Business Details
46 Years
experience
Explore Heritage & Natural History at John Moore Museum
Established in 1980, the John Moore Museum is a charitable institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the natural history and cultural heritage of Tewkesbury and the surrounding Gloucestershire countryside. Our collections include extensive natural history exhibits featuring native wildlife, a meticulously restored 16th-century merchant's house, and the historic Old Baptist Chapel. We offer educational workshops for schools, outreach programs, and interactive experiences that bring local history to life.Our team of experts and volunteers is committed to providing accessible, engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. Through conservation efforts and community engagement, we strive to honor the legacy of John Moore, a renowned naturalist and author. The museum hosts seasonal events, temporary exhibitions, and lectures, while also offering venue hire for cultural and community activities. Our facilities include sensory-friendly resources and tailored programs for visitors with special educational needs.
Services
Natural History Exhibits
Tudor Education Workshops
Venue Hire
School Outreach Programs
Heritage Conservation
Sensory-Friendly Tours
Temporary Exhibitions
Historical Research
Community Events
Family Activities
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer award-winning educational programs aligned with national curriculum standards
- Our collections include modern taxidermy specimens from local ecosystems
- We provide sensory-friendly resources for visitors with special educational needs
- Our team delivers interactive workshops in historic timber-framed buildings
- We maintain three Grade I listed heritage sites with accessible facilities
What people say
Award-winning education programs
Interactive Tudor workshops
Beautifully restored buildings
Knowledgeable volunteers
Family-friendly activities
Services
Natural History Exhibits
Our natural history collection features taxidermy specimens of local mammals and birds, showcasing ecosystems from woodlands to wetlands. Visitors explore biodiversity through interactive displays and learn about conservation efforts. The exhibits include modern specimens that died naturally, providing educational insights into regional wildlife habitats.
Tudor Education Workshops
Award-winning workshops align with national curriculum standards for history, geography, and science. Students engage with Tudor-era artifacts, participate in costumed role-play, and explore restored buildings. Sessions include handling collections and interactive activities that bring 16th-century life to life for primary and secondary school groups.
Venue Hire
The Old Baptist Chapel provides a historic setting for cultural events with modern amenities. The space accommodates 80 guests with accessible facilities, audio-visual equipment, and flexible seating. Ideal for concerts, exhibitions, and community gatherings, it combines medieval architecture with contemporary functionality for special occasions.
Sensory-Friendly Tours
Tailored experiences accommodate visitors with special educational needs through sensory resources and adapted activities. Our staff provides quiet spaces, handling collections, and flexible pacing to create inclusive visits. The program ensures accessibility to historic buildings while maintaining educational value for diverse learning requirements.
Heritage Conservation
We maintain three Grade I listed buildings through specialist conservation techniques. The Merchant's House and Old Baptist Chapel showcase period restoration with original features. Ongoing preservation projects ensure these medieval structures remain accessible while maintaining historical integrity through traditional craftsmanship and modern adaptations.
People
Tony Boyse
Chairman
Chairman of The John Moore Society with extensive knowledge of local history and heritage conservation. Oversees membership operations and strategic direction for the charitable organization.
Kirstie
Heritage Manager
Education specialist coordinating school programs and outreach activities. Manages bookings for educational visits and develops curriculum-linked workshops across the museum's historic sites.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
We're open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm (last entry 4:30pm) from April-October, with limited winter openings. Check our website for current dates.
Are there educational programs for schools?
Yes, we offer curriculum-linked workshops for all key stages, including Tudor history, natural science, and local geography programs with hands-on learning.
Can I hire the Old Baptist Chapel?
The chapel accommodates 80 guests with accessible facilities, available for cultural events, exhibitions, and community gatherings with modern amenities.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
The Old Baptist Chapel is fully accessible, while the main museum and Merchant's House have limited access due to historic building constraints.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash and card payments for admission and gift shop purchases during regular operating hours.
Do you offer outreach programs?
Our outreach sessions bring museum resources to schools, including handling collections and interactive workshops delivered by specialist educators.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Patrick Griffin
Oct 23, 2021
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Entered round the back of the building, this beautiful 15th century building is visited in two parts. The first building is dedicated to John Moore and his books. The town of Elmbury in his famous book is a thinly veiled reference to Tewkesbury. The museum is situated on three levels and has many exhibits of stuffed animals and old tools. The second building, a few doors along, is a look at the life of a merchant who would have lived and worked in one of these houses. The house in question has been stripped back to what it would have looked like in the 15th century. Fascinating look at how the
Tony A.
Jan 31, 2020
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Very good, combining well displayed natural history with local history in a medieval building. Watch calendar for interesting talks. Welcoming friendly volunteers.
Tim Bull
Jan 20, 2020
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Very odd Musium. Cost us 3.50 each adult. (Cash only place) Tho double it if you want to do everything. The small old house is cool. The wildlife part is a little lacking and small, but interesting if you want to touch a fox or hedgehog. We spent about a hour here.
Liz Ward
Sep 07, 2019
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Very interesting ...price included small natural history museum and a medieval house with commentary from people who had lived in the row of houses. Very well preserved and guide answered any questions we had. Concession for 60+
