Follow the story of poverty, crime and punishment through our three museums. Desperation often led the poor to a life of petty crime, and the punishments were cruel and severe. Discover what life was like in the workhouse, prison and courthouse. Find out why people ended up here and what happened to them.

Experience the Victorian Workhouse starting at the original gatehouse building, with the Guardians' Room, inmates' bathing area, Vagrants' Cells and the Receiving Ward. See the contrast between the Master & Matron's quarters and the Victorian kitchen, scullery, dining room and school room. Wander round the restored kitchen garden, cultivating heritage crops using methods the inmates once used.

Update: To provide our visitors with a safe and enjoyable experience, we are limiting the numbers admitted and all tickets must be purchased in advance.  Please do not visit it you are displaying symptoms of Coronavirus.

We have taken additional measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our staff, volunteers and visitors. These measures have been taken following Government guidance and following Public Health England recommendations. We have received our accreditation from VisitEngland which recognizes that we are following government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, ensuring processes are in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social/physical distancing.

You can enjoy a cup of Rijo coffee in the Workhouse Museum and can bring along a picnic to enjoy in our grounds. A gift shop is available in the museum and we ask that visitors use contactless payments wherever possible.

Please visit our website for visitor guidance and to book timeslot appointments to visit.