Museum Listings

 

1 Donington Grand Prix Collection

Donington Park

Castle Donington

Derby DE74 2RP

(01332) 811027

enquiries@doningtoncollection.co.uk

www.doningtoncollection.com

Public Facilities

Books, videos, clothing, giftware, pictures, prints and formula 1 memorabilia are on offer at the museum shop. The Site is all on one level, allowing easy access for all. Take a pit stop at the Coppice Restaurant next to the collection to refuel on food and drink. Toilets are also available. The car park offers room for coaches as well.

What is there to see?

Take a lap round the largest collection of Grand Prix racing cars in the world! The halls are full of cars and objects from motor sporting history from as early as the 1900s. See Tazio Nuvolari’s 1934 Maserati 8CM, Alberto Ascari’s 1952 Ferrari, Jim Clark’s Lotus 25, the six-wheeler Tyrrell driven by Jackie Stewart, as well as cars driven by other famous names including Juan Manual Fangio, Stirling Moss, and Graham Hill. Also exhibited are Nigel Mansell’s famous Red 5 Williams and Ayrton Senna’s McLaren, in which he won the 1993 European Grand Prix at Donington Park itself.

Resources

The collection has an activity pack on sale for children aged 8-14 years.

2 Castle Donington Museum

4 Apiary Gate

Castle Donington

Derby DE74 2JA

(01332) 811549 or (01332) 811944

www.castledoningtonmuseum.org.uk

Public Facilities

Local products such as books and pottery can be brought from the museum. Access for wheelchairs except the garden. There are public toilets nearby, and a public car park 30m away. We also have a charming garden.

What is there to see?

Our changing general display shows recent acquisitions and gives an oversight of village history. An interactive computer display provides historical illustrations of a village walk and provides other information about Donington and its past personalities.

3 Kegworth Museum

52 High Street

Kegworth

Derby DE74 2DA

(01509) 670137

info@kegworthmuseum.org.uk

www.kegworthmuseum.org.uk

Public Facilities

Buy reminders of your visit at the museum shop. The museum ground floor is accessible to all, although other areas are inaccessible for disabled visitors. The nearby High Street offers many places to get food and drink, and there are toilets on site for visitors of all abilities. You can park your car on the street.

What is there to see?

Discover the story of Kegworth through the ages in this museum housed in a nineteenth century barn. There are displays on a Victorian Parlour, two hundred years of the local knitting industry and the history of the village school. Find out about the war efforts of local people and see objects from the British Legion.

Resources

The museum’s Victoriana display links in to the National Curriculum. They also have many historical photographs of the village, some equipment and records of the Primary School around 1920s, and the saddlery business, and framework knitting.

4 Ashby-de-la-Zouch Museum

North Street

Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Leicestershire LE65 1HU

(01530) 560090

paul.monk@virgin.net

www.ashbydelazouchmuseum.org.uk

Public Facilities

The museum is fully accessible to disabled people and has a toilet for the disabled. There is a large public (pay) car park immediately behind the Museum. There are cafes, restaurants and public houses only a few hundred yards away. The museum shop sells local books, postcards, and a range of gifts for both adults and children.

What is there to see?

The Zouche and Hastings Gallery charts the story of Ashby from its earliest times, with such topics as Sir William Hastings, the Civil War, The Napoleonic Prisoners of War, The Spa Town, and Dolly Shepherd ‘The Edwardian Parachute Queen’. The Loudoun Gallery concentrates on 19th and 20th century topics such as Education, The Arts, Religion and Transport; as well as displays on the villages surrounding Ashby – Packington, Coleorton, Breedon, Blackfordby, Smisby, Staunton Harold and Lount.

Resources

The Ferrers Community Room is used for Evening Classes, Talks, Workshops and Research.There are several computers, microfiche and microfilm readers – all for Local and Family Historians to use. The room is also available for hire. The Museum has a huge local archive of documents and photographs. The Ashby Girls’ Grammar School records, the Lord Donington Papers, Beaumont Papers from Coleorton and other local archives are all stored in the Museum's large Strong Room.

5 Moira Furnace Museum Trust Ltd

Furnace Lane

Moira

Swadlincote

Derbyshire DE12 6AT

(01283) 224 667

moira.furnace@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

www.nwleicestershire.gov.uk

Public Facilities

The shop at the museum sells small gifts and books. There is full access for disabled visitors, and toilets suitable for all visitors. Stop off for a drink or some food at the Furnace team room on site; there is plenty of parking for cars and coaches.

What is there to see?

Moira Furnace is a nineteenth-century blast furnace, which as been expertly preserved by English Heritage as a scheduled monument. The building itself houses touchscreens, hands-on interactives and displays showing how the furnace worked and the history of the buildings on the site. A visit includes a tour of the museum, on your own or in a group, as well as the Limekilns, tramways and towpaths which cross the site. There are also craft workshops on the site, where craftsmen produce pottery, soap, and stoneware. The newly-opened section of the Ashby canal runs alongside the furnace, and visitors can take a furnace boat trip in the summer, travelling along the canal from Donisthorpe Park to the national forest visitor centre. The site has a woodland area, Little Smelters adventure playground an under 5’s area, which are accessible to people of all abilities.

Resources

An education pack is available now priced at £3 (free to schools).

6 Measham Museum

56 High Street

Measham

Swadlincote

Derbyshire DE12 7HZ

(01530) 273 956

Public Facilities

As the museum is quite small, access to the building is difficult for disabled visitors, although the museum provides outreach displays allowing wider access to their exhibitions (see resources). Toilets are available on site. There are cafés on Measham High Street for food and drink, and car parking is available 135 metres from the museum.

What is there to see?

Learn about the history of the Measham area from the museum’s permanent and changing exhibitions. The Dr. Hart collection lets you see Measham through the eyes of two local doctors, father and son. Look at their letters, photographs and objects to find out more about health care and family life from 1900 until the late 1960s. There is also the chance to find out about Measham ware pottery, mining, and clay ware. Local people have provided researched memoirs and histories for further information.

Resources

The museum produces a school pack containing lists of the contents of the museum, and publication, which are indexed for teachers. Information is provided in partnership with local schools when required.
National Curriculum areas covered include changes in Measham in the last 100 years.

7 Swannington Heritage Trust

7 Hospital Lane

Swannington

LE67 8QD

(01530) 222330

denis.baker@which.net

http://www.swannington-heritage.co.uk/

Public Facilities

Trail booklets and other publications are available from Swannington Post Office, The Fountain Inn, Coalville Library and Tourist Information Offices. Alternatively you can write for one to: 7 Hospital Lane, Swannington LE67 8QD. The Trail is not suitable for disabled people with mobility difficulties. The ground floor of the mill is accessible, but steep stairs reach other floors. Food and drink can easily be found in Swannington at the various pubs, or the local Post Office. There is parking near the mill, and coaches can be parked by arrangement.

What is there to see?

Swannington Village Trail includes part of one of the world’s earliest railways, sites showing the routes of ancient horse-drawn tramways and of mining activities going back 800 years. Hough Mill is an early nineteenth-century tower mill, which fell into disrepair after 1910 but has recently been restored. Inside, its displays show how the mill was once used.

Resources

The Trust has provided the local village school with a Heritage Cabinet of local finds, and a Heritage Archive of the village can be found in the Village Hall. There are artefacts to see at Swannington mill, and landscape evidence of 800 years of coalmining on the village trail.

8 Grace Dieu Priory Trust

Grace Dieu Priory: Friends of Grace Dieu Priory

c/o David Whit Chair

1 Saddlers Wells

Belton, Loughborough

Leicestershire LE12 9TS

Tel: 01530 223 201

www.gracedieupriory.co.uk

Public Facilities

Grace Dieu Priory is open from dawn to dusk throughout the year. Parking is at the nearby Bull’s Head Public House, from whence there is a short walk through the atmospheric Grace Dieu Woods to the priory. The paths allow wheelchair access around most of the ruins.

What is there to see?

The priory is a nationally significant Scheduled Ancient Monument and a rare extant example of an Augustinian nunnery. The ruins date from the mid thirteenth century and have been carefully conserved. The pastoral setting is well suited for family recreation, picnics and educational purposes. The buildings lie adjacent to an abandoned canal and railway and limestone quarries. The national Sustrans cycle way runs past the site.

Resources

An illustrated guidebook can be purchased from the Bull’s Head, Ashby Museum and T.I.C., Snibston Discovery Centre and several other local outlets. There is also a Nature Trail leaflet. Guided walks are available. See the priory website for further details.

9 Snibston Discovery Park

Ashby Road

Coalville

Leicestershire LE67 3LN

(01530) 278 444

snibston@leics.gov.uk

www.leics.gov.uk/snibston

Public Facilities

Snibston offers a large variety of items for sale in its shop, particularly games and products related to science and history, and a wide selection of books. The museum is on one floor and allows excellent access for all, with well-paved areas outside, and toilets for disabled people. There are also baby changing facilities. A large café within the museum offers refreshments and light meals, although the centre of Coalville is also only a short walk away. Parking is no problem, as there is a large car park and plenty of room for coaches – up to 203- can be accommodated.

What is there to see?

One of the largest and most dynamic museums in the Midlands, Snibston is Leicestershire’s all-weather science and industry museum, where visitors can get their "hands-on" loads of fun in the popular Science Alive! Gallery, or explore the County’s rich heritage in the Transport, Extractives, Engineering and Textiles and Fashion Galleries. Other attractions are The Toy Box, an area for the under 8’s and see the toys of yesteryear, guided colliery tours, outdoor science and water playgrounds, sculptures and Nature Reserve.

Resources

A school pack is available, which gives information on displays and the galleries. It also provides information on the National Curriculum and how learning fits into the subject matter. Interested parties should contact Sue Sills, Snibston’s booking officer, to request a pack on (01530 278456).

The museum offers curriculum-related programmes covering all aspects of science as well as history and heritage programmes covering Key Stages 1 to 4 as well as special needs. Full day and half day session are available. Programme topics are planned but alternate topics can be suggested.

10 Donington le Heath Manor House

Donington-le-Heath Manor House

Coalville

Leicestershire LE67 2FW

(01530) 831259

dlhmanorhouse@leics.gov.uk

www.leics.gov.uk/museums

Public Facilities

The shop offers many books and gifts related to history, with special attention to medieval history and architecture. Access for disabled visitors is not available for the second floor of the Manor House, although all other areas are accessible. The museum has a restaurant on site: "The Barn" sells refreshments and hot and cold meals throughout the day and into the evening, and can be contacted on (01530) 817214. There are toilets at the museum, and a car park on site, with rooms for coach parking.

What is there to see?

The medieval manor house dates back to 1280 and has a fascinating history. It has been restored as a period house with fine oak furnishings. The surrounding grounds have scented period herb gardens and an orchard. The adjoining stone barn is home to a tempting restaurant.

Resources

The museum provides half-day sessions, which are an exciting opportunity for learning outside the classroom.

"Life in Tudor Times" is a half-day session for Key Stage 2 – other sessions based on the objects in the collection can be arranged.

11 Old Rectory Museum

Steeple Row

Rectory Place

Loughborough

Leicestershire LE11 1UW

(01509) 232 419

Public Facilities

Remember your visit by buying a book at the museum shop. The museum has ramps to the ground floor of its building, allowing all visitors to access this area. Food and drink can be found nearby, and there are public toilets not far away. The museum has parking on site, although you will need to make prior arrangements for coaches.

What is there to see?

Visit the medieval manor house that became a rectory, which holds collections on the history of Loughborough through the ages. Find out about different subjects, from Charnwood Forest Canal and Engineer, to archaeological discoveries in the area. Look at the many Swithland Slate gravestones in the grounds, showing the skilled work of local stonemasons.

Resources

The museum provides talks for schools complete with artefacts, and can provide further information on request.

Museum artefacts can also be displayed at local events.

12 Bellfoundry Museum

Freehold Street

Loughborough

Leicestershire LE11 1AR

museum@taylorbells.co.uk

(01509) 233 414

www.taylorbells.co.uk

Public Facilities

Buy Bellfoundry souvenirs, bell jewellery, books on bells and bellringing, and souvenir bells at the shop. Everyone can access all areas on the ground floor, but there is a spiral staircase up to the first floor. For something to eat and drink, there is the nearby Druid's Arms pub. There are toilets for the public, including one for disabled people. Cars can park on the street outside the museum, and there is room for one coach.

What is there to see?

A unique chance to find out about the history of the bellfounder’s craft, see how bells are made and tested, and follow the story of Great Paul and its journey to London in 1882. There is also the opportunity to tour the Works to see a bellfoundry in action, making bells for use around the world.

Resources

The museum will make every effort to design school visits around relevant curriculum requirements. Please call the curator to discuss these in advance of your visit.

13 Loughborough War Memorial Museum

Queens Park

Granby Street

Loughborough

Leicestershire

(01509) 231667

Carillonmuseum@tiscali.co.uk

Public Facilities

The shop sells items connected with the Carillon Tower. Disabled visitors will be able to access the ground floor, although other floors are only accessible by a winding concrete staircase. Refreshments and public toilets can be found nearby in the park. Car parking is available 250m away.

What is there to see?

Why is the tower here? It was built as a memorial to the Loughborough men who died in the Great War, and looks like to towers of bells built in parts of Europe, particularly Flanders. The ground floor has collections of wartime objects mainly given by local people. On the first floor is a display on the Leicestershire Yeomanry. High up on the second floor find out about the Airborne forces. The tower itself has 47 bells, which are played throughout the year every Thursday, and also on Sundays during the summer season.

Resources

The War Memorial museum is hoping to work with schools to produce useful resources in the future.

14 Railway Preservations Museum

Rothley Carriage Works

Great Central Railway

Rothley

Leicestershire

(01283) 535 637

darren@rvp-ltd.fsnet.co.uk

www.rvp-ltd.co.uk

Public Facilities

Access for disabled visitors is difficult. There are refreshments available nearby, and toilets on site.

What is there to see?

The group preserves interesting and historic railway vehicles, particularly of the London and North Eastern Railway. Come and see their work when some of the preserved vehicles go out on the Great Central Railway line. They have many vehicles preserved or awaiting preservation, including some travelling Post Offices, a pigeon van, a buffet car, a motorail van (converted to carry cars in the 1960s), and a sleeping car.

15 Charnwood Museum

Queen’s Hall

Granby Street

Loughborough

Leicestershire LE11 3QW

(01509)233754

charnwood@leics.gov.uk

www.leics.gov.uk/museums

Public Facilities

Charnwood Museum’s shop sells a variety of items to do with history and the displays in the museum. There is full access to the museum for disabled people. Refreshments are available on site, and in nearby Loughborough. The museum has public toilets.

What is there to see?

Charnwood has a wide range of exhibits, which reflect local history and industries. The four main areas explored are: "Coming to Charnwood", Natural History", "The People and Industries of Charnwood" and "Digging for Victory". Each contains an exhibit from the past, and modern, interactive displays. Play the Loughborough computer game, handle rocks from Charnwood’s volcanic past, walk below giant oak trees to hear stories from local Land Girls at the special listening posts, and see the locally-made Auster aeroplane, hung from the ceiling.

Resources

The museum provides half-day sessions that are relevant to the National Curriculum. All programmes are hands-on and real artefacts and objects are used when possible. Session topics include "Hands-on History"; other sessions, based on the museum’s collections, can be arranged.

16 Shackerstone Railway Society Ltd

Shackerstone Station

Shackerstone

Leicestershire CB13 6NW

(01827) 880754

www.battlefield.line.railway.uk

Public Facilities

Souvenirs, books and videos are on sale when you visit this group. The stations themselves have ramped access, allowing partial access for disabled visitors, and some of the trains provide refreshments on board. Shenton station is close to the Battlefield Centre, which has a nearby tea room. Both stations also have toilets on or near the site, and there are toilets on most of the trains. Only Shackerstone station has toilets for disabled people. You can park on site, and there is room for coaches as well. Why not come by canal – there are moorings 300-400m from Shackerstone and Shenton stations.

What is there to see?

Come to Shackerstone station, and find out about local railway history in the 1980s and beyond. It was the former headquarters of the Ashby and Nuneaton Joint Railway, and today is the headquarters of the Shackerstone Railway Society. Travel 4 miles by steam or diesel trains and see the historic Ashby Canal. All sorts of plants and animals can be seen in the passing countryside! Shenton station is at the end of your journey. It once stood at Humberstone Road in Leicester, but has been restored here. Why not follow one of the many footpaths that lead from here to the Bosworth Battlefield Country Park and visitors centre.

Resources

Displays in the museum and on the site tour are tailored to the National Curriculum requirements.

Visits to schools to present slide shows can be arranged, or to present lectures to interested groups.

18 Hinckley & District Museum

Framework Knitters' Cottages

Lower Bond Street

Hinckley

Leicestershire LE10 1QX

(01455) 251218

www.hinckleydistrictmuseum.org.uk

hinckleymuseum@myway.com

Public Facilities

The museum shop offers items for sale including postcards, commemorative mugs, thimbles and fridge magnets, as well as local history publications. Access for disabled visitors is difficult because of a number of steps both into and inside the building. A tearoom inside the museum, and public car parks around Hinckley within walking distance.

What is there to see?

The museum is housed in a row of restored thatched cottages from the mid-seventeenth century once used for framework knitting. The garden is being planted with traditional cottage garden plants. Come and find out about the town’s history from prehistoric to medieval times, and look at the models of Sapcote’s Roman bathhouse, Hinckley’s Norman castle, and the Battle of Bosworth of 1485. Have a go at knitting a sock on a Griswold machine, and discover more about the hosiery and boot and shoe industries in the area. Temporary exhibitions each season add variety for visitors.

Resources

The museum covers the subject "Hinckley at War" through a collection of First World War documents and artefacts relating to Hinckley men, which are available for loan to schools. Throughout the season, there is a series of lectures and other evening events. Contact the museum for details.

19 Percy Pilcher exhibition and Stanford Hall

Stanford Hall

Lutterworth

Leicestershire LE17 6DH

Tel: (01788) 860 250 (Estate Office)

Fax: (01788) 860870

enquiries@stanfordhall.co.uk

www.stanfordhall.co.uk

Public Facilities

Guidebooks to the House can be bought at the shop, as well as postcards, key rings and bookmarks. Access to the house is difficult because of steps to the door. There is a Tea Room overlooking the River Avon. This serves cream teas and light lunches, and on Event Days, a Full English Breakfast is available. Cars and coaches can be parked on site.

What is there to see?

Visitors can go on a guided tour of Stanford Hall, which houses antique furniture, pictures, and family costumes. The Museum shares the stable block with the craft Centre, which is open most Sundays. The Grounds include a Walled Rose Garden and a Nature Train around the Park.

20 Lightning Preservation Group

Bruntingthorpe Airfield

Bruntingthorpe

Nr Lutterworth

Leicestershire LE17 5QH

(0116) 2478030/40

rnorrislpg@btinternet.com

www.lightenings.org.uk

Public Facilities

Souvenirs are available at open days only. All areas are accessible, and though viewing aircraft cockpits is more difficult, it is possible. There are public houses nearby in Bruntingthorpe, Shearsby and Peatling Parva, although catering is available on open days. Toilets can be found on site, and there is a car park, which can also accommodate coaches.

What is there to see?

The Lightning Preservation Group was formed to save an example – the English Electric Lightning. Originally designed in the late 1940s, they formed the front line air defence of the United Kingdom from 1960-1988, and also served with the RAF in West Germany and Singapore. The Preservation Group have bid for and saved Ligtnings such as XR728, and XS904 the last Lightning to fly in military service. They have also acquired one of only three Quick Reaction Alert hangars built in the UK, and have begun fundraising towards the reconstruction costs. Donations to this fund are welcome. Come along to one of their open days to find out more about the story of the Lightning, and see them in action!

21 Lutterworth & District Museum

One Stop Shop

Wycliffe House Gilmorton Road

Lutterworth

Leicestershire LE17 4DY

c/o (01455) 555585

aligeoff@aol.com

www.thisislutterworth.com

Public Facilities

Buy local books, paperweights and postcards from the museum shop. Disabled access is partial and ramps can be used. Food and drink can be found at the many nearby pubs and cafes. There are toilets near the museum, and parking is 100 metres away, for both cars and coaches.

What is there to see?

Lutterworth museum tells the story of Lutterworth and the people who have lived there from its past to its present. There are local objects and photographs, and displays on John Wycliffe, who was the first to translate the Bible into English, and Sir Frank Whittle, famous for developing the jet engine.

Resources

Family History microfiche and reader, and Lutterworth Directories are useful for those tracing their families in and around Lutterworth. School Loan Boxes are available and are linked to the National Curriculum complete with Teacher Prompt pack and handleable artifacts/photographs. Covering Key Stage 1-4 the current boxes cover the Lutterworth Area in 1901 and 1961 (coming of the Great Central Railway and The M1 Motorway respectively). A future Loan Box to cover John Wycliffe and local diversity is being trialed this Spring 2007. Please contact the Museum Phone number or the Manager on above number.

22 The Sherrier Centre

Church Street

Lutterworth

Leicestershire LE17 4AG

(01455) 552 834

Public Facilities

Public toilets and on site parked are provided.

Outreach

Resource Box (School Loans) – The Resource Box is a mini-museum, and you can have it in your classroom – anything from a woolly rhinoceros to a Concorde. History, art and design, biology, geology, technology – there are around 2000 boxes of real museum specimens, replicas, models and pictures.

Artworks – A unique collections of original paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, photographs and textiles, for loan to schools and colleges in Leicestershire. There are around 700 works by artists such as Henry Moore, John Piper, Picasso and Chagall, as well as contemporary artists.

23 Foxton Canal Museum

Middle Lock

Gumley Road

Foxton

Leicestershire LE16 7RA

(0116) 2792657

info@fipt.org.uk

www.fipt.org.uk

Public Facilities

At the museum shop, you can buy souvenirs, books, and maps about Foxton and the canal system. Access for disabled people is difficult. The museum itself is fully accessible, but the site has steep slopes. Help may be needed with wheelchairs. The museum is located halfway down the world-famous Foxton Locks in the Boiler House for the Victorian Boat Lift. There is a pub, shop and toilets nearby, and boat trips are also available. Cars and coaches can be parked at the Top Lock car park. Disabled parking at Bottom Lock on request.

What is there to see?

A touchscreen display, interactive models and an education workshop at Top Lock all look at different aspects of the canal and its history.

Exciting new developments on site this year, with refurbished buildings, pub and works towards restoration of the Boat Lift.

Resources

The museum has a school pack written by a former headmaster and education advisor. This contains maps, photographs and history information, plus teaching aids. The displays in the museum would be relevant for National Curriculum studies in Social History, Water, and Science.

24 Harborough Museum

Council Offices (down Fox Lane)

[Entrance to museum is in the car park, through Fox Lane]

Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough

Leicestershire LE16 7AG

(01858) 432468

museums@leics.gov.uk

www.leics.gov.uk/museums/harborough

Public Facilities

There is a shop at the museum. The museum itself is located on the second floor of the council offices, and a lift is available for disabled visitors, although weekend visitors will need to ring ahead to make arrangements for access to the lift. The central position of the museum means that there are plenty of places in Harborough nearby for food and drink. Toilets can be found in the museum building, and there is a car park near the entrance to the museum.

What is there to see?

Find out about Market Harborough’s role as a market, social and hunting centre, and a stagecoach post. Displays include the Symington Collection on Corsetry and reconstructions of the local bootmaker’s workshop.

Resources

The museum provides half-day sessions that are relevant to the National Curriculum. All programmes are hands-on and real artefacts and objects are used when possible. Topics include "The Victorian Family", "Children at War" and "Hands-on History" – other sessions based on the objects in the collection can be arranged.

25 Blaby Heritage & Museum Society

Contact: Pat Troake

64 Southway

Blaby

Leicester LE8 4BB

Tel: (0116) 277 1055

ptroake@yahoo.co.uk

Blaby Area Museum Society

Blaby Area Museum Society is small, and without a building as yet. It is keen to build up its collections of items connected with Blaby, and expand its services in the future. In this way, the Society aims to remind people of the importance of local history, and to support local history groups.

Their lack of a building does not stop them holding exhibitions around Blaby District. To increase their collections they are looking for anyone who has information, artefacts, records, photographs or any other historical item on the area. So if you have anything you might want to share with the groups, or are interested in joining them, please contact the Secretary, Pat Troake, on the above address or telephone number.

26 Wigston Framework Knitters Museum

42/44 Bushloe End

Wigston

Leicester LE18 2BA

(0116) 2883396

Public Facilities

You can buy souvenirs, books and leaflets at the museum, and tea and biscuits are available. Disabled visitors can access the ground floors. There is one toilet on site, and parking is 200yds away on the nearby street.

What is there to see?

Come to a hosier’s house built in the 1700s, and see the knitting workshop from the 1800s. This has eight original hand knitting frames, and all the equipment once used to make stockings and gloves. The house looks as it would have done in the 1920s/30s, and there is a period garden with cobbled yard for you to enjoy.

27 Hallaton Village Museum

Hog Lane

Hallaton

Leicestershire LE16 8UD

(01858) 555 388

miketheknife@btinternet.com

www.hallaton.org

Public Facilities

Disabled access: limited. No admission charge but donations welcomed. Nearest parking: 50 metres. There are two public houses and a tea-room within walking distance of the museum where you will receive a pleasant welcome and good food. Car parking is available in public house car parks for their customers. Group visits are welcomed at any time by prior arrangement (a small charge is made for this) and tours of the village can be arranged.

What is there to see?

This small museum is situated in the centre of this picturesque village, just off the High Street, in Hog Lane. The exhibition this year is divided between Hallaton’s most famous custom, the Hare Pie Scrambling and Bottle-Kicking, tracing its history using displays and videos, and an exploration and display relating the history of Hallaton’s railway.

Outreach

Hallaton museum is currently working with the village school on research for display on the story and history of Hallaton School. Community involvement is key to the work of the museum.

28 Rutland County Museum & Oakham Castle (2 sites)

Rutland County Museum, Catmose Street, Oakham

Rutland LE15 6HW

01572 758440

museum@rutland.gov.uk

www.rutland.gov.uk/museum

Oakham Castle, Market Place, Oakham

(all enquiries to Rutland County Museum)

www.rutland.gov.uk/castle

Public Facilities: Museum

Local publications and souvenirs can be bought at the museum shop. Disabled visitors can access all areas. A coffee corner provides drinks and snacks to visitors, and there are toilets and baby changing facilities on site. The adjacent car park is pay and display.

What is there to see?

The Welcome to Rutland exhibition is the perfect place to start any visit to England’s smallest county. The museum also exhibits collections of agricultural equipment, implements and wagons, local crafts and household items, and archaeological evidence. The museum itself is in an eighteenth-century Cavalry riding school

29 Rutland Railway Museum

Cottesmore Iron Ore Mines Sidings

Ashwell Road

Cottesmore nr Oakham

Rutland LE15 7BX

(01572) 813203

simon@wilks-head.co.uk

www.rutlandrailwaymuseum.org

Public Facilities

You can buy railway books and Thomas the Tank Engine models at the museum shop. All the buildings on the site are single-storey, making access easier for all, but there is a ramp to toilets with step. While it might be nice to eat outside at the picnic tables when the weather is nice, there is also a snack bar with indoor seating for up to 40 visitors. There are public toilets and parking on site. Coach parking is limited.

What is there to see?

Come to the ancient county of Rutland, and visit a museum that looks at the story of railways in industry. Imagine a time before there were so many roads, and find out here how factories, works and local ironstone quarries moved heavy goods around on their own railway systems. The open air steam centre has a large collection of steam and diesel locomotives, wagons, vans and coaches, and you can see some of these in action on the museum’s steam days!

30 Normanton Church Museum

Normanton

South Shore

Rutland Water LE15

(01572) 653026

tic@anglianwater.co.uk

www.anglianwaterleisure.co.uk

Public Facilities

Anglian Water’s Tourist Information Centre at Sykes Lane car park (North Shore) provides all necessary information on the numerous activities available on and around the water. Group Tours can be arranged (with meals). There is a gift shop containing maps, books, and souvenirs, ideal for a reminder of your visit to Rutland Water. There are public toilets on each main car park together with catering facilities. Visitors with disabilities will be given plenty of useful information on access to attractions.

What is there to see?

The unique Normanton Church Museum – Rutland Water’s most famous landmark – tells the story of this ancient valley. Inside the museum you will find Anglo-Saxon discoveries, including a complete skeleton from the excavation of the reservoir in 1972. Geological finds even include dinosaur remains. Documents and video displays portray the fascinating history of the reservoir’s construction during the 1970s. Vehicular access for the disabled is by appointment, as Normanton car park is a little walk from the Museum. Call the Tourist Information Centre for details on 01572 653026.

Resources

There are school visits run by Anglian Water which link in to the National Curriculum, contact for information at:

Education Officer

Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre

Egleton

Oakham (01572 770651)

31 Melton Carnegie Museum

Thorpe End

Melton Mowbray

Leicestershire LE13 1RB

(01664) 569 946

museums@leics.gov.uk

www.leics.gov.uk/museums

Public Facilities

The museum has a shop, and is located in the centre of Melton Mowbray, which has plenty of places to eat and drink. It is fully accessible to disabled people, and also provides public toilets. There is an on site car park at the back of the museum with room for cars and coaches.

What is there to see?

Find out about the Borough of Melton, including the famous Vale of Belvoir. Dispays include fine sporting paintings, local crafts, archaeology, geology and even a two-headed calf!

Resources

The museum provides half-day sessions that are relevant to the National Curriculum. All programmes are hands-on and real artefacts and objects are used when possible. Topics include "The Victorian Family" and "Hands-on History" – other sessions based on the objects in the collection can be arranged.

32 The Queen’s Royal Lancers Museum

Belvoir Castle

Belvoir

Grantham

Lincolnshire NG32 1PD

Tel: 011595 73295

Fax: 011595 73195

Qrlmuseum@btinternet.com

www.qrl.uk.com

Public Facilities

When you visit the museum, why not stop off at the shop or the café? There are toilets on site. Access for disabled visitors could be difficult. A lecture room is available. Coach parking and car parking is provided.

What is there to see?

Come to this historical setting and see the collections of the 16th/5th Lancers, 17th/21st Lancers and the Queens Royal Lancers. These tell the story of two fine cavalry regiments from formation to the present day through arms, uniforms, silver paintings, with personal accounts and artefacts. The regimental archive is held at Lancer House, Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham and can be viewed by appointment.

2007 will be the Museum’s last year at Belvoir Castle.

33 Leicester City Fire Brigade Museum Society

(01509) 816204

(07885) 181690

Public Facilities

Remember your visit by buying something from the museum shop, like a little fire engine, or other fire brigade toys. The museum is a site with access for everyone, situated nears Bradgate Park. There are public toilets nearby, and on-site parking.

What is there to see?

Come and see some vintage fire engines and various items of equipment.

34 The Environmental & Resources Centre

Public Facilities

Access for disabled people is partially available, as a ramp to the house is in place. Assistance may be required for access to the ground floor, and the upper floors are not accessible. There are toilets and on-site parking.

What is there to see?

A unique databank of resources can help you to discover more about the County and its history and wildlife. Specialist staff can provide access to records of wildlife sites and species, of archaeology and geology. They can help you with your enquiries, and can identify specimens. The Centre thereby helps to conserve and protect Leicestershire’s rich natural and historic heritage. It also offers the opportunity to community members to volunteer through Heritage Watch.

Resources

Active Learning and other sessions for education groups at all Key Stages are available, as are staff for events and talks across the county. Advice on planning matters can also be offered, for local authorities, developers and any interested parties.

35 Charles Moore Collection of Musical Instruments

Music Department

University of Leicester

University Road

Leicester LE7 7RH

(0116) 252 2781

mer@le.ac.uk

www.le.ac.uk/music

Public Facilities

There is full access for disabled people to the collection, via a lift from the ground floor of Attenborough Tower. There are also toilets for use by the visiting public. The visitors’ car park is reached via entrance number one, nearest Welford Road.

What is there to see?

The Charles Moore Collection is one of the few academic collections in British universities. Its particular speciality is eighteenth and nineteenth century woodwind and brass instruments. It also has some very interesting keyboard instruments. Once a year, there is an open day here, when visitors can bring their own instruments in to be identified and dated. Some of the collection can also be seen in the gallery of the hall at the Fraser Noble Building, where concerts are held.

Resources

The Charles Moore Archive contains books and other related musical material. The collection could be useful for National Curriculum activities, such as looking at Victorian social history, or listening to and thinking about music.

36 Guru Nanak Sikh Museum

9 Holybones

Leicester, LE1 4LJ

(0116) 262 8606

museums@leicester.gov.uk

www.thesikhmuseum.com

Public Facilities

Free literature is available on request, and posters can be bought. There is access for disabled people, including a toilet and a lift from the car park level. The Sikh Temple provides free refreshments (vegetarian) to group visitors. There are toilets and baby changing facilities for public use. A public car park is 75 metres away.

What is there to see?

Sikh history and culture are shown through paintings, objects, manuscripts and models. These include models of the Golden Temple, and of Nanakana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. There are also photographs of the role of Sikh soldiers in the World Wars, and coins from different periods.

Visitors must observe Sikh custom. No visitor should carry or be under the influence of alcohol or tobacco. Visitors are also requested to remove their shoes, wash their hands and cover their heads.

Outreach

Visiting exhibitions can be provided on request for a nominal charge to cover costs.

Resources

A school pack is available on request, tailored to the age of the children. The display material and informal talks given relate to religious education teaching in accordance with the National Curriculum.

37 William Carey Museum

Central Baptist Church

Charles Street

Leicester LE1 1LA

(0116) 287 3864

museums@leicester.gov.uk

www.central-baptist.org.uk

Public Facilities

The museum is fully accessible for all abilities, and its central position in Leicester means that there are places nearby for food and drink. There are toilets on site, and parking can be found on adjacent street.

What is there to see?

William Carey was a founder of the Baptist Missionary Movement, and this museum tells his story. Figures show scenes from his life. You can see letters and books he wrote while he was working in both Leicester and India. The museum also has objects from the life of Robert Hall, a great preacher, and minister of Harvey Lane Baptist Church from 1808 to 1826.

38 Leicester Royal Infirmary History Museum

Knighton Street Offices

Royal Infirmary

Leicester

LE1 5WW

Dr K A Stewart 01858 565532

(0116) 2541414

www.lri.org.uk/museum.htm

Public Facilities

There is partial access for disabled visitors to the museum. Refreshments are available nearby for a maximum of thirty visitors, and there are public toilets at the museum. You can park your car 400 yards away from the site.

What is there to see?

Find out all about the Royal Infirmary since it opened in 1771. Look at pictures, prints, manuscripts and memorabilia, including medical equipment showing how medicine has changed through the years.

Resources

School groups are catered for, and the museum usually welcomes a couple each year.

39 Abbey Pumping Station

Corporation Road

Leicester LE4 5PX

(0116) 299 5111

museums@leicester.gov.uk

www.leicester.gov.uk/museums

Public Facilities

Abbey Pumping Station has a wide variety of items for sale in its shop that are closely related to the collections and building. There is partial access for the disabled and there are adapted toilets. Although refreshments are not available at the museum, there are cafes and bars within walking distance. Car and coach parking is available on site.

What is there to see?

Abbey Pumping Station is Leicester’s Museum of Science and Technology, displaying Leicester’s industrial, technological and scientific heritage. Situated next to the National Space Centre, the two attractions tell the story of over 200 years of science and technology from the early days of steam to space exploration.

The Pumping Stations has a collection of stationary steam engines and vibrant displays using real artefacts from the past and interactive hands on exhibits. The fascinating "Flushed with Pride" exhibition looks at the science and history of Leicester’s public health from toilets to washing machines and includes the country’s only working interactive demonstration loo!

Resources

A school’s pack is available. The pack is closely linked with the National Curriculum and covers closely the topics that are displayed in the Pumping Station.

40 Belgrave Hall Museum and Gardens

Church Road

Belgrave Leicester

LE4 5PE

(0116) 266 6590

www.leicester.gov.uk/museums

museums@leicester.gov.uk

Public Facilities

Belgrave Hall has a wide variety of items for sale in its shop that are closely related to the collections and building. There is partial access for the disabled and there are adapted toilets. Although refreshments are not available at the Hall there are cafés and bars within walking distance. Car and coach parking is available on site.

What is there to see?

Belgrave Hall and Gardens are a welcoming oasis at the edge of a busy city. The house dates back to 1709 and the period rooms show the contrasting lifestyles of an upper middle class family and domestic servants in a Victorian house and garden. The Hall is surrounded by 2 acres of walled gardens that reflect the changing taste in garden design from the 18th to the early 20th centuries.

Resources

A schools’ pack is available. The pack is closely linked with the National Curriculum and covers closely the topics that are displayed in the Hall.

41 Jewry Wall Museum

St Nicholas Circle

Leicester LE1 5NW

(0116) 225 4971

museums@leicester.gov.uk

www.leicester.gov.uk/museums

Public Facilities

Jewry Wall Museum has a wide variety of items for sale in its shop that are closely related to the collections and building. There is partial access for the disabled and there are adapted toilets. Although refreshments are not available at the museum there are cafés and bars within walking distance. There are no car and coach parking facilities available on site. Parking is available in city centre car parks.

What is there to see?

The Jewry Wall is a rare example of a Roman Wall. It was originally part of the city’s public baths. The adjacent museum holds Leicestershire’s archaeological collections ranging from 300,000 years ago to the late Middle Ages. Visitors are encouraged to become archaeological detectives via a wide variety of activities that incorporate archaeological skills.

Resources

A schools’ pack is available. The pack is closely linked with the National Curriculum and covers closely the topics that are displayed in the Museum.

42 New Walk Museum

New Walk

Leicester

LE1 7AE

(0116) 255 4900

museums@leicester.gov.uk

www.leicester.gov.uk/museums

Public Facilities

New Walk Museum has a wide variety of items for sale in its shop that are closely related to the collections and building. There is full access for the disabled with adapted toilets and a lift. Refreshments are available at the Museum café and there are cafés and bars within walking distance. There are car and coach parking facilities available on site. Parking is also available in city centre car parks.

What is there to see?

New Walk Museum displays many important items in one of the oldest Museums in Great Britain. The Ancient Egypt gallery has fascinating displays of mummies and other treasures. The Rutland Dinosaur (a cetiosaur) and the "Barrow Kipper" (a plesiosaur) are on display in the Fossil Gallery. A major collection of German expressionist and European Art is on display in the Art Gallery. Children can explore their world in the Discover Gallery and the Victorian Gallery makes a beautiful venue for weddings.

Resources

A schools’ pack is available. The pack is closely linked with the National Curriculum and covers closely the topics that are displayed in the Museum.

43 Newarke Houses Museum

The Newarke

Leicester LE2 7BY

(0116) 255 4980

museums@leicester.gov.uk

www.leicester.gov.uk/museums

Public Facilities

Newarke Houses Museum has a wide variety of items for sale in its shop that are closely related to the collections and building. There is partial access for the disabled. Although refreshments are not available at the Museum, there are cafés and bars within walking distance. There are no car and coach parking facilities available on site. Parking is available in city centre car parks.

Resources

A schools’ pack is available. The park is closely linked with the National Curriculum and covers closely the topics that are displayed in the Museum.

44 The Guildhall

Guildhall Lane

Leicester

LE1 5FQ

(0116) 253 2569

Public Facilities

The Guildhall has a wide variety of items for sale in its shop that are closely related to the collection and building. There is partial access for the disabled and there are adapted toilets. There is a café within the Guildhall. There are no car and coach parking facilities available on site. Parking is available in city centre car parks.

What is there for see?

Leicester is very privileged in having one of the best-preserved timber framed halls in the country, dating back six hundred years. The Guildhall is best known as an excellent performance venue attracting top acts. In the Museum, visitors can step back in time and come face to face with "Crankie Gemmie" and Emma Smith, two of Leicester’s notorious criminals, who can be found lurking within the Victorian police cells.

Resources

A schools’ pack is available. The pack is closely linked with the National Curriculum and covers closely the topics that are displayed in the Guildhall.

45 Discovering Cricket at Grace Road

Leicestershire County Cricket Club

Grace Road

Leicester LE2 8AD

(0116) 283 2128

museum@leicestershireccc.co.uk

Public Facilities

Replica shirts etc, books, pictures, photographs and cards can be bought at the club.

There are no facilities for refreshments at the club but they are available nearby during the cricket season. There is partial access for disabled people. Toilets are also available, with wheelchair access.

There is also on site parking with coach parking available.

What is there to see?

Family History Archive

Photographic Archive

46 Sir John Moore Heritage Centre

Sir John Moore Foundation

Top Street

Appleby DE12 7AH

(01530) 273629

deana@sirjohnmoore.org.uk

www.sirjohnmoore.org.uk

Public Facilities

There is a shop on site selling small gifts. We do not have refreshments available on on site but there are public houses nearby. There are toilet facilities on site with disabled toilets available. We do also have partial access for disabled visitors with the ground floor facilities open for some events. If you need this information please ring for details. There is on site parking but we do not have coach parking facilities.

What is there to see?

The Centre provides a unique insight into life in a rural Victorian School. Explore the authentic village boys classroom, boarder’s dormitory, Latin master study, clockroom and toilets. All in the historic setting of the Sir John Moore Foundation designed by Wren and built in 1697. Also discover the village trail around Appleby and the Community Gallery with local exhibition. There will be full education pack, website virtual trails and school visits available from September 2004.

Resources

We will have a school pack available from September 2004 which will be a village trail leaflet containing two walks (village 1.5miles) footpath 3miles)). We also have scrapbooks and handling artefacts.

47 Fleckney Museum

(0116) 240 4221

(0116) 240 2123

Nvkdodsworth@ukonline.co.uk

www.leicestershirevillages.com/fleckney

Public Facilities

There is a sales point where you can purchase tapestry booklet and postcard. There are no refreshments available at the museum but you can get hot food at the local pub and small local shops. It is in walking distance to Mill Field Wood and the local church.

There are toilet facilities at the museum with full access for disabled people.

There is also on-site parking

What is there to see?

Fleckney museum has a collection of photographs and documents relating to Fleckney. The Group is in the process of putting these on disc so that access will be available through the Leicestershire Villages web site.

48 Sharpe’s Pottery

Swadlincote

West Street

Derbys DE11 4DG

(01283) 222600

Public Facilities

There is a shop on site. We have full access for disabled visitors and toilets on site.

There is limited parking and the nearest convenient parking is 150yds away.

What is there to see?

We have a local history collection on the premises ‘The Magic Attic’ which is open:

Monday 19:00 – 21:30 and Thursday 14:00 – 17:00 and 19:00 – 21:30.

49 Stonehouse Family Farm & Museum

Loughborough Road

Mountsorrel LE12 7AR

(01509) 413216

Public Facilities

There are refreshments available at the museum. We also have toilet facilities, including baby changing. Access for disabled visitors may be difficult.

There is car parking available on site with additional coach parking also available.

Resources

We do provide a school/group pack for Farm visits – the Museum may be included if requested.

We do have a link in to relevant National Curriculum.