Museums in England (C-D)
A highly idiosyncratic list of both public and commercial places to visit, based on the exacting criteria of whatever I think might be fun. There are, of course, thousands of museums big and small throughout the UK. What's your favourite?

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Caister Hall Motor Museum    The largest privately held collection of vintage, antique, and historic motor cars in Britain, the Caister Hall Motor Museum boasts historic bicycles, pedal cars, and carriages in addition to superb early motor vehicles. Among the highlights of the collection at Caister Hall is the Lotus driven by famed driver Jim Clark, the very first production Fiesta (not quite as fast as the Lotus!), a Bugatti, a Bentley Speed 6, and a 1893 Panhard et Levassor, which can make a real claim to be the very first 'real' motor car. Castle Lane, Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk, England, NR30 5SN Attraction Type: Museum Location: On Castle Lane, just west of Caister on Sea, off the A1064 Website: Caister Hall Motor Museum Phone: 01572 787 649 Location map OS TG505123 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cambridge and County Folk Museum    The folk museum is housed in a delightful half-timbered building that once served as an inn. The collections show in detail the everyday life of Cambridge people over the past 400 years. 2/3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, CB3 0AQ Attraction Type: Museum Website: Cambridge and County Folk Museum Email: info@folkmuseum.org.uk Phone: 01223 355 159 Location map Details of Cambridge and County Folk Museum OS TL445 590 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cambridge University Museum of Zoology    A combination research facility and zoological collection, the museum is a part of the Department of Zoology at Cambridge University. Both fossil and currently living species are represented in the collection on display. In addition, the museum shows temporary exhibits, made to illustrate a particular scientific or zoological theme. Downing Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, CB2 3EJ Attraction Type: Museum Website: Cambridge University Museum of Zoology Email: umzc@zoo.cam.ac.uk Phone: 01223 336 650 Fax: 01223 336 679 Location map Details of Cambridge University Museum of Zoology OS TL451 582 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Campbell Legend Bluebird Exhibition    Sir Malcolm Campbell and his son Donald set 21 world speed records on land and sea. This musem uses video, photos, and scale models to tell the story of this remarkable father and son team. One of the highlights is a full-scale model of the jet engine hydroplane Bluebird in which Donald Campbell was killed while attempting to break the water speed record on Coniston water in 1967. Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmell, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, England, LA11 7PL Attraction Type: Museum Location: on B5278 Website: Campbell Legend Bluebird Exhibition Phone: 015395 58328 Location map OS SD355 775 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Carlisle Guildhall Museum    The Guildhall is one of Carlisle's medieval treasures, dating to 1405. There were eight separate guilds in Carlisle, and each guild had a separate meeting room. Each guild room has its own character and hosts displays relating to the history of the city and the guild. Within the museum are displays outlining the city's history, including stocks used for punishing criminals, the chest which kept the city's valuables safe in the Middle Ages, and two bells from the Elizabethan period that were awarded as prizes for horse racing. Carlisle, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Museum Location: close to the Visitor Centre in the Old Town Hall Phone: 01228 534 781 Details of Carlisle Guildhall Museum OS NY 401560 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Castlegate House Gallery    This listed Georgian House is home to exhibits of contemporary paintings, sculpture, ceramics jewellery and glass. Walled scupture garden. Castlegate Drive, Cockermouth, Cumbria, England, CA13 9HA Attraction Type: Museum Location: opposite Cockermouth Castle Website: Castlegate House Gallery Email: castlegatehouse.co.uk Phone: 01900 822 149 Fax: 01900 822 149 Location map OS NY124 309 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cecil Higgins Art Gallery    Splendid recreated Victorian mansion adjoining gallery housing collections of watercolours, prints and drawings, as well as lace, glass and ceramics. Pleasant garden setting near the embankment. Castle Lane, Bedford, Bedfordshire, England, MK40 3RP Attraction Type: Museum Location: in town centre, E of High Street Website: Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Email: chag@bedford.gov.uk Phone: 01234 211 222 Fax: 01234 327 149 Location map OS TL052497 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Charlbury Museum    A museum of local interest, maintained by The Charlbury Society. On display are 19th century farm tools, historic photographs, an Oxfordshire wagon, a pennyfarthing bicycle and other artefacts depicting the heritage of the ancient glove-making market town of Charlbury. Corner House, Market Street Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, OX7 3PN Attraction Type: Museum Location: On the B4437 5 miles west of Woodstock Phone: +44 01608 810060 Location map OS SP357195 Photo Credit: Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Chart Gunpowder Mills    One of the few remaining gunpowder mills in the UK, Chart Mill was the home of English gunpowder manufacture for centuries, from its initial construction around 1560 until the 1930s. The current mill was built in the 18th century and provides a fascinating look into the painstaking production of explosives and gunpowder over time. Seasonal opening. Stonebridge Way, Faversham, Kent, England Attraction Type: Museum Location: W of town centre; pedestrian access signposted from South Road Website: Chart Gunpowder Mills Email: faversham@btinternet.com Phone: 01795 534 542 OS TQ615 015 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Chesil Beach Visitor Centre   The Chesil Beach Centre near Portland tells the story of the region's unique geology through a series of interactive displays. Visitors can also take a trip on the glass-bottomed Fleet Observer boat to examine the marine world of Chesil more closely. Portland Beach Road, Portland, Dorset, England, DT4 9XE Attraction Type: Museum Location: off the A354 between Weymouth and Portland Website: Chesil Beach Visitor Centre Email: reserve@chesil.fsworld.co.uk Phone: 01305 760 579 Fax: 01305 759 692 Location map Details of Chesil Beach Visitor Centre OS SY669 756 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Chichester District Museum    A marvellous museum covering the rich past of Chichester and area, with displays ranging from prehistory, geology, archaeology, Roman, Saxon, and medieval Chichester. Special display on the prehistoric find known as Boxgrove Man. 29 Little London, Chichester, West Sussex, England, PO19 1PB Attraction Type: Museum Location: Free entry Website: Chichester District Museum Email: districtmuseum@chichester.gov.uk Phone: 01243 784683 Location map OS SU863049 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Chiltern Open Air Museum    Visit a Victorian farmyard, a 1940's prefab, Medieval fields, and an Iron Age house. If, after all that, you need a break, just pop into the Edwardian public convenience Newland Park, Gorlands Lane Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, England, HP8 4AB Attraction Type: Museum Location: adjacent to University College, off M5 Website: Chiltern Open Air Museum Email: coamuseum@netscape.net Phone: 01494 871 117 Fax: 01494 872 774 Location map OS TQ010 937 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Christ Church Picture Gallery    An important collection of Old Master paintings and drawings, originating with the 1765 bequest of General John Guise, and since expanded to its current total of 300 paintings and some 2000 drawings. Christ Church, St Aldates Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, OX1 1DP Attraction Type: Museum Location: within the walls of Christ Church Website: Christ Church Picture Gallery Email: picturegallery@chch.ox.ac.uk Phone: 01865 276172 Fax: 01865 202429 Location map OS SP5144005960 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Clare Ancient House Museum    A lovely museum detailing the history of the historic Suffolk village of Clare and its inhabitants, through displays on local education, leather goods, clothing, transport, and brewing. There is a small entry fee. High Street, Clare, Suffolk, England, CO10 8PT Attraction Type: Museum Location: Beside the church, in the centre of Clare village, about 6 miles west of Long Melford Website: Clare Ancient House Museum Email: clareah@btinternet.com Phone: +44 (0)1787 277662 Location map OS TL765455 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cobbaton Combat Collection    Cobbaton Military Museum is billed as 'A Hobby which got out of hand'. It certainly did! Preston Isaac had a passion for World War II, and his collection of military paraphernalia, including tanks, guns, helmets, artillery, bombs, and other weapons. But the 'Home Front' is equally well represented, with the collection including ration books, blackout lamps, civilian gas masks, as well as Home Guard and ARP uniforms. Chittlehampton, Umberleigh, Devon, England, EX37 9RZ Attraction Type: Museum Website: Cobbaton Combat Collection Email: info@cobbatoncombat.co.uk Phone: 01364 621321 Location map OS SS613264 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cogges Manor Farm Museum    A working time capsule of Oxfordshire rural life, Cogges Hall is housed in a Cotswold stone farm buildings surrounding a Victorian manor. Traditional breeds of animals include sheep, cows, chickens, and pigs. Thee are regular demonstrations of farm crafts such as butter-making and milking. Costumed farm workers and Victorian maids in the farmhouse go through their range of daily activities for visitors. Church Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire, England, OX28 3LA Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A40; access by footbridge from centre of Witney Website: Cogges Manor Farm Museum Phone: 01993 772 602 Fax: 01993 703 056 Location map OS SP361 096 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cole Museum of Zoology    Over 4000 zoological specimens are contained in this fascinating museum. Specimens are drawn from all across the globe, and include an extensive marine collection. Much attention is made at the museum to dissected specimens, showing visitors at first hand the diverse biology of our planet and its diverse inhabitants. AMS Building, University of Reading Reading, Berkshire, England, RG6 6AJ Attraction Type: Museum Location: on the Whiteknights campus, off Shinfield Road Website: Cole Museum of Zoology Email: colemuseum@reading.ac.uk Phone: 0118 378 4428 Location map OS SU718 736 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Colour Museum    An educational project of the Society of Dyers and Colourists, the museum is divided into two galleries. The World of Colour looks at the physical properties of colour, (and why a colour looks different to different people, and different again to animals). The Colour and Textiles Gallery traces the history and technology of textile dyeing and printing all the way back to ancient Egypt. Fascinating stuff. Perkin House, 82 Grattan Road Bradford, Yorkshire, England, BD1 2JB Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A6037 Website: Colour Museum Phone: 01274 725138 Fax: 01274 392888 Location map OS SE165 334 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Commandery    The building that houses The Commandery is a delightful half-timbered Tudor house that was used by Charles II as his headquarters for the Battle of Worcester in 1651. The battle was the final conflict in the long English Civil War, and the defeat of Charles' forces essentially sealed Parliament's victory in the war. The Commandery reopened in 2007 following an extensive refurbishment, with vivid reconstructions of six selected periods of the city's history. Sidbury, Worcester, Worcestershire, England, WR1 2HU Attraction Type: Museum Location: south-east of Worcester Cathedral, beside Sidbury Lock on the River Severn Website: Commandery Phone: 01905 361 821 Fax: 01905 361 822 Location map Details of Commandery OS SO853 544 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Compton Verney    Compton Verney is an award-winning art gallery located in a beautiful Grade 1 listed mansion built by Robert Adam. The house is set in over 120 acres of landscaped grounds designed by Capability Brown. Within the gallery are 6 permanent exhibits and a changing array of temporary exhibitions. Compton Verney, Warwickshire, England, CV35 9HZ Attraction Type: Museum Location: Located 12 miles from Leamington Spa, on the B4086 between Wellesbourne and Kineton, and 6 miles from J12 of the M40. Website: Compton Verney Phone: 44 (0)1926 645500 Fax: 44 (0)1926 645501 Location map Details of Compton Verney OS SP310805 Photo Credit: Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Corinium Museum   A jewel in the Cotswold crown, this award-winning museum tells the story of the old Roman town of Corinium, and its evolution into modern Cirencester. A wealth of Roman finds are displayed and there are plenty of hands-on exhibits to encourage visitors young and old to learn about the fascinating history of this region. See a Roman town-house interior, and mosaic floors reconstructed from original finds. Park Street, Cirencester, Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, England, GL7 2BX Attraction Type: Museum Website: Corinium Museum Email: museums@cotswold.gov.uk Phone: 01285 655 611 Location map Details of Corinium Museum - Photos of Corinium Museum OS SP021 021 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cowes Maritime Museum    A small museum with model boats from the Maritime Collection. Thee is an extensive archive of material from the island's yachting and shipbuilding heritage which is accessible by appointment.. Cowes Library, Beckford Road Cowes, Isle of Wight, England, PO31 7SG Attraction Type: Museum Location: Located within the Cowes Library. Free Entry. Website: Cowes Maritime Museum Email: museums@iow.gov.uk Phone: 01983 823433 Location map OS SZ495958 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cowper and Newton Museum    Carefully accurate restoration of 18th century gardens of keen gardener William Cowper are an interesting part of the museum documenting the lives of Cowper and Rev. John Newton. Orchard Side, Market Place Olney , Buckinghamshire, England, MK46 4AJ Attraction Type: Museum Location: 6 m N Newport Pagnell Website: Cowper and Newton Museum Email: cnm@mkheritage.co.uk Phone: 01234 711 516 Fax: 08701 640 662 Location map OS SP889 512 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Crawley Museum Centre    A museum of local history and artefacts covering the Crawley area from prehistoric times to the creation of the New Town. There are permanent displays and a programme of changing exhibits. Among the permanent exhibits are archaeological fnds, Iron Age pottery, Romano-British finds, and Victorian nostalgia. Goffs Park House, Crawley, West Sussex, England, RH11 8PE Attraction Type: Museum Website: Crawley Museum Centre Phone: 01293 539088 Location map OS TQ259360 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cuckfield Museum    A small museum covering the story of Cuckfield village and its history. The museum features an ongoing programme of special events and exhibitions. Recent exhibitions include a display of historic objects found at local residences. Queen's Hall, High Street Cuckfield, West Sussex, England, RH17 5EL Attraction Type: Museum Location: Free entry Website: Cuckfield Museum Email: cuckfieldmuseum@btconnect.com Phone: 01444 473630 Location map OS TQ304248 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Derby Industrial Museum    On the site of the city's first silk mill, the museum contains exhibits of the industries that have played an important role in Derby's development, incuding silk, mining, china, aeronautics, and the railroad. Silk Mill Lane, off Full Street Derby, Derbyshire, England, DE1 3AF Attraction Type: Museum Location: just S of the A601; parking at the Assembly Rooms car park Website: Derby Industrial Museum Phone: 01332 255 308 Fax: 01332 255 108 Location map Details of Derby Industrial Museum OS SK353 366 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Derby Museum and Art Gallery    There's lots to see here, from an award-winning Ceramics Gallery, to displays relating to the social, military, and natural history of the city and county, to historic clocks and local fine art exhibits. There are even two Egyptian mummies! The gallery houses the world's largest collection of the paintings of 18th Century Derby artist Joseph Wright. The Strand, Derby, Derbyshire, England, DE1 1BS Attraction Type: Museum Website: Derby Museum and Art Gallery Phone: 01332 716 659 Fax: 01332 716 670 Location map Details of Derby Museum and Art Gallery OS SK351 363 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Didcot Railway Centre    Didcot houses the steam engine collection from the old Great Western Railway in the original engine shed. Check ahead for the dates of their Steamdays, when the old warhorses come out of the shed and take you for a ride. Station Road, Didcot, Oxfordshire, England, OX11 7NJ Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A4310 Website: Didcot Railway Centre Email: info@didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk Phone: 01235 817 200 Fax: 01235 510 621 Location map OS SU526 905 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

DIG    Grab a trowel and get your hands dirty taking part in the excavation of artifacts from two milleniums of York history, from Roman times through the Victorian era. St Saviour's Church, St Saviourgate York, Yorkshire, England, YO1 8NN Attraction Type: Museum Website: DIG Email: groups@yorkarchaeology.co.uk Phone: 01904 615 505 Location map OS SE607 520 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Ditchling Museum    A museum of social history, arts and crafts in the Ditchling area. Ditchling has a long history as a popular centre for arts, with many successful artists settling in the area. The museum has permanent exhibitions showcasing the work of many artists who lived and worked in Ditchling. Church Lane, Ditchling, East Sussex, England Attraction Type: Museum Website: Ditchling Museum OS TQ325152 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Donington Collection of Grand Prix Racing Cars    Next to Donington Park racing circuit is this collection of motorcycles and 130 grand prix race cars, claimed to be the largest single-seater collection in the world. Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby, Derbyshire, England, DE74 2RP Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A453 Website: Donington Collection of Grand Prix Racing Cars Phone: 01332 810 048 Location map OS SK423 258 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Dorset County Museum    The County Museum traces the natural, archaeological, social, and geological history of the county. High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, England, DT1 1XA Attraction Type: Museum Website: Dorset County Museum Email: enquiries@dorsetcountymuseum.org Phone: 01305 262 735 Fax: 01305 257 180 Location map Details of Dorset County Museum OS SY692 908 Photo Credit: Joanne Paul Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Dorset Teddy Bear Museum    The charming Dorset Teddy Bear Museum is a delight for children and adults who haven't forgotten what it is like to have fun! A century's worth of teddy history, from such old favorites as Rupert Bear and Winnie the Pooh to today's TV stars. If you just have to take a friend or two home with you, there is now a teddy bear shop in a separate location on Trinity Street. Eastgate, Dorchester, Dorset, England, DT1 1JU Attraction Type: Museum Location: corner of High East Street and Salisbury Street Website: Dorset Teddy Bear Museum Email: info@teddybearmuseum.co.uk Phone: 01305 266 040 Fax: 01305 268 885 Location map Details of Dorset Teddy Bear Museum OS SY695 906 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

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