Description
Ashby de la Zouch Museum is a volunteer-run local history museum that explores the rich heritage of this historic market town. As one of the best things to do with kids in Ashby de la Zouch, this accredited museum offers a range of family-friendly activities and interactive exhibits that bring local stories to life. It is an ideal spot for those looking to explore the town's past, from its Roman roots to its industrial heyday.
Prices are very affordable, with adult tickets costing £2.00. Junior tickets for those aged 5-16 are just £1.00, while children aged 4 and under can enter for free.
If you are looking for the best place for an educational day out with family and kids that offers a personal, community-focused feel, this museum is a fantastic choice. It provides a compact yet detailed look at local history that won't overwhelm younger visitors.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: Yes
Features
What makes Ashby de la Zouch Museum unique?
The museum is unique because it is entirely run by passionate volunteers who have curated a collection specifically about the local community. Unlike larger national museums, it offers a hands-on approach with a sensory play element through its dressing-up boxes and "touchable" history displays. It serves as a gateway to understanding the town's evolution, making it a perfect starting point before visiting the nearby castle.
- Community Roots: The museum focuses entirely on the town's people, meaning every exhibit has a local connection.
- Interactive Learning: Children are encouraged to engage with history through trails and physical activities rather than just reading labels.
- Hidden Gems: The building itself is a piece of history, situated in a former schoolhouse that adds to the atmosphere of the visit.
Top 5 Highlights
- The Dressing-Up Box: Kids love this area where they can wear replica historical costumes and imagine life in different eras.
- The Roman Coin Hoard: A fascinating look at actual Roman coins found locally, showing how far back the town's history goes.
- Local Industry Models: Detailed models showing the coal mining and clay working industries that once dominated the area.
- The Schoolroom Exhibit: A recreation of an old-fashioned classroom that allows kids to see how different school life used to be.
- The Temporary Gallery: This space rotates regularly with new themed displays, so there is often something new to see on return visits.
The museum houses a variety of specific objects and themed areas:
- The Roman Gilt-Bronze Brooch (A rare local find).
- 17th Century Civil War Armour (Replica pieces for kids to handle).
- The Victorian Kitchen Range (Showing how families cooked in the past).
- Local Pottery Collection (Featuring iconic designs made in the area).
- The Ashby Canal Display (History of the local waterway).
- Coal Mining Tools (Actual equipment used in nearby pits).
- The Town Fire Engine (Information on early local fire fighting).
- Wartime Ashby (Personal stories and memorabilia from the World Wars).
- The Archive Room (A deep dive into local maps and documents).
- The Museum Shop (Selling local history books and traditional toys).
Beyond the Main Attraction: Just a five-minute walk away is the famous Ashby de la Zouch Castle, managed by English Heritage. You can also visit the Bath Grounds for a picnic or explore the independent shops along Market Street.
7.47 miles
