Eating & shopping
The Reception Shop at The Workhouse offers a range of gifts and books
© National Trust
Shopping at The Workhouse
Our reception has a range of Workhouse themed items, including gruel bowls, mugs, aprons and tea towels.
If you want to find out more about the Workhouse and Victorian life, we have a selection of specialist literature. There's something for everyone, from books on the history of the Privy to memoirs of a Victorian midwife.
For a special gift, take a look at our traditional hand crafted items. Add a traditional touch to your garden with wooden plant labels, dibbers and herb sets.
And kids will love the Victorian style toys, including marbles, skipping ropes, wind-up mice and slate boards.
© National Trust
Fresh fruit and vegetables for sale
The Victorian Kitchen Garden at the Workhouse produces a huge variety of delicious fruit and vegetables, all available for you to buy from our vegetable barrow. Why not try Salad Blue potatoes, Turks Turban squash or flavoursome radishes?
How about posting your own favourite recipe on the Recipe Board for other visitors to try?
Southwell is the home of the Bramley apple, so we've created this delicious soup for you to try at home. Enjoy!
Try this hearty and warming Bramley apple and parsnip soup
Warm up with a bowl of gruel
© The Workshouse, National Trust
Gruel, glorious gruel
Gruel is synonymous with the Victorian Workhouse. Prepare for your visit to the Workhouse with a nourishing bowl of hot gruel and get a taste of the diet of Victorian paupers.
Boil 1 pint of milk and water mix with 20 grams of oatmeal for 10 minutes. Add salt to taste.
Enjoy 1 pint for breakfast and 1 pint for supper every day.