Business Details
41 Years
experience
Discover the Home of Medical Innovation in Berkeley
We are the custodians of Dr Edward Jenner's historic home, where the pioneering discovery of vaccination transformed global health. Since opening as a museum in 1985, we have preserved this iconic site while evolving our educational programmes to address contemporary issues in medical science. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to maintain the 18th-century architecture and gardens, ensuring visitors engage with Jenner's groundbreaking legacy through authentic experiences. With over four decades of operation, we combine historical stewardship with modern interpretation to inspire future generations. Our current five-year restoration plan addresses critical conservation needs while preparing for the 2030 SEC50 international celebration marking 50 years since smallpox eradication.Through strategic partnerships and community support, we aim to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sustainable science education hub. Our accessible facilities and diverse programming reflect our commitment to inclusivity, while our physical archives and digital resources provide unparalleled access to vaccination history. As guardians of this vital heritage, we balance preservation with innovation to maintain relevance in contemporary public health discourse.
Services
Museum Entry
Guided Tours
Educational Programmes
Gift Shop
Event Hosting
Archives Access
Historical Research
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We safeguard the original site of the world's first vaccination since 1796
- Our expert-led educational programmes align with national science curricula
- We offer unique access to primary historical medical resources and archives
- Our dedicated team includes specialists in heritage conservation and public health history
- We provide immersive learning experiences through period-accurate settings and exhibits
Services
Museum Entry
Explore Edward Jenner's preserved home where vaccination was discovered. Our exhibits showcase original medical instruments, personal artifacts, and interactive displays explaining smallpox eradication. Visitors follow Jenner's scientific journey through period rooms and themed gardens, including the Temple of Vaccinia where the first vaccination took place. The experience includes access to our interpretation centre detailing vaccination's global impact.
Educational Programmes
Curriculum-linked learning experiences for all education levels. Our programmes combine historic medical practices with modern public health education, featuring hands-on workshops and guided tours. Students engage with primary sources in our archive centre while teachers receive supporting resources. Special sessions explore vaccine hesitancy, scientific methodology, and the social history of disease eradication through interactive exhibits and expert-led discussions.
Guided Tours
Expert-led explorations of Jenner's life and work through his preserved home. Tours include access to restricted areas, detailed explanations of medical history, and insights into 18th-century scientific practices. Visitors discover the Physic Garden's medicinal plants and the Temple of Vaccinia's significance. Specialised tours focus on architectural history, Georgian medical practices, and vaccination's global legacy, with options for private groups and academic researchers.
Event Hosting
Unique venue hire for medical conferences, educational events, and heritage celebrations. Our restored Cyder House provides modern facilities within historic surroundings, accommodating up to 100 delegates. The setting combines scientific legacy with contemporary amenities, ideal for public health symposiums, academic conferences, and themed events. Packages include exclusive access, catering options, and curated experiences connecting events to vaccination history.
Archives Access
Specialist resource for medical historians and researchers. Our archive contains Jenner's personal correspondence, medical records, and vaccination development documentation. Researchers access primary sources through appointment-only access, supported by specialist staff. The collection includes rare books, historic medical texts, and materials relating to smallpox eradication campaigns. Digital resources and exhibition archives provide additional research opportunities for academic study of public health history and vaccine development.
People
Dr Jonathan Steel
Chair of Trustees
Leading the strategic direction of Dr Jenner's House as Chair of Trustees, Dr Steel brings extensive experience in heritage conservation and medical history. He oversees the implementation of the five-year restoration plan while maintaining the site's educational mission and historical integrity.
James Rodliff
Museum Director
As Museum Director, James Rodliff manages daily operations and visitor experiences. He coordinates educational programmes, exhibition development, and conservation efforts while promoting the site's significance in medical history through public engagement and academic partnerships.
Questions
What are Dr Jenner's House opening hours?
We're open Sunday to Wednesday, 11am-4pm. Last entry at 3pm. Special event weekends may have extended hours.
Are there concession prices available?
Yes, NHS staff and full-time students receive discounted admission at £8.00 with valid ID.
Is the site accessible for wheelchair users?
Step-free access is available to the garden and ground floor. An access folder details first-floor exhibits for visitors unable to climb stairs.
What is the SEC50 celebration?
SEC50 marks 50 years since smallpox eradication in 2030. We're preparing special exhibitions and international events at Jenner's historic home.
Can I host events at Dr Jenner's House?
Yes, our restored Cyder House offers conference facilities for up to 100 delegates with tailored packages for medical and heritage events.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Jacqueline Bell
Oct 28, 2021
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In the grounds of Berkley Castle interesting especially at the moment with Covid-19 jabs being rolled out
Kamil L.
Aug 20, 2021
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Learning about Edward Jenner in school, I was always intrigued to find out more about him. I was so happy visiting his home and learning more about the smallpox vaccine pioneer! The garden is lovely too, it's delightful to see how medical treatment has changed over the years! Staff inside the house/museum was really lovely too. We pre-booked our tickets for 16:00 but arrived 30mins early, it was no problem to enter the house early. I highly recommend visiting this place!
Tim Beale
Jan 02, 2020
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A stunning house with a great story. The house has great exhibits telling the good doctors story. I especially enjoyed seeing his study and the garden walk.
Martin Crawford
Nov 12, 2019
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Just attended one of their tours of old Berkeley walks. Owen tells a good story, highly recommended especially if you are interested in the quirky side of ye olde Berkeley.
Myles Horton
Jun 23, 2019
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So. This is advertised as Dr Jenner's House. It is in the grounds of Berkeley Castle. The cost to get into the castle is £12.00. You then have to try and find the entrance to the house to find the cost is an… additional £7.00. You then find out that It is not actually his house but a house on the site where his house was. Very disappointed.
Phil Mitchell
Sep 28, 2018
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A fascinating museum, where we spent several hours, learning about the efforts of this country GP and accordingly, given less credibility than the "London Set", but who nevertheless found a vaccine for small pox which opened the way for vaccination generally as a means of preventing disease. A day well spent if you have any interest in medical advancements.
Ruth Bull
Sep 04, 2018
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The name of Dr. Edward Jenner is world-renowned. On my recent visit to Australia, during May, his date of birth was referred to in a newspaper I was reading! The house is full of personal memorabilia of this amazing man; handwritten letters, notes and photographs of Dr Jenner's life and associates. Spent more than 2 hours there. So much to see - inside and outside. very worthwhile visit and whose name I now will never forget.
