Museums in England (E-L)
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

Eden Camp    A former winner of the Museum of the Year Award, Eden Camp recreates the experience of life in WWII Britain. Built in original prisoner of war huts. Edenhouse Road, Malton, Yorkshire, England, YO17 6RT Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A169 Website: Eden Camp Email: admin@edencamp.co.uk Phone: 01653 697777 Fax: 01653 698243 Location map OS SE798 746 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Elstow Moot Hall    At one end of the village green in Elstow is the old Moot Hall, a picturesque 15th century building of brick and timber which now houses a museum of 17th century life with a focus on the life and career of John Bunyan. Elstow, Bedford, Bedfordshire, England, MK42 9XT Attraction Type: Museum Location: on the S edge of Bedford Website: Elstow Moot Hall Email: moot.hall@bedscc.gov.uk Phone: 01234 266 889 Location map Details of Elstow Moot Hall OS TL048 475 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Ely Museum    The Ely Museum tells the vivid story of Ely and the surrounding fenlands from the city's origins to the present. The museum is located in the core of Ely, just 150 yards from the cathedral. The Old Gaol, Market Street Ely, Cambridgeshire, England, CB7 4LS Attraction Type: Museum Location: in town centre Website: Ely Museum Email: admin@elymuseum.org.uk Phone: 01353 666 655 Fax: 01353 659 259 Location map Details of Ely Museum OS TL542 805 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Eyam Museum    Eyam's small museum tells the story of the village and the plague which decimated its inhabitants in 1665. Hawkhill Road, Eyam, Derbyshire, England, S32 5QP Attraction Type: Museum Website: Eyam Museum Phone: 01433 631 371 Fax: 01433 631 371 Location map OS SK234 769 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Finchcocks    Fincocks bills itself as the 'Living Museum of Music'. The Richard Burnett collection of historic keyboard instruments is set in the lovely surroundings of a beautiful Georgian manor house in the Kent countryside. There are over 70 keyboards on display, with the majority dating from the late 18th and early 19th century. Among the collection is a piano owned by Prince Albert. Goudhurst, Kent, England, TN17 1HH Attraction Type: Museum Location: 2 m W Goudhurst, 1 m S of A262 Website: Finchcocks Phone: 01580 211 702 Fax: 01580 211 007 Location map OS TQ701 366 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Fitzwilliam Museum    One of Europe's great art museums. The imposing neoclassical Fitzwilliam Museum building was built in 1848 to house the art collections of Viscount Fitzwilliam, which he had bequeathed to Cambridge University. Trumpington Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, CB2 1RB Attraction Type: Museum Website: Fitzwilliam Museum Email: fitzmuseum-enquiries@lists.cam.ac.uk Phone: 01223 457 574 Fax: 01223 457 588 Location map Details of Fitzwilliam Museum OS TL449578 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Forge Museum and Victorian Cottage Garden    Working museum of the four generations of Page blacksmiths who operated the forge from 1811 until 1983. Garden is dedicated to the culture of such plants as would have been grown in the 19th century, and houses an unusual bee shelter. High Street, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, England, SG10 6BS Attraction Type: Museum Location: Closed until late 2008 for expansion and redevelopment. Phone: 01279 843 301 Location map OS TL427 192 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

George Marshall Medical Museum    The story of the development of modern medicine. See how medical treatment has changed over the centuries and how medicine has transformed our lives. Charles Hastings Education Centre, Worcester Royal Hospital Worcester, Charles Hastings Way, Worcestershire, England, WR5 1DD Attraction Type: Museum Email: worcester.MEDMU@worcsacute.wmids.nhs.uk Location map OS SO877547 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Gilbert White's House and Oates Museum    18th century naturalist Rev Gilbert White can claim to be one of the pioneers of ecological study. He lived at The Wakes in the lovely Hampshire village of Selborne and it was here that he wrote the fabulously popular 'Natural History of Selborne'. The Wakes has been restored as a museum dedicated to White's life and works. The original manuscript of his 'Natural History' can be viewed. In addition, there are displays relating to the expeditions of Victorian explorer Frank Oates and polar explorer Captain Lawrence Oates. The Wakes, High Street Selborne, Alton, Hampshire, England, GU34 3JH Attraction Type: Museum Location: on B3006, 4 m NE of A3 Website: Gilbert White's House and Oates Museum Phone: 01420 511 275 Location map OS SU741336 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Glastonbury Tribunal    The well-preserved Tribunal townhouse, thought to have been a 15th century merchant's house as well as the courthouse for the Abbey, houses the TIC and the Glastonbury Lake Village Museum, where you will find artifacts from the fascinating archaeological site. 9 High Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, England, BA6 9DP Attraction Type: Museum Location: At the bottom of Glastonbury High Street, in the centre of town, just around the corner from the entrance to Glastonbury Abbey Website: Glastonbury Tribunal Email: glastonbury.tic@ukonline.co.uk Phone: 01458 832 954 Fax: 01458 832 949 Location map OS ST43NE86 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Gordon Boswell Romany Museum    An unusual collection of Romany (gypsy) horse-drawn caravans and carts. In addition there is a slide-show and presentation on the Romany way of life, plus tools, cooking utensils, and photographs. Clay Lake, Spalding, Lincolnshire, England, PE12 6BL Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A16 Website: Gordon Boswell Romany Museum Phone: 01775 710599 Location map OS TF253 211 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Grosvenor Museum    Exhibits at this award-winning museum are divided into four main fields; Archaeology, Art & Architecture, Local & Social History, and Natural History. One of the most enjoyable parts of the museum is the City Timeline, which takes visitors on a historical journey into the rich past of Chester, from the time of the Romans. 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester, Cheshire, England, CH1 2DD Attraction Type: Museum Location: just N of the Castle Website: Grosvenor Museum Email: grosvenormuseum@chester.gov.uk Phone: 01244 402 008 Fax: 01244 347 587 Location map Details of Grosvenor Museum OS SJ405 660 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Guildford House Gallery    A 17th century townhouse at the top of Guildford High Stret, housing displays of local history, architecture, arts and crafts. 155 High Street, Guildford, Surrey, England, GU1 3AJ Attraction Type: Museum Location: town centre, top of High Street across from Sainsbury's Website: Guildford House Gallery Email: guildfordhouse@guildford.gov.uk Phone: 01483 444 740 Fax: 01483 444 742 Location map OS SU999 495 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Guildhall Gallery    The gallery occupies space in the refurbished 19th century Guildhall, above the Tourist Office. It offers local artists and artisans a place to exhibit their work through a series of regularly changing displays. Guildhall, The Broadway Winchester, Hampshire, England, SO23 9LJ Attraction Type: Museum Location: above the TIC in the Guildhall Website: Guildhall Gallery Email: museums@winchester.gov.uk Phone: 01962 848 269 Fax: 01962 848 299 Location map Details of Guildhall Gallery OS SU483293 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Harwich Maritime and Lifeboat Museums    Visit the maritime exhibits in a disused 1818 lighthouse, as well as the nearby Victorian Lifeboat House. Go right onboard the lifeboat! Harwich Green, Harwich, Essex, England Attraction Type: Museum Website: Harwich Maritime and Lifeboat Museums Phone: 01255 503 429 Fax: 01255 503 429 OS TM256316 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Haynes Motor Museum    The largest collection of historic cars in Britain, featuring over 340 international vehicles as old as 1886. Eleven large halls of cars, with vehicles as diverse as a 1900 Clement, 1931 Duesenberg, and classic British motorcycles. The Red Room showcases 50 red sports cars, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, and AC Cobra models. Sparkford, nr Yeovil, Somerset, England, BA22 7LH Attraction Type: Museum Location: just off the A303 at Sparkford Website: Haynes Motor Museum Email: info@haynesmotormuseum.co.uk Phone: 01963 440 804 Fax: 01963 441 004 Location map OS ST614302 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Heritage Motor Centre    Not as well known (read less crowded) as the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, but this museum houses the largest collection of historic British cars in the world. Land Rover shuttle rides, off-road 4-wheel drive circuit, and a recreation of a 1930's garage. Banbury Road, Gayton, Warwickshire, England, CV35 0BJ Attraction Type: Museum Location: Just N of Gaydon on the B4100 Website: Heritage Motor Centre Email: enquiries@heritage-motor-centre.co.uk Phone: 01926 641 188 Location map OS SP355 546 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Hertford Museum    Early 17th century townhouse with 18th century facade houses a local history museum. Recreated Jacobean knot garden. 18, Bull Plain, Hertford, Hertfordshire, England, SG14 1DT Attraction Type: Museum Location: in town centre Website: Hertford Museum Phone: 01992 582 686 Location map OS TL326126 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Historic Dockyard Chatham    Chatham Historic Dockyard, on the River Medway in Kent, built warships from the time of Henry VIII. Restored vessels on display include HMS Gannet, the last sloop of Queen Victoria's Royal Navy, historic warship HMS Cavalier and the submarine Ocelot. Chatham, Kent, England, ME4 4TZ Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A289 just W Medway Tunnel Website: Historic Dockyard Chatham Phone: 01634 823 800 Fax: 01634 823 801 Location map OS TQ759691 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Holburne Museum of Art    It's impossible not to notice that Bath is a marvelous city for museums. This one is a treasurehouse of items from the collection of Sir William Holburne: silver, Old Masters, Italian bronzes, porcelain, majolica, miniatures, and much more. Great Pulteney Street, Bath, Somerset, England, BA2 4DB Attraction Type: Museum Website: Holburne Museum of Art Email: holburne@bath.ac.uk Phone: 01225 466 669 Fax: 01225 333121 Location map OS ST756652 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Holocaust Centre    On the edge of Sherwood Forest in a peaceful garden setting, the Holocause Memorial and Education Centre explores the history and implications of the Holocaust. Exhibits, memorial building, memorial gardens. Laxton, Newark, Nottinghamshire, England, NG22 0PA Attraction Type: Museum Location: on minor road off A616, between Ollerton and Laxton Website: Holocaust Centre Email: office@bethshalom.com Phone: 01623 836627 Fax: 01623 836647 Location map OS SK700670 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Holst Birthplace Museum    Composer Gustav Holst (The Planets) was born in this Regency house in 1874. Part memorial to the life and work of the composer, and part museum of "upstairs, downstairs" life. 4 Clarence Road, Pittville, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, GL52 2AY Attraction Type: Museum Location: near town centre, across from Pittsville Gates Website: Holst Birthplace Museum Email: holstmuseum@btconnect.com Phone: 01242 524 846 Fax: 01242 580 182 Location map OS SO953 228 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Home of Charles Darwin    Down House is a simple 18th century house where naturalist Charles Darwin and his family lived and where he wrote his groundbreaking work 'On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection'. The house has been restored tyo the way it was when Darwin lived here. The lower floor portrays ther family life of the Darwins, while the first floor contains exhibits on the life of Charles and his wife Emma Darwin. Luxted Road, Downe, Kent, England, BR6 7JT Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A21 Website: Home of Charles Darwin Phone: 01689 859 119 Fax: 01689 862 755 English Heritage Location map OS TQ432603 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Honeywood Heritage Centre    17th century house of chalk and flint chequer-work that acts as a heritage centre for the London Borough of Sutton. Honeywood hosts exhibits on the local history of the area, including a special exhibition on the Tudor palace of Nonesuch. Other featurd exhibits are toys from the Edwardian period and local railways. Honeywood Walk, Carshalton, Surrey, England, SM5 3NX Attraction Type: Museum Location: 4 m W Croydon, on A232 Website: Honeywood Heritage Centre Email: lbshoneywood@btconnect.com Phone: 020 8770 4297 Location map OS TQ279 645 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Imperial War Museum Duxford    During WWII Duxford was one of the most important air bases in Britain, and planes flying from here played a major role in the Battle of Britain. Today Duxford houses the largest collection of historic aircraft in Europe, ranging from WWI vintage biplanes to Spitfires, Concorde and Gulf War jets. Heathfield, Duxford, Cambridgeshire, England, CB2 4QR Attraction Type: Museum Location: on the A505 Website: Imperial War Museum Duxford Email: duxford@iwm.org.uk Phone: 01223 835 000 Fax: 01223 837 267 Location map Details of Imperial War Museum Duxford OS TL458 461 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Incredibly Fantastic Old Toy Museum    An old church hall houses this collection of over 1,000 toys, including dolls, teddy bears, trains, cars, rocking horses, and games. For the young and the young at heart. 26 Westgate, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, LN1 3BD Attraction Type: Museum Location: in town centre, near cathedral Phone: 01522 520 534 Location map OS SK975 720 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Jane Austen's House    The museum is located in the comfortable 17th century house where Austen worked and wrote some of her most enduring novels, including Pride and Prejudice. See the table that she wrote at, and numerous artefacts associate with her asnd her family.In the Old Bakehouse see the donkey cart in which Austen rode when she became to ill to walk. Several first editions of the novelist's works are on display. Chawton is located just a few miles from Austen's birthplace at Steventon. Chawton, Alton, Hampshire, England, GU34 1SD Attraction Type: Museum Location: 1 m SW Alton Website: Jane Austen's House Phone: 01420 83262 Location map OS SU708 376 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Jorvik Viking Centre    The Jorvik Viking Centre is an award-winning museum that re-creates in vivid detail the sights, smells, sounds, and flavour of daily life in the tumultuous world of 10th century York. Coppergate, York, Yorkshire, England, YO1 9WT Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A19 Website: Jorvik Viking Centre Email: jorvik@yorkarchaeology.co.uk Phone: 01904 543 400 Fax: 01904 627 097 Location map Details of Jorvik Viking Centre OS SE605 517 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Keep Military Museum of Devon and Dorset    Modern displays outline the history of the Regiments of Devon and Dorset. Fantastic views out over Hardy country from the keep battlements. Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, England, DT1 1RN Attraction Type: Museum Location: at the top of High West Street Website: Keep Military Museum of Devon and Dorset Email: info@keepmilitarymuseum.org Phone: 01305 264 066 Fax: 01305 250 373 Location map Details of Keep Military Museum of Devon and Dorset OS SY687 906 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Keith Harding's World of Mechanical Music    An eclectic mix of mechanical and musical marvels from days gone by, Keith Harding's features a unique collection of instruments that play themselves, from music boxes to automata. You can visit the restoration workshop, and purchase clocks and musical instruments from the ever-changing collection in the shop. The Oak House, High Street Northleach, Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, England, GL54 3ET Attraction Type: Museum Website: Keith Harding's World of Mechanical Music Email: keith@mechanicalmusic.co.uk Phone: 01451 860 181 Fax: 01451 861 133 Location map OS SP116 145 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Keswick Museum    Housed in a building contructed for this very purpose in 1897, the Keswick Museum tells the story of the town and the area. Everyone knows about the incredible scenery, but did you know the first pencils were invented here? Not to mention a 500-year-old cat and Napoleon's teacup... Fitz Park, Station Road Keswick, Cumbria, England, CA12 4NF Attraction Type: Museum Email: keswick.museum@allerdale.gov.uk Phone: 01768 773 263 Location map Details of Keswick Museum OS NY269 237 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Kettle's Yard    Exhibition centre and house with art and everyday objects integrated. Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, CB3 0AQ Attraction Type: Museum Website: Kettle's Yard Email: mail@kettlesyard.cam.ac.uk Phone: 01223 352 124 Fax: 01223 324 377 Location map Details of Kettle's Yard OS TL446 591 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

King John's House and Heritage Centre    Three historic buildings set in one of the best preserved parts of old Romsey. King John's House is an early medieval half-timbered building dating to the 13th century. Many of the original architectural details can still be seen, including an unusual bone floor. Next door Tudor Cottage is a late Tudor or early Jacobean building which has been restored onm the upper floor to its original condition.The final building in this 'time capsule' of historic properties in a Victorian and Edwardian museum, showcasing life in Romsey in that period. The upper floor has been restored as the gunshop it once was, using original fittings and display items.. Church Street, Romsey, Hampshire, England, SO51 8BT Attraction Type: Museum Location: opposite Romsey Abbey Website: King John's House and Heritage Centre Email: info@kingjohnshouse.org.uk Phone: 01794 512 200 Fax: 01794 512 200 Location map OS SU351213 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

King John's Hunting Lodge    Well-restored woolmerchant's house from 1500 houses a local history museum. The Square, Axbridge, Somerset, England, BS26 2AP Attraction Type: Museum Location: on the corner of the High Street, off the A371 Website: King John's Hunting Lodge Email: kingjohns@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01934 732 012 National Trust Location map OS ST45SW68 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Lace Centre    The story of Nottingham lace, housed in a 15th century building. Demonstrations of lace-making. Severn's Building, Castle Road Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England, NG1 6AA Attraction Type: Museum Location: off A6008 Phone: 0115 941 3539 Location map OS SK570 396 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Lakeland Sheep and Wool Centre    Lively presentations of shearing, breeds, working sheep dogs. Egremont Road, Cockermouth, Cumbria, England, CA13 0QX Attraction Type: Museum Location: off the A66 and A5086 at the S edge of Cockermouth Website: Lakeland Sheep and Wool Centre Email: reception@shepherdshotel.co.uk Phone: 01900 822 673 Fax: 01900 820 129 Location map OS NY116 291 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering