Things to see & do
What's on offer
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Welcome tour
Welcome tour
Join us at 11am for our daily 'Welcome tour'. Meet your knowledgeable guide at reception and hear about the background of the Workhouse system before touring outside the building. Yo'ill explore areas not included during the audio tour and have plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
© David Slaviero
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Graft, gruel & good-for-nothings
Graft, gruel & good-for-nothings
On 'Living History' days, The Workhouse comes to life. See The Workhouse staff and inmates going about their day-to-day life - washing, cleaning, preparing food, gossiping and perhaps even fighting! The ever-present Master and Matron will keep you in order during your visit.
© The Workshouse, National Trust
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Victorian vegetable gardens
Victorian vegetable gardens
The vegetable gardens are brimming with colourful produce, with over 100 varieties to discover.
Sample for yourself with seasonal fruit and vegetables available to purchase from the vegetable barrow.
Can we tempt you with Victoria and Albert rhubarb. Turk's Head squash or Tender and True parsnips?
© Arnhel de Serra
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For families
For families
Join us this year for fantastic family activities and events.
You can take an I-Spy trail around The Workhouse, complete our Garden trail and win a prize, join us for Easter fun and, on selected days, take part in our Family Toe-Dipper Tour at 11.15am.
Check our Events page for details.
© National Trust / Margaret Marshall
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Group visits
Group visits
Mondays are group visit days. Receive a fascinating guided tour of the building, followed by an informal chat with your guide accompanied by refreshments.
Or if you prefer, bring your group for an audio tour between Wednesdays and Sundays.
© David Slaviero
Welcome tour
Graft, gruel & good-for-nothings
Victorian vegetable gardens
For families
Group visitsEvents
This year is our 10th anniversary.
Look out for a number of special events and come and join in with the celebrations.
See our storytellers
Bring your visit to life. Meet characters from the Workhouse's past, from diary accounts. Let us transport you to a victorian past like no other.
What not to miss?
- Be surprised, entertained and moved
- Meet a feisty pauper who bared her bottom in church
- Discover why some turned to the Workhouse for help
- Intrigue, violence, strife, misery and yes work - we have it all here
The laundry or drying room was opened in March 2012 by Dame Fiona Reynolds
© National Trust
New for this season: experience the laundry
The laundry gives a fascinating insight into Workhouse history.
It was used daily by female paupers to dry the huge amounts of clothing and bedding that was produced by the inmates here.
Now you can see the enormous drying racks, have a go with a mangle and experience a bit more of what life was like for paupers here in the 19th century.