Newarke Houses Museum

Hands up how many of you like going to museums… hmm, as I thought, not many. Well I’m going to tell you what you’re missing!

Imagine this, you are sitting in the cinema watching the latest movie, as the credits roll you leave the theatre only to discover you’ve taken the wrong turn into a 1940’s drapers shop! Intrigued you keep going further and are transported onto Wharf Street where you’ll find the local grocers, public house and chemist. If you think that sounds good you have to see the rest of the museum. Newarke House museum is a magical wardrobe. Like the one leading to Narnia it looks small on the outside yet is packed full of things to do and interact with (even dressing up).

I’ll take the opportunity now to thank the 2 lovely staff that greeted me at the door and allowed me to take the pictures that feature in this article, without them this would almost certainly bore you to death!

Where to go now? Hmm, I know! Do you know a guy called Daniel Lambert?

He was born in Leicester and became quite famous for weighing 52stone 11! That’s about 6 of me! Find out more about him and check out the size of his socks at Newarke house.

Ever wondered what it’d be like in the trenches of WW1?

I was pretty terrified walking through this section, bombs being dropped, the sound of airplanes overhead and the darkness make it a pretty realistic place as far as recreations go.

Since reading ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ (Anne Frank) I’ve had an interest in the wars and this museum explores all aspects of war. There are uniforms, medals, personal belongings of war heroes and even a rations game to have a go at.

In short, if you are curious about Leicester this is the place to go to find out. From the paneled room in 1645 to the 1950’s and 1970’s living room, it’s all here in the heart of Leicester.

Opening Times:
Monday - Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday: 11.00am - 5.00pm

Closed: 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 31st December and 1st January

Free admission (small charge for certain activities on event days)

Address:
Newarke Houses Museum & Gardens
The Newarke
Leicester
LE2 7BY

Telephone: 0116 225 4980
Email: museums@leicester.gov.uk

Travel Information:
To visit by bus: 0871 200 2233
For rail enquiries: 08457 484 950