Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Explore UK Food Heritage at Museum Of East Anglian Life
We are the UK's only museum dedicated to food heritage, established in 1967 as a volunteer-run rural life museum and rebranded as Museum Of East Anglian Life in 2022. Our mission connects people with food origins through 40,000 historical objects, 17 preserved buildings, and interactive experiences across 84 acres of Suffolk countryside. We specialise in exploring food's cultural, historical, and environmental impact through exhibitions like School Dinners and Apple Week, alongside educational programs for schools and families.Our East Anglia-rooted collection spans wartime rationing to Victorian steam engines, supported by charitable donations and volunteer contributions. We operate seasonally extended hours during school holidays and offer venue hire, digital collections access, and hands-on workshops celebrating Britain's agricultural heritage.
Services
Exhibitions
Educational Visits
Venue Hire
Digital Collection
Workshops
Caf
Allotments
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- We are the UK's only dedicated food heritage museum
- We operate 17 historic buildings across 84 acres of countryside
- Our collection includes 40,000 food-related historical artefacts
- We offer hands-on workshops and seasonal food festivals
- We provide educational programs aligned with national curriculum
What people say
Fantastic day out
Kids learnt so much
Incredibly helpful staff
Beautiful place
Year pass accessible
Services
Exhibitions
Our exhibitions explore food heritage through themed displays like School Dinners and Apple Week. Visitors engage with interactive installations and historical artefacts spanning centuries of food production. Each exhibition combines educational content with sensory experiences to demonstrate Britain's agricultural evolution.
Educational Visits
We provide curriculum-linked educational programs for schools with hands-on workshops and guided tours. Students learn about food production through practical activities and historical demonstrations. Our sessions combine academic content with interactive learning in a heritage setting.
Venue Hire
Our historic buildings and gardens host weddings and corporate events with unique heritage settings. The venue offers flexible spaces across 84 acres of countryside. We provide specialist support for event planning and catering services.
Questions
What is The Food Museum's main focus?
We explore Britain's food heritage through historical artefacts, interactive exhibits, and educational programs about food production and consumption.
Are there family activities available?
Yes, we offer hands-on workshops, seasonal festivals, and interactive exhibits suitable for children and families throughout the year.
Can I access collections online?
Our digital collection provides online access to thousands of historical food-related artefacts for remote research and learning.
Do you offer educational programs?
We provide curriculum-linked school programs with practical workshops and guided tours focused on food history and agriculture.
Reviews (7)
Connor Butler
Nov 10, 2021
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Had a great time visiting here with my grandad. Lots of really interesting exhibits and some lovely walks in between. It's a full day out and from what I could see it is great for kids too. Lots of lovely animals to say hello to and the cafe was great, really delicious food. To top it all off the staff and volunteers were extremely polite, helpful and welcoming to the museum. Would definitely visit again and recommend to everyone. If you live locally and have never visited, you're doing yourself a great injustice.
Barbara Wesley
Nov 07, 2021
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The Fireworks last night were brilliant as always .My Grandchildren loved them lots of fun had by all.
Kate Kimber
Nov 06, 2021
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We went to the bonfire and fireworks. It was a wonderful family event. The fireworks were great. We especially enjoyed the massive bonfire. We will definitely be coming back to see the rest of the museum soon. Love the gypsy caravans, just like Danny champion of the world.
Sandy Fisk
Oct 02, 2021
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Today we took part in the bread making course…what a fantastic, informative, fun session making so many different breads with a amazingly knowledgeable tutor, Sonya Hundal from Greenfield Bakers. Can’t recommend enough …loved it.
Heather Rugg
Aug 29, 2021
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Spent the whole afternoon here, lots to see and lovely area to walk around. Lots of engines, trades and animals . I had been before but had forgotten how big and how much was actually there, all in the middle of Stowmarket shops. Lovely get away from the town!
Claire Gosling
Aug 20, 2021
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We were amazed at how interesting the museum is and there is so much to see…our grandchildren are 4 years, 6 years and 9 years old, and all found it really interesting and fun. Our 4 year old, loved the play stations . It was amazing value . Lunch at the Cafe was delicious and good value. All the staff were so friendly too.
Mentalferret
Aug 14, 2021
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Lovely place but as all places has suffered from lack of volunteers over the last year, so lots of weeds invading the exhibits. But don't be distracted by that. There is lots to see and do. Buy a bronze ticket and get in all year, for the price of a day entry. Lovely cafe, nice staff.
