For Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland

Transcription

1 For Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland MORE THAN to explore MANY ARE FREE culture

2 Key to symbols: MORE THAN Welcome to your FREE guide to museums in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Using the information in this guide you can plan short trips to individual or a group of museums as well as whole days out. Whatever your interest, there s something for everyone including local history, transport, family history, science, industry and fashion. More detailed information can be found on the museum s website or by contacting the museum. to explore Many of the museums offer FREE entry Many museums now offer facilities for adult learning and educational packages for schools. For more information contact the museum. Find links to educational material at LearnWithMuseums P.S. Tell us what you think of this guide. You could win 50 by completing the feedback form on page 35 or online at The symbols used in the listings give more information about the facilities at the museums. Visits can last from less than an hour to a full day out so don t forget to use the symbol which will help you to plan the length of visit as there s a wide range of museum sizes. Most museums offer FREE entry and are suitable for people with disabilities. ø œ œ(partial) å ß ƒ Parking (Free) Parking (Charged) Parking (Disabled) Wheelchair friendly Wheelchair access (Partial) Toilets Disabled access toilets Café/Restaurant Gift shop Heritage Award winner National Portable Antiquities Scheme Estimated length of visit (hours) fi fl Accredited Museum Registered Museum Heritage Lottery Funded Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme Save up to 60% on top attraction and hotel package deals! For details visit Museums on the web Keep up to date with the latest news and developments at Leicestershire s museums at wordpress.com Published June 2009 by Leicestershire County Council. All prices and information correct at time of going to press but subject to change. This publication is 100% recyclable 2 Museums Guide Museums Guide 3

3 7 Map ref: 6B 47 Map ref: 4B Sutton Cheney, CV13 0AD Tel: Journey through medieval England in the interactive exhibition and witness the horrors of medieval warfare in the Surgeon s tent. Discover if you would have made a valiant knight with armour to try on and weapons to handle. Whose side will you take as you enter the battle room, Richard s or Henry s? See history brought to life in Ambion Parva Events Arena with many events for all the family. Venture out and explore the Battlefield trails around the Country Park. Times: November to March open daily 10am - 4pm. April to October open daily 10am - 5pm. Limited opening over Christmas period. Closed in January. Fee: Adults 6, OAP/Concessions 4. Child (3 years & above) 3, Under 3s FREE. Family tickets (1+2) 10, (2+2) 15, (2+3) 17. Discounts for group bookings. Free entry to Country Park. Facilities: œ å ß ƒ fi BRONZE Save up to 60% off attraction and hotel packages Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3LN Tel: snibston@leics.gov.uk Set in the heart of the National Forest on the site of a former colliery, Snibston explores the impact of technology on our lives with over 90 indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits. Lift a car in our hands-on gallery Extra Ordinary, or see the amazing collection of historic and contemporary costumes in the Fashion Gallery. Join real life miners on a tour of the colliery and experience what it was like to work underground, or take a ride on a diesel locomotive. Enjoy the sun in our nature reserve or let off steam in our adventure play area. Times: April to September open daily 10am - 5pm. October to March open Monday to Friday 10am - 3pm; Saturday, Sunday and school holidays 10am - 5pm. Fee: Adults 6.75, Children 4.50, Under 5s FREE. Concessions and group rates. Additional charge for colliery tours and some activities. Facilities: ø œ å ß ƒ fi 4 Museums Guide Museums Guide 5 BRONZE Save up to 60% off attraction and hotel packages

4 10 Map ref: 3C 17 Map ref: 4B Donington le Heath Manor House Located in the beautiful Queen s Park in the heart of Loughborough, exhibits include local history, people and industries. Permanent exhibitions have been grouped into four areas - Coming to Charnwood, Natural History, Living off the Land, Earning a Living - each with exhibits from the past and modern interactive displays. Enjoy playing a computer game about Loughborough, handle rocks from Charnwood s volcanic past, walk below the giant oak to see the Barrow Kipper that swims µ µ * Granby St, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3DU Tel: charnwood@leics.gov.uk through the museum and the locally made Auster aeroplane suspended from the ceiling! There is a regularly changing programme of exhibitions and events including school holiday activities and Saturday art and craft workshops for children. Times: Open Monday to Saturday 10am pm; Sundays & bank holidays 1-4pm (November to March), 2-5pm (April to October). Facilities: œ å ß ƒ fi Donington le Heath, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 2FW Tel: dlhmanorhouse@leics.gov.uk A delightful medieval house dating back to 1280 set within 17th century style gardens filled with flowers/herbs, an orchard and a maze. See displays of medieval life and exhibitions with computer interactives, a photographic tour and audio guides also available. Free historical events, open air theatre performances, music concerts and historically themed evening talks throughout the year. Day/evening talks/guided tours available by appointment. Stairs to the first floor difficult for visitors with mobility issues. Classics Tea Room serves home made light lunches, drinks and cakes. Themed evening events in Classics throughout the year. Group bookings welcome. Telephone Times: Open daily 11am - 4pm. Check weekday opening times for December to February. Facilities: ø œ å ß ƒ fi 6 Museums Guide Museums Guide 7

5 24 Map ref: 7F 33 Map ref: 3F Harborough Museum Adam & Eve St, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7AG Tel: The museum illustrates Market Harborough s past role as a market, hunting centre and stagecoach post. Displays include the Symington collection of Corsetry, a local bootmaker s workshop as well as archaeological collections including the fabulous Hallaton Treasure Gallery. There are events and holiday activities as well as a changing programme of temporary exhibitions all year round. fi µ µ Times: Open Monday to Saturday 10.30am pm. Closed on Sundays. Facilities: œ(nearby) å ß(In Council Offices) ƒ(nearby) We would advise you to check! all details with the Harborough Museum to avoid disappointment. Melton Carnegie Museum Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1RB Tel: meltonmuseum@leics.gov.uk The museum has displays showing the history of hunting and its opposition, and includes displays featuring the history of Melton and the surrounding area. Explore the history of Stilton Cheese and Pork Pies and saddle making, shoemaking and Markey and the impact they had on the town. Learn where the phase Painting the Town Red comes from. Free events all year round with various new temporary exhibitions and interactive displays. Times: Daily 10am pm except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday. Fee: Special events charged. Facilities: œ å ß ƒ(nearby) We would advise you to check all! details with the Melton Carnegie Museum to avoid disappointment. fi 8 Museums Guide Museums Guide 9

6 MORE THAN 1. Abbey Pumping Station µ Corporation Rd, Leicester, LE4 5PX Tel: gov.uk museumsandgalleries Displays of Leicester s industrial, technological and scientific heritage. Situated adjacent to the National Space Centre, the two attractions tell the story of over 200 years of science and technology. From 1891 to 1964, Abbey Pumping Station pumped Leicester s sewage. The grand Victorian building was preserved because of the four beautifully decorated magnificent Gimson steam 10 Museums Guide to explore engines, which can be seen working at special events. The museum also has exhibitions on light and optics, historic transport and public health. times. Fee: Special events charged. Facilities: ø œ(partial) å ß º Map ref: 5D. fi 2. Ashby de la Zouch Museum North St, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65 1HU Tel: ashbydelazouchmuseum@live.co.uk The Zouch and Hastings Gallery tells the story of this historic market town from prehistoric times to the early twentieth century, whilst the Loudoun Room concentrates on the last hundred years and the surrounding villages. The New Ferrers Community Room is used for school workshops, evening classes and lectures, individual and group research, and temporary exhibitions. It can also be hired. The museum has an extensive archive of local material: books, documents, photographs, maps and artefacts and welcomes family historians and researchers. Times: Monday to Friday 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm; Saturday 10am - 4pm including bank holidays. (Except the two weeks either side of and including Christmas and New Year). Fee: Adults 1, Children and OAPs 50p. Facilities: œ å ß Map ref: 4A. fi 3. The Battlefield Line Shackerstone Station, Shackerstone, Nr Nuneaton, CV13 6NW Tel: Regular special events: days out with Thomas, Shackerstone festival, Postman Pat, Santa specials, Mince Pie specials, Diesel gala. Admissions vary. Booking ahead essential for Santa specials. Relive a country railway experience on a journey from Shackerstone, through rural south west Leicestershire, to Shenton and the Bosworth Battlefield Country Park. Free parking at Shackerstone. Educational visits on request. Times: Museum open Sundays and bank holidays (except Christmas and Boxing Day). Passenger train service runs Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays between Easter and October; Wednesdays in July and August. Facilities: ø (At Shackerstone) œ(partial) å ß ƒ Map ref: 6B. 4. Belgrave Hall and Gardens µ * Church Rd, Belgrave, Leicester, LE4 5PE Tel: museums@leicester.gov.uk andgalleries An early eighteenth century Queen Anne house famed for its ghost story. The period rooms show the contrasting lifestyles of an upper middle class family and domestic servants in Victorian times. Surrounded by two acres of serene walled gardens that are open to the public. In the nineteenth century Belgrave was a village, surrounded by fields. Today Belgrave Hall and Gardens provide an oasis of peace and quiet in a busy suburb of Leicester. times. *Fee: Special events charged Facilities: œ(partial) å ß º Map ref: 5D. fi An oasis of peace and quiet... Museums Guide 11

7 5. The Bellfoundry Museum Freehold St, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1AR Tel: A unique museum showing the history of bells, bell founding and the Taylor Company s long history. Displays include the manufacturing and tuning of bells. You can even ring some yourself! The famous Carter Ringing Machine will be demonstrated two or three times a year. The museum forms part of the largest working bell foundry in the world. Tours of works available by arrangement. You can also join already arranged tours. Contact the museum for educational opportunities. times. Facilities: œ(partial) å ß Map ref: 3C. The largest working bell foundry in the world Blaby Heritage & Museum Society Tel: ptroake@yahoo.co.uk Blaby Museum Society is an active local group but without a building as yet. It is keen to expand its services in the future. The Society aims to remind people of the importance of local history, and to support local history groups. It also holds exhibitions around Blaby District. Members are looking for information, artefacts, records, photographs or any other historical item relating to the area. If you have anything, or are interested in joining them, please contact the Secretary, Pat Troake. Length of visit (hours): Map ref: 6D. 7. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park Sutton Cheney, CV13 0AD Tel: bosworth@leics.gov.uk One of the Midlands premier historic sites. See page 4 8. Castle Donington Museum µ 4 Apiary Gate, Castle Donington, Derbyshire, DE74 2JA Tel: org.uk Occupying the ground floor of a seventeenth century farmhouse in the former market town, the museum stages a series of exhibitions featuring various aspects of the history of the area, describing the lifestyles, occupations, homes and leisure activities of the inhabitants. Hands-on computer displays and exhibits outline the history of the village from prehistoric to modern times. Charming garden. Times: Open Easter to September, Sundays and bank holiday Mondays 2pm pm; Second Saturday in the month 9.30am - 12pm. Groups at other times by arrangement. Facilities: œ(partial) Map ref: 3B. fi 9. Charles Moore Collection of Musical Instruments µ Dept of Music, University of Leicester, University Rd, Leicester, LE1 7RH Tel: The Charles Moore collection is one of the very few academic musical instrument collections in British Universities. It specialises in eighteenth and nineteenth century woodwind and brass instruments, but there are also some interesting keyboard instruments. There is an annual open day, when visitors own instruments can be identified and dated; part of the collection can be seen by concert-goers in the gallery of the hall at the Fraser Noble Building. The whole collection can be seen by arrangement with the curator. Times: By appointment only. Facilities: œ Map ref: 5D. 10. Charnwood Museum Granby St, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3DU Tel: charnwood@leics.gov.uk CharnwoodMuseum Exhibits of local history and industries. See page Coalville Heritage Society info@coalville-heritage.info The group was formed by the merger of Coalville Local History Group and Coalville 150 Group. We have a programme of talks and visits related to local history and promote the heritage of Coalville through our extensive photo archive. We also publish books. Get in touch for more information. Details of the society s photo archive is also available through Coalville Library. times. Fee: Contact us for prices. Facilities: œ å ß Map ref: 4B. 12 Museums Guide Museums Guide 13

8 MORE THAN 13. Collections Resources Centre µ Tel: to explore 12. Cold War Jets Bruntingthorpe Airfield, Bruntingthorpe, Near Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 5QS Tel: A collection of British cold war jets, some of which are in serviceable condition and make simulated take-offs along the long runway in May and September. Highlights include the return to flight of the Avro Vulcan bomber and reconstruction of the former RAF Wattisham quick reaction alert hangar which will house two English Electric Lightning Interceptors. Other aircraft include a Victor, Canberra, two Hunters, three Buccaneers, three Jet Provosts and a Comet. Times: Open Sundays 10am - 4pm. Fee: Adults 4, Children 2. Facilities: œ å Map ref: 7D. Leicestershire County Council s Museums Service has extensive collections that are not normally on display. These include Archaeology, Art, Costume, Geology, Natural Life, Home & Family Life and Working Life. Individuals and groups can make an appointment to see these collections at the Collections Resources Centre at Barrow upon Soar. Map ref: 4D. 14. Discovering Cricket at Grace Road µ Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Grace Rd, Leicester, LE2 8AD Tel: enquiries@leicestershireccc.co.uk The museum in its current format was opened in April 1996 and is situated in the Charles Palmer Pavilion Suite at the County Ground. The museum is built around the Club s extensive collection of cricket memorabilia and provides displays about the history of the game, the evolution of cricket equipment and life size cutouts of some of Leicestershire s great players. times. Facilities: œ å ß Map ref: 5D. 15. Diseworth Heritage Centre µ Ladygate, Diseworth, DE74 2QE Tel: info@dhtrust.org The centre is a grade 2 listed former Baptist Chapel, totally restored. The core of the building is its display of times past in Diseworth and Long Whatton, with periodic themed exhibitions on life and work in the two villages over the centuries. A feature is the IT suite with specialist facilities for family history research. The Centre is newly opened in 2009 and events are still being finalised. Times: Contact us or see website for opening times, although open most weekends. Facilities: œ å ߃ Map ref: 3B. 16. Donington Grand Prix Collection Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derbyshire, DE74 2RP Tel: gary.rankin@donington-park.com The world s largest collection of Grand Prix racing cars. Five halls containing over 130 exhibits depicting motor sport history from the turn of the twentieth century to the present day. Features the largest collection of McLarens in the world. Also on display Mansell s Williams; Senna s McLaren; BRM Lotus; Vanwall and cars driven by such greats as Moss, Nuvolari and Clark. times. Fee: Adults 7, Children and Concession 5, Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) 14. Group discounts available. Facilities: ø œ å ƒ Map ref: 3B. The world s largest collection of Grand Prix racing cars Museums Guide Museums Guide 15

9 17. Donington le Heath Manor House Donington le Heath, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 2FW Tel: A Medieval Manor house dating back to See page Fleckney Museum µ * c/o Fleckney Library, School St, Fleckney, Leicestershire, LE8 8AS Tel: or nvkdodsworth@tiscali.co.uk fleckney Fleckney Museum s collection of photographs and documents relating to the village is available through the Leicestershire Villages website on a designated computer in the library. Times: See libraries *Fee: Events charged. Facilities: œ Map ref: 6E. 19. Foxton Canal Museum Middle Lock, Gumley Rd, Foxton, Leicestershire, LE16 7RA Tel: info@fipt.org.uk Situated at one of Leicestershire s most popular tourist attractions, this award winning museum is located in the reconstructed boiler house of the Foxton Boat Lift. Displays tell the story of the Lift. A masterpiece of Victorian engineering designed to replace the ten locks, the locks themselves and the local canals. Interactive computer displays, working models and playboat. Times: Open daily in the summer 10am - 5pm. Open weekends and selected weekdays in the winter. Fee: Adults 2.50, Children 2. Up to 3 children free if accompanied by an adult. Facilities: œ å ß ƒ(nearby) ª(Museum) (Full site) Map ref: 7E. fi 20. Grace Dieu Priory µ Loughborough Rd, Thringstone, Leicestershire Tel: davidwhitt@bernay.demon. co.uk Grace Dieu Priory was founded between as a house for Augustinian Canonesses. In 1538 the priory was dissolved and immediately converted into a mansion. By the 1700s it was in ruins. After substantial conservation, the priory and its grounds opened to the public in Parking at nearby pub with a pleasant walk through Grace Dieu woods to the site. Times: Open dawn to dusk. Facilities: œ(footpaths are wheelchair friendly) Map ref: 4B. A masterpiece of Victorian engineering Great Central Railway Great Central Station, Great Central Rd, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1RW Tel: This magnificent heritage railway forms a living museum with steam-hauled passenger trains operating between restored period stations. The history of the railway is captured in its own museum where historic photographs illustrate the building of the line, memorabilia, models and name plates reflect past glories, and silverware hints at the luxury of railway travel in days gone by. times. Facilities: œ(difficult) å ƒ Map ref: 3C. 22. The Guildhall µ * Guildhall Lane, Leicester, LE1 5FQ Tel: museums@leicester.gov.uk museumsandgalleries One of the best preserved timber framed halls in the country, the Guildhall was built around 1390 as a meeting place for the Guild of Corpus Christi and was used as the Town Hall from the late fifteenth century to It houses a seventeenth century town library, which has many rare books, and the Great Hall. It is believed that Shakespeare performed here. Leicester s first police force was based here. Crankie Gemmie and Emma Smith, two of Leicester s notorious criminals, can be found lurking in the Victorian police cells. times. *Fee: Events charged. Facilities: œ(partial) å ß ª Map ref: 5D. fi 16 Museums Guide Museums Guide 17

10 23. Hallaton Village Museum µ * Hogg Lane, Hallaton, Leicestershire, LE16 8UE Tel: carolkirby@k1net.com hallaton Situated in the heart of the village, just off the High Street. This small museum examines the history of the village of Hallaton. The new exhibition, Rituals, Hoards and Helmets (the story of the finding of the The Hallaton Treasure) will open on 24th May Times: Weekends and Bank Holidays (Easter Monday until end of October) 2.30pm - 5pm. Group visits any time by prior arrangement (a small charge is made for this). *Fee: Donations welcome. Facilities: œ(space limited) ª Map ref: 6F. 24. Harborough Museum Adam & Eve St, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7AG Tel: harboroughmuseum@ leics.gov.uk HarboroughMuseum 25. Hinckley & District Museum Framework Knitters Cottages, Lower Bond St, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 1QX Tel: hinckleymuseum@myway.com Housed in a row of seventeenth century thatched cottages once used for framework knitting, the museum illustrates the history of the Hinckley area from pre-historic to modern times with new displays each season. Delightful cottage garden and tearoom. Near the town centre on B4667. Times: Open Easter Monday to end October, Saturdays and bank holiday Mondays 10am - 4pm; Sundays 2pm - 5pm (last entry 4.30pm). Fee: Adults 50p, Children 25p, Senior Citizens 25p. Facilities: œ(ground floor only) å ƒ Map ref: 6B. fl The story of Leicester from prehistory Jewry Wall Museum µ * St Nicholas Circle, Leicester, LE1 4LB Tel: museums@leicester.gov.uk museumsandgalleries Leicester s museum of archaeology is placed in the wonderful setting of the remains of the Roman town s public baths. Its centrepiece is the circa 1850 year old Jewry Wall, a rare example of Roman walling which is one of Leicester s major landmarks. The museum tells the story of Leicester from prehistory through to the end of the medieval period and holds archaeological collections ranging in date from 300,000 years ago to the end of the Middle Ages. times. *Fee: Special events charged. Facilities: œ(partial) å ß Map ref: 5D. fi 27. Kegworth Museum 52 High St, Kegworth, Derbyshire, DE74 2DA Tel: info@kegworthmuseum.org.uk Housed in a restored nineteenth century barn this award winning museum tells the story of Kegworth from earliest times to the present day. Displays include a Victorian parlour, the story of two hundred years of the local knitting industry, the history of the village school from slates to computers and a saddler s workshop. Memorabilia of the Royal British Legion, reflecting the war service of local people is also on show. Educational visits by arrangement. Times: Open Sundays, Wednesdays, bank holidays 2pm - 5pm and by arrangement for groups. Fee: Adults 1, Concessions 50p. Facilities: œ(partial) å ß Map ref: 3C. fl Illustrates Market Harborough s role as a market, social and hunting centre and a stagecoach post. Includes a display of The Hallaton Treasure found in See page 8 MORE THAN to explore 18 Museums Guide Museums Guide 19

11 28. Leicester City Fire Brigade µ * Tel: The Leicester City Fire Brigade Museum Society has collections including vintage fire engines and fire-fighting equipment. Although not open to the public, elements of the collection are available for display at local events. Contact the Society for more details *Fee: Free by appointment only. Map ref: 5D. 29. Leicester Royal Infirmary Museum µ * Knighton Street Nurses Home, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Aylestone Rd, Leicester, LE1 5WW Tel: A fascinating collection of pictures, prints, manuscripts, and memorabilia illustrating the history of the Royal Infirmary since its opening in The Infirmary story is complemented by an extensive collection of medical equipment and artefacts, which illustrate the development of medicine during the last two hundred years. Times: Open Wednesday, 12 noon - 2pm. *Fee: Donations welcome. Facilities: å ƒ œ(partial) Map ref: 5D. 30. Loughborough War Memorial Museum The Carillon Tower, Queen s Park, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3DU Tel: (during season) or (group visits) carillonmuseum@talktalk.net The unique tower, inspired by the carillons of Flanders, was erected as a war memorial to the Loughborough men who died in the Great War. The ground floor contains a collection of wartime memorabilia donated by local people. The first floor displays the Leicestershire Yeomanry collection, while the second floor houses collections related to the airborne forces. The tower contains a 47 bell carillon. Regular recitals are given throughout the year. Times: Open Easter to September, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday 1pm pm; Thursday and Saturday 10am pm. Fee: Adults 50p, concessions available. Facilities: œ(partial) å ß ƒ(nearby) Map ref: 3C. fi The unique tower, inspired by the carillons of Flanders Lutterworth & District Museum µ Wycliffe House One Stop Shop, Gilmorton Rd, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 4DY Tel: aligeoff@aol.com General local history collections are complemented by a large archive of photographs from the town and local villages. Displays featuring John Wycliffe (first to translate the Bible); Frank Whittle, who developed the jet engine in Lutterworth, ; working Lutterworth railway display; artefacts from the Tripontium Roman town; a collection from the archaeological fieldwork group; archive room for family history tracing including the 1901 Census - Leicestershire on microfiche. times. Fee: Special events charged. Facilities: œ å ß ƒ Map ref: 7C. 32. Measham Museum µ Station Building, Mannings Terrace, Measham, Derbyshire, DE12 7HU Tel: A small museum illustrating the history of Measham and its inhabitants through changing exhibitions. Significant permanent displays include examples of nineteenth century Measham Ware pottery, a unique collection of local mining artefacts and the Hart collection. Gathered by father and son local doctors, this collection provides an insight into local health care over a period of nearly one hundred years. times. Facilities: œ(partial) Map ref: 4A. fl 33. Melton Carnegie Museum Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1RB Tel: meltonmuseum@leics.gov.uk MeltonMuseum Explores the fascinating history of the environment of the Borough of Melton, See including the famous page 9 Vale of Belvoir. 20 Museums Guide Museums Guide 21

12 34. Moira Furnace Furnace Lane, Moira, Derbyshire, DE12 6AT Tel: or The remains of this nineteenth century blast furnace and its setting beside the Ashby canal form a unique industrial monument. The site is explained by interpretative panels, and can be explored by a system of trails. A major restoration has introduced imaginative displays about the history of the area and the early iron industry. Guided tours of the museum and Ashby Canal boat trips available daily. times. Fee: Contact us for admission charges. Facilities: œ(partial) å ƒ Map ref: 4A. 35. National Gas Museum Trust µ 195 Aylestone Rd, Leicester, LE2 7QH Tel: information@gasmuseum. co.uk Housed in the Victorian gatehouse of Leicester s biggest gas works, this gem of a museum has the largest collection of gas related artefacts in the world. The museum traces the story of gas from the production of coal gas to the discovery of natural gas. Exhibits include working lights from 1820, fires and cookers from 1880, washing appliances from 1890, even gas 22 Museums Guide powered radio and hairdryers, together with a 1920 s kitchen. Guided tours by appointment. Times: Open Tuesday to Thursday 12 noon pm. Facilities: œ(partial) å Map ref: 5D. 36. National Space Centre Exploration Drive, Leicester LE4 5NS Tel: info@spacecentre.co.uk Take a journey through the six hands-on galleries, stopping at over 150 interactive experiences, then travel in the glass lift through three floors in the 42m high Rocket Tower. Sit back in awe in the UK s largest planetarium, the Space Theatre. The National Space Centre is an all weather attraction for all the family hours of breathtaking discovery and interactive fun. Don t forget to ask for your free Annual Pass upgrade to get a full year ticket for the price of one day! Times: During school term open Tuesday to Friday 10am - 4pm and Saturday to Sunday 10am - 5pm. During school holidays open Monday to Sunday 10am - 5pm. Fee*: Adults 12.72, Children/ Concessions/NUS 10.77, Family 4 (Max 2 adults) 39.87, Family 5 (Max 2 adults) 49.66, 4 years and under FREE. Facilities: œ å ß ƒ Map ref: 5D. * Includes 2.5% VAT reduction. Save up to 60% off attraction and hotel packages As seen on the BBC Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life 37. New Walk Museum & Art Gallery µ 53 New Walk, Leicester, LE1 7EA Tel: museums@leicester.gov.uk museumsandgalleries On the historic New Walk, Leicester s oldest museum has wide-ranging collections spanning the natural and cultural world. A family friendly day out, displays include Egyptians, Dinosaurs, Natural History, World Arts and Leicester s Fine Art collection. Changing exhibitions feature works by Modern and Old Masters, African-Caribbean artists and Leicester s German Expressionist collection, one of the most notable outside of Germany. Offering a range of events from curator s talks to concerts, the venue is also licensed for civil marriage ceremonies. times. Fee: Special events charged. Facilities: ø (Limited) œ å ß ƒ Map ref: 5D. fi Collections spanning the natural and cultural world Newarke Houses Museum µ The Newarke, Leicester, LE2 7BY Tel: museums@leicester.gov.uk museumsandgalleries Experience the history and stories of 20th century Leicester. Find out about Leicester s famous son, Daniel Lambert, and visit the Jolly Angler public house and pawnbrokers in the 1950s street scene. Including room displays from the 1950s and 70s, a cinema experience, community galleries, toy collections and children s games area. Incorporating the Museum of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment, telling the story of Leicester at War, the home front and history of the Regiment including a recreation of a First World War trench with sound and lighting. Times: Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am- 5pm. Fee: Special events charged Facilities: œ å ß Map ref: 5D. fi Museums Guide 23

13 Great Central Railway provides a suitable location where the carriage can be opened for static display. For interested individuals or small parties it may be possible to arrange a special viewing by contacting the museum. times. Facilities: ª Map ref: 4D. 41. Old Rectory µ Rectory Place, off Bridge St, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1UW Tel: Normanton Church Museum Normanton Car Park, Rutland Water, Edith Weston, Rutland, LE15 8PY Tel: tic@anglianwater.co.uk Normanton Church, Rutland s best known landmark, sits half submerged on the edge of Rutland Water. Originally part of the Normanton Estate, it now houses pre-historic remains and an Anglo-Saxon female skeleton. There is also an exhibition showing the history of what the papers said about the development of the reservoir and video presentation. Times: April to September open weekdays 11am - 4pm, weekends and bank holidays 11am - 5pm. October open weekends only 11am - 4pm. Fee: Adults 1, Concessions 50p, Family Facilities: œ(partial) ƒ(nearby) ª Map ref: 5H. On the edge of Rutland Water Oakham Castle µ Market Place, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6DT Tel: museum@rutland.gov.uk Twelfth century great hall of Norman castle in castle grounds with earlier moat. Unique collection of horseshoes presented by peers of the realm. Times: Open Monday to Saturday 10.30am - 1pm and 1.30pm - 5pm; Sunday 2pm - 4pm. Facilities: œ(partial) ª Map ref: 4G. Housed in a preserved medieval manor house, later the local rectory, this small museum illustrates the history of Loughborough and its environs from the earliest times to the present day. Permanent displays feature local archaeology and history. Temporary exhibitions illustrate the lives and work of local people of the past. A fine collection of Swithland Slate gravestones preserved in the Rectory s attractive grounds demonstrates the skill and artistry of local stonemasons. times. Facilities: œ(partial) Map ref: 3C. fl 42. Railway Vehicle Preservations Ltd µ Rothley Carriage Works, Great Central Railway, Rothley, Leicestershire, LE7 7LD Tel: rvp-ltd@ btinternet.com The museum can only be made accessible to the public when the 43. The Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland µ Long St, Wigston Magna, Leicestershire, LE18 2AH Tel: recordoffice@leics.gov.uk The record office is the centre for manuscripts, books, maps and photographs of Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. Times: Contact us for opening times. Facilities: ø œ å ß Map ref: 5D. 24 Museums Guide Museums Guide 25

14 44. Rutland County Museum µ Catmose St, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6HW Tel: The museum of Rutland life including agricultural equipment, implements and wagons, local crafts and domestic items, local archaeology. All housed in a splendid eighteenth century cavalry riding school. See www. learnwithmuseums.org.uk for educational opportunities. Times: Open Monday to Saturday 10.30am - 5pm; Sunday 2pm - 4pm. Fee: Special events charged Facilities: œ å ß ƒ(hot drinks machine) ^ Map ref: 4G. fl 45 Rutland Railway Museum Cottesmore Iron Ore Mines Sidings, Ashwell Rd, Cottesmore, near Oakham, Rutland, LE15 7BX Tel: simon@wilks-head.co.uk The open air museum houses a unique collection of exhibits demonstrating the rich heritage of iron ore mining in the East Midlands. A feature of the museum is the quarry recreation with authentic railway system operated on specific days. Facilities include a shop, nature trail, workshop and quarry tours. Times: Open Thursdays and Sundays 12 noon - 5pm. Fee: Admission charge on operating days. Facilities: œ å ß(With assistance) ƒ # Map ref: 4G. fi 46. Sharpe s Pottery µ * West St, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 0AH Tel: sdcollections@ btconnect.com Regular special events: evening concerts, monthly farmers markets, exhibitions of fine arts and crafts, seasonal and speciality fairs (antiques, crafts, alternative therapies, Victorian Christmas Fayre), heritage lectures. We have won awards for building preservation. An exploration of South Derbyshire s industrial, artistic and cultural heritage, including art/craft exhibitions and live music performances. The site also houses a local history archive ( The Magic Attic ) with separate access and opening times (see website). Also accredited Tourist Information Centre. Group visits welcomed (talks and tours available) and conference room available for hire. Times: Open Monday to Saturday 10am pm. *Fee: Museum and most events are free. Small charge for concerts. Facilities: œ å ß ƒ Map ref: 3A. fi 47. Snibston Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3LN Tel: snibston@leics.gov.uk Explore the impact of technology with over 90 indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits. See page Sir John Moore Heritage Centre µ Top St, Appleby Magna, Derbyshire, DE12 7AH Tel: admin@sirjohnmoore.org.uk Provides a unique insight into life in a rural Victorian school. Explore the authentic village boys classroom, boarders dormitory, Latin Master s Study, cloakroom and toilets. All in the historic setting of the Sir John Moore Foundation designed by Wren and built in Also discover the village trail around Appleby and the community gallery with local exhibitions. Education pack, website, virtual trails and school visits available. Times: Opening times by appointment. Facilities: å Map ref: 4A. 49. Stanford Hall Near Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 6DH Tel: enquiries@stanfordhall.co.uk Stanford has been the home of the Cave family since In the 1690 s, Sir Roger Cave commissioned the Smiths of Warwick to pull down the old manor house and build the present Hall, which is a fine example of their work and of the William and Mary period. The house contains antique furniture, fine pictures and family costumes. A craft centre and pottery are open most Sundays. Please phone or see the website for opening times. times. Fee: Contact us for admission charges. Facilities: ø œ(partial) å ß ƒ Map ref: 8D. A unique insight into life in a rural Victorian school Museums Guide Museums Guide 27

15 windmill. A full size horse gin engine can be examined. Times: Mill open April to September, Sundays and bank holidays 2pm - 5pm. *Fee: Donations welcome. Facilities: å ß (Mill) (Trail) Map ref: 4B. to produce stockings and gloves. A cobbled rear yard and period garden complete the setting. times. Fee: Adults 2.50, Accompanied children FREE. Facilities: œ(partial) å ß Map ref: 5D. 50. Stonehurst Farm and Motor Museum Bond Lane, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire, LE12 7AA Tel: tom@stonehurstfarm.co.uk A superb collection of vintage cars, motorbikes, bicycles and children s pedal cars, supported by an extensive collection of motoring memorabilia. An early 1900 s omnibus has recently been restored and the development of a period village garage can be viewed, together with interesting farm implements, vintage tractors and a turn of the century blacksmith s forge. Times: Open every day 9.30am - 5pm. Fee: Special events charged Facilities: ø œ(partial) å ß ƒ Map ref: 4D. 51. Swannington Heritage Trust µ* 7 Hospital Lane, Swannington, Leicestershire LE67 8QD Tel: denis.baker@which.net The Heritage Trust has prepared village walks along the Swannington trail. You can see early railway history, evidence of 800 years of coalmining and a refurbished 52. Ullesthorpe Subscription Windmill Mill Rd, Ullesthorpe, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 5DE Tel: or rogerjones01@ontel.com The mill, built in 1800 by public subscription, remained in use for almost 100 years with minimal alteration. Much of the original wooden machinery still exists. The miller s house, pigsties and bake house are clustered around the mill tower allowing visitors to see how a working mill was organised. There is access to most buildings, with cameras showing the view from the cap on monitors on the ground floor. Special events on open days. Times: Open days and by appointment. Open days in May, June and September. Fee: 1.50 including guided tour. Children and Friends of the Mill free. Facilities: œ å ƒ(on open days only) Map ref: 7C. 53. Whitwick Historical Group µ Old Station Building, North Street, Whitwick, Leicestershire, LE67 5HA Tel: janicebail@ntlworld.com Talks and resources available for adult learning. Membership 5 per year; family history resource fee 2 per session. Times: Open Tuesday 7.30pm pm; Saturday 10am -12 noon. Facilities: œ(partial) å ß Map ref: 4B. 54. Wigston Framework Knitters Museum Bushloe End, Wigston Magna, Leicestershire, LE18 2BA Tel: An eighteenth century master hosier s house with adjoining nineteenth century workshop. The house is furnished in the 1920s-30s style while the workshop contains eight original hand knitting frames together with all the equipment once used 55. William Carey Museum µ Central Baptist Church, Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1LA Tel: keithw.harrison@virgin.net This museum chronicles the life of William Carey, a founder of the Baptist Missionary Movement. Models, tableaux and an archive of letters and publications illustrate his life and work from his ministry in Leicester to his work as a missionary and social reformer in India, where he founded Serampore College. Also in the museum are mementoes of Robert Hall, the great preacher, who was a minister of Harvey Lane Baptist Church from 1808 to Times: Open Sundays and by appointment. Facilities: œ å ß ª Map ref: 5D.! We would advise you to check all details with the museum to avoid disappointment. 28 Museums Guide Museums Guide 29

16 MORE THAN to explore Museums support your good health This guide has been produced by Leicestershire County Council with the help of the Leicestershire and Rutland Museums Forum which was established in 1987 to help support the growing number of private and voluntary museums in Leicestershire and Rutland. The forum provides a network of support and is itself actively supported by Leicestershire County Council s Community Museums Officer who offers professional advice and practical assistance to its members. Many forum members are small, volunteer-run museums or heritage preservation groups relying on the enthusiasm and dedication of their members to maintain and preserve a wide variety of collections. They have the common aim of informing and educating the public about our shared heritage in an attractive and accessible way. For more information on the Leicestershire and Rutland Museums Forum go to Volunteering in museums Many Leicestershire museums have volunteering opportunities for a variety of duties. For more details, call communityservices@ leics.gov.uk or visit gov.uk/volunteers Museums offer a wide range of positive activity to all members of our communities encouraging both physical and mental activity through learning, discovering and doing. Museums support emotional well-being by helping people understand the world they live in (or just their small part of it) and offering people a space to contemplate and reflect on their lives and those of others. Visit For details of how Leicestershire County Council is helping you to stay healthy 30 Museums Guide Museums Guide 31

17 A museum out of the box! The Open Museum scheme delivers works of art, objects and ready-made displays to community and public venues, to enable local people to engage with the museum from within their own environments. The scheme consists of three services: 32 Museums Guide Artworks - a unique collection of paintings, original prints, photographs and sculptures available for loan to schools, community groups and businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire. Resource Box - a collection of museum objects, model replicas and natural history specimens as well as archaeological material. Objects from different parts of the world and cultures are also available. All can be used by schools, art groups and environmental groups. A small charge may apply. For more information about Resource Box and Artworks loans, ring or sherrier@leics.gov.uk FREE Moving Objects - are small ready-made museum displays filled with interesting objects that are available for free to community venues including libraries, day centres and medical surgeries. For information about Moving Objects displays, ring or movingobjects@leics.gov.uk Countryside on your doorstep...explore Leicestershire s historic and beautiful country parks Find the site of the history-changing Bosworth Battlefield. Roam rugged hilltops for ancient fossils or visit elegant parkland in the footsteps of Dr Johnson. Watch waterside wildlife where King Lear maybe once wandered. Scale a dramatic iron-age hill fort or follow the remains of Roman Roads. Find the heart of Stilton cheese county. See landscapes ravaged by time, former coalmine spoil heaps transformed into woodland, rail tracks turned into cycle trails, and a lost canal restoration. COUNTRYSIDE For more information, or to get a copy of the Countryside Guide, call , countryside@leics.gov.uk or visit Museums Guide 33

18 Win 50 Tell us what you think about this Museums Guide and you could win 50. Return this form to the address overleaf, or enter online at Are you, or members of your family, aged 0-19? Are you interested in music, media, arts and culture? Mr c Mrs c Miss c Other (Please state) Surname First name Address Postcode (only provide if you wish to receive s) Telephone Mobile If so, Find Your Talent and Leicestershire s museums can provide you with the opportunity to take part in a wide range of events and activities, from museum workshops and theatre visits to digital media projects and music lessons. To find out more or register your interest in becoming a Young Ambassador visit gov.uk/talent call or talent@leics.gov.uk Which way do you prefer to receive information from us? Telephone c c Post c Internet c Text c Where did you obtain your copy of the Museums Guide? Tourist Information Centre c Family/friend c Library c Mailed directly c County Hall c Service Shop c Other, please state Do you have any ideas for improvements to this Museums Guide? Would you like to be mailed future editions of the Museums Guide? Yes c No c 34 Museums Guide Are you already on the mailing list for the Events Guide? Yes c No c If No, add my details to the mailing list c (See back page for details of the Events Guide)

19 Win 50 Tell us what you think about this Museums Guide and you could win 50 (See over). Post back to: Leicestershire County Council, Community Services Marketing Team, Community Services Department, County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8TD All entries to the prize draw must be submitted by an adult over 18 years of age by 31st March The decision of Leicestershire County Council (LCC) is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Members of the Community Services Department s Marketing Team are not permitted to enter. The form overleaf collects information about you and will be used for marketing purposes. It will not be disclosed to any organisation not associated with LCC except where the law requires us to release that information. This information will be removed from our database when you request it. If you do not want us to use your information for direct marketing purposes, please tick this box [ ] We would like to share your information with other areas of LCC. If you prefer we do not pass on this information, please tick this box [ ] Please let us know at any time if you want to stop receiving information from us. Cut-out and hand-in at Snibston Cut-out and hand-in at Bosworth Great Deals at Great Family Museums Money-saving offers for fun days out at two of Leicestershire s best loved museums FREE * ENTRY to the BOSWORTH EXHIBITION Re-live the drama and excitement of the battle of 1485 in the award-winning exhibition. Save money on a great day out with one *FREE entry for the interactive exhibition with a full paying adult ticket ( 6). Valid until 31st December Visit www. bosworthbattlefield.com or call for further details. Valid until 31st December FREE * CHILD ENTRY to SNIBSTON *To be redeemed on your next visit. Valid until 31st December Only one voucher accepted per visit. Terms: This voucher admits one child free when presented at the time of purchase of one fully priced adult ticket into Snibston Discovery Museum. Note: Not applicable to Colliery Tour, train rides or Century Theatre performances. For the latest offers and entry discounts to Leicestershire Museums, log onto Museums Guide 37

20 A B C D 1 For more money saving offers visit Save up to 60% on top attraction and hotel package deals! B A6 0 A453 A A607 M42 A5110 M1 42 Coalville A6 RUTLAND 17 L E I C E S T E R S H I R E 5 LEICESTER Market Bosworth A A5 6 Blaby A444 6 B A M1 Nuneaton B B4455 B Market Harborough Lutterworth B B COVENTRY Abbey Pumping Station Ashby de la Zouch Museum The Battlefield Line Belgrave Hall and Gardens The Bellfoundry Museum Blaby Heritage & Museum Society Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and County Park 8. Castle Donington Museum 9. Charles Moore Collection of Musical Instruments 10. Charnwood Museum 11. Coalville Heritage Society 12. Cold War Jets 13. Collections Resources Centre 49 B Museums Guide 12 A5 B4 Remember to take these vouchers with you! 14 M B4 Family Museums HAN MORE T 19 B 41 B4027 * Great Deals at Great B Uppingham Wigston Hinckley 7 39 A B4112 Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3LN Tel: snibston@leics.gov.uk Stamford Oakham B4114 FREE CHILD ENTRY A50 B6 7 Family Museums 47 Melton Mowbray 13 THE NA TIONAL FOREST 4 5 miles 33 A Loughborough A606 A42 Ashby de la Zouch 2 A kms 8 00 * I A46 M1 2 A444 H Grantham 3 Great Deals at Great G DERBY 16 A5 B5 Sutton Cheney, CV13 0AD Tel: bosworth@leics.gov.uk F NOTTINGHAM Burton Upon Trent FREE ENTRY E Rugby M1 4. Discovering Cricket at Grace Road Diseworth Heritage Centre 16. Donington Grand Prix Collection 17. Donington le Heath Manor House 18. Fleckney Museum 19. Foxton Canal Museum 20. Grace Dieu Priory 21. Great Central Railway 22. The Guildhall 23. Hallaton Village Museum 24. Harborough Museum 25. Hinckley & District Museum 26. Jewry Wall Museum 27. Kegworth Museum 28. Leicester City Fire Brigade A Leicester Royal Infirmary Museum Loughborough War Memorial Museum 31. Lutterworth & District Museum 32. Measham Museum 33. Melton Carnegie Museum 34. Moira Furnace 35. National Gas Museum Trust 36. National Space Centre 37. New Walk Museum 38. Newarke Houses Museum 39. Normanton Church Museum 40. Oakham Castle 41. Old Rectory 42. Railway Vehicle Preservations Ltd to explore A The Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland 44. Rutland County Museum 45. Rutland Railway Museum 46. Sharpe s Pottery 4 7. Snibston 48. Sir John Moore Heritage Centre 49. Stanford Hall 50. Stonehurst Farm and Motor Museum 51. Swannington Heritage Trust 52. Ullesthorpe Subscription Windmill 53. Whitwick Historical Group 54. Wigston Framework Knitters Museum 55. William Carey Museum

21 OUT N OW Your comprehensive easy to use guide to popular attractions, easily reached by Leicestershire s bus network Bursting with great days out Out now from local tourist information centres, libraries, service shops and selected local tourist attractions. Also available by request via or passengertransport@leics.gov.uk ic s.g o v.u k /f u n Fun b y bu s s!! Bu k/ fun_ b y_ Why not visit our kids corner in Libraries & Museums The most comprehensive FREE guide to 100s of fun and fascinating activities in Leicstershire - many are free. at packed full of fun downloadable activities to colourful competitions for you to enjoy online FREE PROMOTION AL GIVEAWAYS D UPDATE O BUS INF Postal address: Marketing, Passenger Transport Unit, HT&WM, County Hall, Glenfield, Leicestershire, LE3 8ZQ Out now OFFERS INSIDE To receive regular copies of the Events Guide by post, complete the feedback form in this leaflet, eventsguide@leics.gov.uk or visit G0973 w w w.l eic s.g o v.u _b w w w.le y_bus F!! by Bus un