Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Explore Rutland's History at Rutland County Museum
Rutland County Museum serves as the definitive gateway to Englands smallest county, offering free access to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures. Established in 1967, our institution curates over 13,000 artefacts spanning from prehistoric Rutland to the Victorian era, including the renowned Rutland Sea Dragon virtual reality experience. Our accredited collections feature archaeological discoveries, rural life exhibits, and medieval relics, complemented by educational workshops for schools and interactive family activities. We host rotating exhibitions, local history displays, and community engagement projects, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers and the Friends of Rutland County Museum.Accredited by the Museums Association, we maintain rigorous standards in collection care, accessibility, and public engagement, ensuring our resources remain available for future generations. Our facilities include a gift shop offering locally crafted items, accessible amenities, and partnerships with Oakham Castle to enhance visitor experiences. Through our Portable Antiquities Scheme, we collaborate with the public to record archaeological finds, advancing regional historical knowledge. With flexible opening hours and a commitment to inclusivity, we strive to make Rutlands heritage accessible to all.
Services
Museum Entry
Educational Workshops
Gift Shop Retail
Virtual Reality Experience
Archaeological Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- We offer free admission to all permanent exhibitions.
- Our accredited collections include over 13,000 Rutland-specific artefacts.
- We provide immersive educational experiences for schools and families.
- Our facilities are fully wheelchair accessible with assistive technologies.
- We host unique virtual and augmented reality heritage experiences.
Associations and certifications
- Museums Association
- VAQAS
What people say
Free entry
Interactive exhibits
Educational value
Friendly staff
Family-friendly
Services
Museum Entry
Free public access to permanent collections showcasing Rutland's heritage. Includes archaeological displays, Victorian artefacts, and interactive exhibits. Ideal for families and history enthusiasts seeking immersive local history experiences.
Educational Workshops
Curriculum-linked sessions for Key Stages 1-2 covering prehistory to World War II. Features hands-on activities with historical artefacts, role-playing, and site-specific learning at Oakham Castle.
Virtual Reality Experience
Immersive Jurassic Seas simulation featuring the Rutland Sea Dragon. Designed for ages 7+, with scheduled sessions exploring Rutland's prehistoric marine environment through cutting-edge technology.
Gift Shop Retail
Sells locally crafted gifts, educational toys, and Rutland-themed souvenirs. Offers 10% discount for carers with valid identification, supporting community artisans and heritage preservation.
Archaeological Consultation
Portable Antiquities Scheme support for recording historical finds. Provides expert identification, documentation, and conservation advice for public-submitted archaeological discoveries in Rutland and Leicestershire.
Questions
What are Rutland County Museum's opening hours?
Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 10am–4pm. Closed Bank Holidays including Good Friday.
Is admission to the museum free?
Yes, all permanent exhibitions are free to access. Donations support museum operations.
What special exhibits are available in 2025?
Explore the Rutland Sea Dragon VR experience and Empingham Village History display.
Does the museum offer educational programs?
Yes, we provide curriculum-linked workshops for schools and family-friendly learning activities.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, we have wheelchair access, a lift to balcony displays, and a loanable wheelchair available.
Can I host events at the museum?
Contact us about hiring spaces for private functions, subject to availability and guidelines.
Reviews (5)
Gill Henson
Sep 21, 2021
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Really enjoyed our morning there, very enlightening, only very small problem, stairs to the upper level should have better signage.
Roger Byron
Sep 12, 2021
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Interesting little museum with emphasis on agriculture, although lots of other stuff to see as well. The gallows were chilling and evoked much harsher times. Well laid out and free entry as well!
Lois Easter
Sep 07, 2021
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Spent two hours this afternoon in this very interesting museum. Very welcoming and well presented. Informative exhibits. And free entry@ the
Ian Clark
Aug 27, 2021
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Excellent and welcoming local museum. Good to see it busy. Excellent access to bike and car parking right outside
Barry Lloyd
Aug 08, 2021
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Really excellent museum. It includes a recreation of a 19th century kitchen, an explanation of how Rutland Water came into being, the history of Rutland and lots of machinery that was used in this mainly rural county.
