brought together by BHI members since its founding in 1858. The museum is based at Upton Hall, in Upton, between Southwell and Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire and is open on Fridays between April and September (see website for exact dates). We also hold special event open days or museum events, details of which you can find on our website. Guided tours of the museum for group visits are available all year round - pre-booking is essential.

Reviewed By judithm916 - Bromsgrove, United Kingdom

Day visit to Newark to the museum of timekeeping,i didnt realize that there were so many different clocks and with such fascinating history,The museum director gave a guided tour and explained all the different sorts of workings,we even had a listen to the original lady who announced the time on the speaking clock most interesting was the cabinet display of Scott of the , Antarics watch and some belongings ,the museum isnt huge but has a lot to look at.it would have been nice to have had a small coffee shop but as there are only a small staff not practical would have liked more time to look around but will definately go again

9. Pleasley Colliery

Pit Lane, Pleasley Derbyshire, Mansfield NG19 7PH England +44 1623 818928 http://www.pleasley-colliery.org.uk/
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 143 reviews

Pleasley Colliery

Reviewed By 183emmah - Mansfield, United Kingdom

We love this place for a walk. It has a lovely little cafe where you can get a sausage and a few biscuits for your dog for 50p I think. The people in the museum part are so happy to talk to you and show you around answering any questions. And their open days are great.

10. Nottingham Industrial Museum

Wollaton Hall The Courtyard, Wollaton Hall and Deer Park, Wollaton, Nottingham NG8 2AE England +44 115 915 3936 [email protected] http://www.nottinghamindustrialmuseum.org.uk/
Excellent
74%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 220 reviews

Nottingham Industrial Museum

Discover the people, companies and industries that made Nottingham famous around the world. Nottingham Industrial Museum has five galleries each relating to a key Nottinghamshire industry: textiles, transport, communication, mining and power. We have many wonderful artefacts and exhibits including a working Basford Beam engine and an original Thomas Humber Bicycle. And we are working to get more artefacts into working condition, so you can admire the local ingenuity and skills that went into Nottingham Lace and other exports. Through our collection, we encourage our visitors to investigate Nottinghamshire’s rich industrial heritage. We are entirely run by volunteers who are on hand to show you around and answer your questions. Adults £3 - Concessions and Students £2 - Kids go free - see website for discounted entry offers

Reviewed By O357EZians

Very interesting museum with a great number of working exhibits including a lace making machine, a faceless clock, a clock with only one hand, original steam beam engine (note this only operates once per month). Some machines are still used outside weather permitting (such as the Steam Ploughing Engines). The Celer car (until today I have never heard of this car, and I love cars!), which the museum believes to be the only surviving example was great and it was even entered into the London to Brighton run as recently as 2012, no mean feat for a car built in 1904 and from a total manufacturing run of just 4 cars!! The volunteers were very helpful and particularly informative. One downside is the number of flickering lights throughout the museum area, come on Nottingham City Council don't let a small part of the museum mar its otherwise great exhibits!! Overal a fantastic celebration of Nottingham's (and local surrounding area) indistrial heritage. Parking is not included in the entry price :-(

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