Business Details
Explore Uttoxeter's History at Redfern's Cottage
Redfern's Cottage Museum of Uttoxeter Life offers a comprehensive exploration of Uttoxeter's history, from its Anglo-Saxon origins to its modern identity. Our eight museum galleries showcase social history, arts, artifacts, and local archives, while our newly renovated caf provides Fair Trade refreshments in a glass and oak extension overlooking a courtyard garden. We deliver educational programs aligned with National Curriculum guidelines, focusing on key historical periods through interactive sessions for schools and community groups. The museum's collection includes rare documents, photographs, and objects spanning centuries, with special exhibitions and events held throughout the year.Visitors can explore themed walking tours, access archival materials, and engage with volunteer opportunities that support heritage conservation. Our gift shop features locally made products, Uttoxeter-branded ceramics, and historical publications, while accessibility features ensure inclusive access to ground floor facilities. As a registered charity, we rely on memberships, donations, and legacies to preserve and expand our collections for future generations.
Services
Museum Galleries
Educational Programs
Archival Research
Gift Shop
Guided Tours
Caf Services
Volunteer Opportunities
Membership Program
Event Hosting
Heritage Conservation
Highlights and features
- We offer eight themed museum galleries exploring 1,000 years of local history
- Our education programme aligns with National Curriculum history requirements
- We provide access to unique archival collections unavailable elsewhere
- Our heritage building features accessible ground floor facilities
- We support local artisans through our museum gift shop
Services
Museum Galleries
Our five main galleries chronicle Uttoxeter's evolution from Anglo-Saxon settlement to modern town. Visitors explore social history artifacts, Victorian domestic life exhibits, and 20th-century memorabilia. The displays contextualize local developments within national historical frameworks.
Educational Programs
Curriculum-linked workshops cover medieval Uttoxeter, Victorian industry, and 20th-century conflicts. Students handle historical objects, analyse documents, and participate in role-playing activities. Sessions accommodate Key Stages 1-2 with teacher support materials provided.
Archival Research
Our archive holds rare documents including poor law records, apprenticeship indentures, and 19th-century legal deeds. Researchers access digitised catalogues, request specific materials, and receive specialist guidance. The collection spans Uttoxeter and surrounding parishes within a 10-mile radius.
Gift Shop
The shop stocks locally made ceramics, historical publications, and Uttoxeter-themed merchandise. Products include replica artifacts, postcards, and books detailing regional history. Proceeds directly support museum conservation efforts and collection expansion.
Guided Tours
Expert-led tours explore Carter Street's architectural history, the High Street's commercial development, and the Market Place's evolution. Visitors learn about local industries, notable residents, and significant events shaping Uttoxeter's urban landscape over three centuries.
Questions
What are Redfern's Cottage opening hours?
We're open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-2pm. The museum is closed Sundays, Mondays, and bank holidays.
Is there parking available at the museum?
Limited on-street parking exists outside with blue badge spaces available by prior arrangement. Town centre car parks within 5 minutes walking distance.
Are there facilities for school groups?
We offer curriculum-linked workshops for Key Stages 1-2 with specialist handling collections and document analysis activities for up to 30 students per session.
Can I access historical documents at Redfern's Cottage?
Our archive contains local history documents dating from the 17th century. Researchers should contact the archive team to arrange appointments and access catalogues.
Does the museum have wheelchair access?
Ground floor facilities including shop, café, and accessible toilet are fully accessible. First-floor galleries require stair access only.
How can I support the museum?
Support options include annual memberships from £8, one-off donations, volunteering opportunities, and legacy gifts in wills. All contributions directly support our conservation work.
Reviews (6)
Josi Parker
Sep 19, 2021
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Absolutely wonderful staff, beautiful courtyard around the back serving coffee and a cupcake for just 2 on the day we visited As well as the interesting and informative museum about the history of Uttoxeter, there's a lovely little gift shop and an array of second hand books available to purchase for a donation. I've lived in and around Uttoxeter all my life but hadn't realised what a little gem this place is!
Hetty Young
Jul 26, 2021
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Very Very nice Tea and cake was rather nice and staff was very friendly and place and tables clean also the gardens were colour full would recommend to anyone
Gay Pye
Jul 23, 2021
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Such a nice cafe in Hope Park. Always wonderful to go back to Keswick snd the amazing Borrowdale Valley...Home to us for 9 wonderful years.
Sue Dutton
Jul 17, 2021
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Lovely historical.building.Information center manned by volunteers.Lovely welcome and smile on entering. Good cuppa and home made cake too.
Tree
Dec 31, 2020
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Is a good museum with friendly and knowledgeable staff but is out of the way and can only really be found if you know about it before.
Carol Kubicki
Jun 08, 2019
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A small but interesting museum that is worth visiting to learn more about Uttoxeter, the markets, its place in history and industries. They have stories from local people across the centuries and it is run by friendly people.
