Name: Charnwood Museum
Rating: 5.0

Charnwood Museum

Charnwood Museum, Granby Street, Loughborough, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Charnwood Museum is a family-oriented local history hub situated within the beautiful surroundings of Queen's Park. It presents a colourful exploration of the Loughborough area, ranging from ancient archaeology to the town’s famous industrial heritage. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Loughborough if you are looking for an educational museum experience that offers plenty of hands-on activities to keep small hands busy.

Admission to the museum is completely free of charge for all visitors, making it an excellent low-cost option for a family morning out. While the permanent galleries don't cost a penny, some specific workshops or seasonal events may have a small associated fee. You can simply turn up and explore without the need for advance booking for general admission.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines indoor learning with outdoor play, this museum is the perfect choice. The galleries are specifically designed with children in mind, featuring interactive discovery centres and plenty of buttons to press. Since it is located right next to a popular park, you can easily combine a museum visit with a run around the playground or a family picnic.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Exhibits: The "Discovery Centre" is packed with puzzles and games that explain the natural world and local history.
Sensory Play: Children can explore various textures and sounds in the nature-themed areas.
Educational Day Out: The museum tells the story of how Loughborough changed from a quiet village to a world-famous centre for bell-founding.
Parkside Location: Being within Queen's Park means you have immediate access to open green spaces and a large play area.

Top 5 Highlights

The Charnwood Giant: This is a huge fossil of a sea creature that lived hundreds of millions of years ago. Kids love seeing the scale of the bones and imagining a time when Leicestershire was under a tropical sea.
Loughborough Bells: As the home of the famous Taylor’s Bellfoundry, the museum has a great display on bell-making. There are often interactive elements where kids can hear the different tones of the bells.
The Victorian Kitchen: Step back in time to see how people cooked before microwaves and electric ovens. It’s a great way for children to compare their own homes with the past.
Nature Space: This area focuses on the wildlife found in the nearby Charnwood Forest. It features taxidermy and models that let kids get up close to foxes, badgers, and birds they might see in their own gardens.
Archaeology Gallery: This section features Roman and Anglo-Saxon finds from the local area. The "hidden" drawers often contain small treasures like coins and jewellery that kids can "discover" themselves.

Facilities

Toilets: Full facilities are available inside, including baby changing and accessible toilets.
Buggy Parking: The museum is single-level and very pushchair-friendly; you can easily take your buggy through the galleries.
Food & Drink: While there isn't a full café inside, there is a small café in Queen's Park nearby, and Granby Street has numerous options.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Pack a Picnic: Since the museum is free and in a park, it’s the perfect spot for a budget-friendly picnic by the bandstand after your visit.
Check the Event Calendar: During school holidays, the museum often hosts "Make and Take" craft sessions for a small fee (usually £2-£3).
Avoid Rainy Saturday Afternoons: As a free indoor space, it can get quite busy when the weather turns, so try to visit on a weekday morning if you prefer a quieter experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Charnwood Museum worth it for toddlers? Yes, it is excellent for toddlers. The Discovery Centre and Nature Space have tactile exhibits and low-level displays that are perfect for little ones who want to touch and explore rather than just look.
How long does a visit take? A typical visit lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you choose to spend time in the Discovery Centre doing puzzles or if you head out into Queen's Park afterwards, you can easily turn it into a half-day trip.
Where is the best place to park? The Beehive Lane Car Park is the most reliable option for families. It is a modern multi-storey car park with plenty of space and is only a short, flat walk away from the museum entrance.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Loughborough? Charnwood Museum is arguably the best "near me" option for a free indoor activity. It offers high-quality educational displays and interactive play without the price tag of a commercial soft play centre.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

Perfect Size: Parents often mention that the museum isn't "overwhelmingly big," making it easy to see everything before the kids get tired.
Interactive Discovery: The drawers and buttons in the nature and archaeology sections are a consistent hit with toddlers and primary-aged children.
Cost: Being free entry is frequently highlighted as a major plus for local families.

What Visitors Don't Like

Limited Parking: Because it's in a park near the town centre, finding a space right outside can be difficult.
No Dedicated Café: Some visitors wish there were an indoor spot for a hot drink directly inside the museum galleries.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

Ladybird Books Collection: Loughborough was the home of these iconic books; see original artwork and classic covers.
The Charnwood Giant Fossil: An ancient Plesiosaur skeleton.
Taylor’s Bell Foundry Display: Tools and moulds used in the traditional bell-making process.
The Roman Burial Urns: Found locally, these give a glimpse into ancient burial customs.
Vintage Fire Engine: A highlight for many younger children fascinated by vehicles.
Anglo-Saxon Spearheads: Real weapons used by early settlers in the region.
The Heathcoat Lace Machine: An impressive piece of Victorian industrial machinery.
Dyeing and Hosiery Tools: Representing the town’s rich textile history.
Natural History Discovery Drawers: Filled with shells, stones, and bones for tactile learning.
The Granby Street Schoolroom: A nostalgic look at what school life was like for Victorian children.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Queen's Park Playground: Located just outside the museum doors, this is one of the best play areas in the town.
The Carillon Tower: This iconic war memorial in the park houses 47 bells and occasionally hosts live recitals.
Loughborough Town Centre: A 5-minute walk away, featuring a bustling market on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Great Central Railway: Located about a mile away, this is a premier heritage steam railway perfect for a combined day out.

New for 2026

Updated Ladybird Gallery: [Information not available on official website] regarding specific new titles, but the collection is periodically refreshed for 2026 to show more of the town's publishing history.
Interactive Digital Wildlife Map: A new for 2026 addition to the Nature Space that allows kids to track sightings in Charnwood Forest.
Sustainable Charnwood Exhibit: A small temporary display focused on local environmental projects for the current year.
Events: For more upcoming events please visit here https://www.charnwoodmuseum.co.uk/events

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Regarding specific birthday party packages. The museum generally focuses on educational visits. For private hire enquiries, you can contact the museum management. Contact for Enquiries: [email protected]

Summer opening hours - April to September.

Wednesday to Saturday 10am - 4pm.
Sunday 1pm - 4pm.
Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Winter opening hours- October to March.

Wednesday to Saturday - 10am - 3pm.
Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Address: Charnwood Museum, Granby Street, Loughborough, UK

Post Code: LE11 3DU

Council: Charnwood

County: Leicestershire

By Car: Use postcode LE11 3DU. Follow signs for Loughborough Town Centre and Queen's Park.
By Train: Loughborough Station is a 15-minute walk.
By Bus: Numerous local buses stop at the High Street, just a few minutes' walk from the park entrance.
Car Parking: The closest car park is the Beehive Lane Multi-storey (pay and display), located about 3 minutes away. Limited on-street parking is available on Granby Street.