Atmospheric Victorian workhouse
Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops, countryside locations and many houses are open. You no longer need to pre-book at many places. Some still require booking ahead, so please check the property webpage before you travel.
Walking up the paupers' path towards The Workhouse it is easy to imagine how the Victorian poor might have felt as they sought refuge here. This austere building, the most complete workhouse in existence, was built in 1824 as a place of last resort for the destitute. Its architecture was influenced by prison design and its harsh regime became a blueprint for workhouses throughout the country.
This rural workhouse was designed to house around 160 inmates. They lived and worked in a strictly segregated environment with virtually no contact between the old and infirm, able-bodied men and women and children
The stories of those who lived and worked here in the 1840s help bring the building to life and prompt reflection on how society has tackled poverty through the centuries.
'An empty workhouse is a successful one' - Rev. J T Becher (founder of Southwell Workhouse)
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £8.80 | £8.00 |
| Child | £4.40 | £4.00 |
| Family | £22.00 | £20.00 |
| 1 Adult and up to three children | £13.20 | £12.00 |
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
The site is open Wednesday to Sunday 10:30am until 4.00pm with the cafe closing at 3:00pm. Last entry is at 3.00pm. There is no longer a requirement to pre-book visits. The Welcome tours take place outside. There are also Becher walks during which you can learn more about one of the founders of The Workhouse. The walks take place each Wednesday and last about 2 hours. Please ask for details at the Visitor Reception.
