Heritage Open Weekend
Come along to visit the Workhouse and Infirmary with free entry as part of the Heritage Open Days Festival.
- Booking not needed
- Free event
Behind every door is a story and The Workhouse and Infirmary bears witness to over 160 years of changing social policy and attitudes towards the poor and vulnerable in society.
Explore why people came here in our 1921 census exhibition in partnership with Findmypast and trace their physical route. Chat to a room guide, take an external tour of the buildings, complete the Whodunit trail, dress up and write on a slate in the school room.
Look out for the workhouse mice scenes, play some old-fashioned games, have a wander outside in the kitchen garden, walk in the historic infirmary wards and relax in our second-hand bookshop and café.
There is so much here to discover and learn.
ARCHITECTURE ACTIVITY We're asking visitors to get involved and support us in raising vital funds for the property through our Infirmary model project.
Tying in with this year's theme of architecture, help us build a scale model of the Infirmary, which will go on display once finished. Come and be part of the build and leave your mark for future visitors to see.
Visitors can also enjoy building their very own creations with lego.
Times
The basics
- Suitability
Family friendly
- Accessibility
Some areas might not be fully accessible to all visitors. The ground floor of The workhouse is accessible via ramps. There are stairs to all other floors, cellars and exercise yards. A virtual tour and photos are available in the Upstairs/Downstairs room. There is an accessible lift to the first floor of the Infirmary. For full access details please visit our website.
Upcoming events
Summer of Play at The Workhouse and Infirmary
Join us at The Workhouse and Infirmary for a summer of traditional fun and games.
Pauper Picking
Come to the kitchen garden and help a pauper harvest some of our workhouse grown fresh vegetables to take home for a donation.
Tales from The Workhouse
Step back in time at The Workhouse and Infirmary. Meet our costumed characters and learn about what life was like for the inmates who lived here.
Conservation in Action
Have you ever wondered how we look after the historic buildings and collections in our care? Join our team of volunteers to learn more.