21 Museums in Northamptonshire
Who would have thought we would have so many museums in Northamptonshire!? Here is a list of 21 local museums displaying anything from Roman pottery to war planes to local canals.
Silverstone Museum
An absolute must for all Formula 1 enthusiasts.
Wellingborough Museum
Learn about the Romans and Anglo Saxons among other things and pick up a free museum trail leaflet.
Abington Museum
Learn all about the Abington Manor house.
Jeyes of Earls Barton
Located in the heart of Earls Barton, Jeyes blends history, retail and hospitality, creating an unforgettable experience and a lasting impression on regular guests, new customers and visiting tourists.
Canal Museum Stoke Bruerne
Full of interactive displays and collections to bring to life what it was like to live and work on Britain’s canals. Take a stroll along the towpath near Blisworth Tunnel, and the Woodland Walk, with its wire sculptures.
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
Learn all about Northampton’s shoe history as well as various temporary exhibitions
Sywell Aviation
A volunteer run museum showcasing various aviation exhibits
Irchester Narrow Gauge Railway Museum
Located within Irchester Country park, the museum is home to a collection of exhibits and industrial artifacts, which include, steam and diesel locomotives, a life-size diorama of a quarry, along with many other interesting displays.
Oundle Museum
Oundle Museum is an award winning museum run by volunteers and located in the former Courthouse. From the prehistoric to modern times Oundle Museum has much to offer including many exhibits from the Roman, Saxon and Medieval periods.
Desborough Heritage Centre
Desborough Heritage Centre houses displays covering the history of Desborough from very early settlements to the 19th and 20th centuries.
Daventry Museum
Daventry has a complex and unique history of people moving to and through the town. The Museums collections tell these stories through permanent and temporary exhibitions, displaying artefacts, photographs and oral histories. The collection also includes contemporary material, preserving current history in the making, for future generations.
Rushden Museum
Visitors can explore a diverse collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the community’s evolution over the years. The museum is open on weekends, providing an engaging and educational experience for all ages. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the local area, Rushden Museum is a must-visit destination
Want more ideas of things to do? Check out this article…
Things To Do In Northamptonshire For Families
If you’ve hit Thursday and panic that you’ve got nothing planned for the weekend, then fear not!. Here is a one-stop guide to things to do in Northamptonshire with kids — packed with family days out in Northamptonshire that actually work in real life. You’ll find free things to do, indoor rainy-day backups, and easy outdoor wins like country parks and woods, plus a link to what’s on this week when you just need a ready-made plan.
78 Derngate
Designed and remodelled by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1916, 78 Derngate has been meticulously restored and opened to the public.
On-site: a boutique restaurant, light-filled art galleries, a stylish design shop and elegant spaces that can be hired for meetings, events and functions.
Harrington Aviation Museum
Displays and exhibits within the museum depict the history of the airfield and vividly show the work carried out by the 801st (Provisional) / 492nd Bomb Group, especially during Operation Carpetbagger, and their secret missions to deliver agents and supplies to resistance groups in Occupied Europe during the Second World War
Other exhibits and displays include the secret work of the British Special Operations Executive from their RAF base at Tempsford; the cold war roles of the airfield at Harrington with the Thor rockets; and the Royal Observer Corps.
The Piddington Roman Villa Museum
Award-winning museum, displaying results of the ongoing excavation of a Roman Villa.
Rothwell Arts and Heritage Centre
The Centre features exhibits and displays that showcase the rich history of Rothwell, including its medieval past and the important role it played in both the shoe and lace-making industries.
It also features objects and displays related to Rothwell’s famous son, Jim Dale M.B.E., actor, singer, songwriter & comedian whose family collection of pictures, posters, original recordings, scripts and memorabilia are a unique feature of the Heritage Centre.
Chester House Estate
Located on a Roman archaeological site the museum boasts a variety of Roman artefacts.
Burton Latimer Heritage Museum
Burton Latimer Heritage Society was formed in 2000 to promote an interest in the history of Burton Latimer and its people.
Corby Heritage Centre
From Corby’s historic villages to the legacy of Stewarts and Lloyds, there’s so much to explore and learn. Discover the stories that shaped Corby community – including a time capsule for future generations!
Rushden Historical Transport Society
Rushden Transport Museum is housed in the Victorian Midland Railway Station, opened to passengers in 1894. The four station rooms now contain our unique collection of transport related items from the local area.
Visitor Centre Weedon Depot
Once known as The Royal Ordnance Depot, the complex was built as a secure place to store equipment, ammunition and weapons for use by the British Army. The Depot fulfilled its function from the Napoleonic Wars through to the end of National Service and serviced every major conflict in-between.
Do you know of any other museums in Northamptonshire that can be added to this post? Leave a comment below or email me the details at info@northantsfamilies.co.uk
The venues listed in this guide are run by third-party organisers, and all details were correct at the time of publication, based on information from their official websites. The opening times of each venue varies. To avoid any disappointment, we recommend double-checking the venues website for information before making plans.
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