Business Details
Discover Tewkesbury's Rich History
Tewkesbury Museum is a cherished custodian of local history, housed in a meticulously preserved seventeenth-century building. Our mission is to serve as the memory of Tewkesbury, preserving and interpreting the town's rich heritage from prehistoric times to the twentieth century. Through our eclectic collectionsincluding Roman artefacts, the Battle of Tewkesbury diorama, and the Raymond Priestley Antarctic explorer exhibitwe offer visitors a tangible connection to the past. The museum, restored by Thomas Collins in the nineteenth century and gifted to the town in the twentieth, stands as a testament to architectural and historical integrity.We prioritise community engagement, offering educational resources, family-friendly activities, and volunteer opportunities to foster local participation. Accredited by the Arts Council, we uphold professional standards in collection management while maintaining accessibility initiatives for future generations. Our operations rely on visitor donations and a dedicated team of volunteers, ensuring we remain a vibrant cultural hub. By balancing preservation with innovation, we provide a unique window into Tewkesbury's storied past, welcoming both casual visitors and researchers alike.
Services
Museum Entry
Historical Exhibitions
Educational Programs
Volunteer Opportunities
Archival Research
Group Visits
Costume Hire
Event Hosting
Highlights and features
- We are an Arts Council-accredited museum maintaining professional heritage standards.
- Our volunteer-driven model supports community involvement in cultural preservation.
- We offer unique collections spanning 2,000 years of Tewkesbury's history.
- We provide accessible educational resources and family-friendly interactive exhibits.
- Our historic building combines architectural significance with immersive storytelling.
Associations and certifications
- Arts Council
What people say
Rich historical exhibits
Engaging for children
Knowledgeable staff
Architectural charm
Free entry
Services
Museum Entry
Free access to permanent collections showcasing Tewkesbury's history from Roman times to the 20th century. Explore exhibits including the Battle of Tewkesbury diorama, Antarctic explorer Raymond Priestley's memorabilia, and a unique fairground model. The 17th-century building itself offers architectural insights through its preserved features.
Educational Programs
Curriculum-linked workshops and resources for schools, plus family activities like the Museum Detective Pack and historic costume hire. Designed to engage children through interactive exploration of local history, with dedicated trails and hands-on exhibits tailored to different age groups.
Volunteer Opportunities
Roles assisting with daily operations, event management, and collection preservation. Volunteers contribute to maintaining the museum's accessibility and community engagement, gaining experience in heritage management while supporting a registered charity's mission to preserve local history.
Archival Research
Access to object, image, and archive collections documenting Tewkesbury's heritage. Researchers can explore materials ranging from prehistoric artefacts to wartime records, with staff assistance available for specific historical inquiries and academic projects related to the town's development.
Group Visits
Tailored experiences for school groups, community organisations, and private parties. Includes guided tours of permanent exhibits, access to special collections, and booking flexibility outside regular hours. Educational materials and interactive activities are provided to enhance group learning experiences.
Questions
Is Tewkesbury Museum free to enter?
Yes, entry to Tewkesbury Museum is completely free for all visitors.
What historical periods does the museum cover?
Our collections span from prehistoric times through to the twentieth century, including Roman remains, medieval history, and wartime exhibits.
Are there facilities for children?
Yes, we offer interactive activities including the Museum Detective Pack, historic costume hire, and age-specific trails to engage young visitors.
Can I volunteer at the museum?
We welcome volunteers to assist with daily operations, events, and collection management. Contact us for current opportunities.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
Due to its historic nature, the building has limited accessibility with steep stairs and narrow corridors. We provide alternative access arrangements where possible.
How can I donate historical items?
Contact our management team to discuss potential donations of objects relevant to Tewkesbury's history and heritage.
Reviews (6)
Carol Staves
Dec 13, 2019
Report
Very interesting fairly small museum, but definitely worth a visit if in the area. Based over two floors, so not suitable for disabled access upstairs. Free museum, with donation box. Amazing miniature fairground set out upstairs, with really skilled workmanship and attention to detail.
Tim Bull
Dec 03, 2019
Report
Sadly was not able to go in! Turns out in December they have a santa day which you need to book. (Tho it was not on the website!)
Worth calling up before making the effort!
Worth calling up before making the effort!
June Jobbins
Nov 13, 2019
Report
Really enjoyed the king's and queens flip book, so easy to read and move through quickly. Also the person on duty today was very personable and not a bit fased that I had actually become so engrossed that I overstayed my visit by 30mins after closing time so a very enjoyable visit to your free museum. So thank you for a pleasant time.
Regards
Regards
Tony A.
Sep 15, 2019
Report
Very interesting, several novel topics like model fairground, huge Wars of Roses model and local person who in earlier like was part of Scott's Antarctic expedition but went on to do many other important things. Well labelled over 2 floors in old building, interesting in itself.
Tony Copley
Jul 17, 2019
Report
It's a beautiful littls musuem run ny volunteers. There is a fun mouse hunt for the kiddies and old toys they can play with. A wonderful asset of this beautiful town.
Krys Bather
Sep 05, 2018
Report
Really interesting exhibits lots of photos helpful staff. Not suitable for disabled persons though as it is old listed building with narrow passage ways and very steep stairs. Would advise caution.
