Family-friendly things to do at The Workhouse and Infirmary
The whole family will be entertained at The Workhouse and Infirmary. Discover unique stories in the atmospheric buildings, go on an adventure in the grounds and stop for a bite to eat in the Infirmary cafe. You'll also find plenty of hands-on activities for everyone to enjoy and there are lots to opportunities to interact with objects and make new discoveries.
Planning your family visit
- Baby changing facilities can be found in the Visitor Reception Building and in the Infirmary cafe.
- There are accessible toilets in the Visitor Reception Building, The Hub and the Infirmary cafe.
- Powered mobility vehicles are available to use to travel from the car park to The Workhouse and Infirmary (approximately 100 metres).
- Sensory bags are available to borrow from The Hub.
- The Infirmary cafe offers a range of pasties, croque monsieurs, crips, bakes, sweet treats and ice cream, alongside your favourite drinks.
Summer at The Workhouse & Infirmary, 30 July - 31 August
Everyone will want to join in with Summer of Play which offers a host of traditional games, playground fun and sports challenges. Stack ‘em high and watch ‘em fly as you enjoy a game of Tin Can Alley, roll the dice and have a go at workhouse Yahtzee, or keep it simple with a game of classic dominoes.
There’s fun for the whole family… but remember to keep a watchful eye out for the Master! Free event, no booking required, admission applies. Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.
Alongside Summer of Play, our Workhouse Whodunit family trail asks visitors put on their detective hat and uncover the mystery of who broke the rules and what punishment they received. Two trails are available, one for children age 3+ and one for 8 years+. £2.50 per trail.
On Thursdays and Saturdays, listen to Tales from The Workhouse. Meet our costumed characters and find out what life was like here through their stories. Experience writing on slate, helping the inmates with the washing and learn how to pick oakum.
To find out what activities and events are taking place during your visit, click here
Mice dioramas
Created by our dedicated team of talented volunteers, you'll find some very special little mice throughout the property which depict scenes from The Workhouse & Infirmary. How many can you spot?
Get hands-on
Have fun weighing ingredients in the kitchen, write on slate in the school room, and experience the jobs of the paupers who lived here. Visitors also have the opportunity to handle items, sit on the beds and dress up.
Encounter the sights and sounds of The Workhouse
Walk through the mens ward and hear snoring in the bedrooms. Step foot into the basements and see the shadows of rats scurrying around - they are sure to give you a surprise!
You can even pick up earphones to hear the childhood stories of the people who used to live in The Workhouse.
Pick up a digital device and get scanning
Older children will love picking up one of our special devices, as they look out for areas to scan and discover more about a particular person, room or object. There's so many to find across the whole property. See if you can find them all, and maybe even remember a thing or two!
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Visiting The Workhouse and Infirmary
Find out more about visiting The Workhouse and Infirmary, where guided tours, exhibitions and activities help bring to life the stories of the people who had to work to receive food, shelter and medical care here.
A history of The Workhouse and Infirmary
Learn about the concept and the history of The Workhouse and Infirmary and the role that they played.
Educational visits to The Workhouse and Infirmary
Bring your education or school group to The Workhouse and Infirmary in Nottinghamshire. Step back in time to the 1840s and find out what life was like inside this gruelling institution. All visits are self led, giving you the opportunity to design your day around your group's learning needs.