Visiting Mr Straw's House
While many National Trust places evoke images of grand estates, Mr Straw’s House offers something truly different. Hidden in a quiet cul-de-sac in Worksop, this ordinary terraced house is a beautifully preserved time capsule of 1920s family life.
What can I expect at Mr Straw's House?
A visit to the house gives visitors an intimate, nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era where even the smallest detail tells a story. The house has remained virtually unchanged, filled with thousands of personal possessions and everyday items, left just as they were. Visitors can explore display rooms rich with stories and discover the values of a family who chose not to modernise.
Plan your Mr Straw's House journey
Once you've parked in the orchard opposite, the journey begins at No.5 Blyth Grove where you’ll check-in ready for your self-led tour. We ask visitors not to bring bags on the self led tour, this is to avoid avoid accidental damage to the collection. A member of the team will then guide you next door to No.7 where your tour begins. Throughout the house you can chat to room guides and learn much more about William Sr, Florence, William Jr and Walter Straw.
Family activities at Mr Straw's House
Younger visitors can enjoy a children’s cacti trail through the house. There are also opportunities to dress up and capture instant photos to take home or exhibit in the Display Room.
Conservation Studio
Discover detailed displays highlighting the hobbies of the Straw family with William Straw Sr's stamp collection, Florence's paintings, William Jr's wellies and Walter's bowling balls amongst the items.
Sensory area
Here visitors can delve deeper into the lives of the Straw's. Through the listening post hear stories of the family from those that knew and worked with them, and try on William Sr's trilby hat. How about learning to dance like Walter loved to, or enjoy a read of William jr's published book. Ignite your senses with Florence's lavendar bags and handle a dainty mitten representing baby David.
Enjoy the outdoors
After the self-led tour, enjoy a drink and snack in the tea rooom, or if the weather is pleasant, take a seat in the back garden. Alternatively, bring along a picnic and sit amongst the apples trees in the orchard.
Tour of the town
On the last Friday of every month, join our dedicated volunteers as they take you on a walking tour of Worksop. Find out more about the family and discover snippets of history as you retrace the footsteps of the Straws, from their home in Blyth Grove to their place of work, and onto their final resting place.
The Worksop Walk starts from outside Mr Straw's House at 10.00, lasting around 3 hours, with a comfort and refreshment break at the Aurora Centre. Booking is advised, click here to book.
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