Bailiffgate Museum
A volunteer-run local history museum and gallery in a former church in Alnwick, with permanent displays on the town and district over about 10,000 years.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Bailiffgate Museum is an independent, volunteer-run museum in Alnwick's Castle Quarter, close to Alnwick Castle. It is housed in the former St Mary's church, built in 1836, which became available to the community in 2000. Local people drew up a plan to convert it into a heritage centre, and the museum opened in 2002.
The two lower floors hold the permanent displays, which follow the history of Alnwick and the surrounding district over about 10,000 years with objects, documents, photographs and audio-visual material. These floors were redisplayed in 2014, so that more of the collection is on show. The top floor is a gallery for changing exhibitions, which often draw on the collection, and has hosted family-friendly shows such as ones on Harry Potter and on the history of toys.
The museum is a registered charity and works with local schools, groups and artists. It has plans to move to the restored Northumberland Hall in the town centre in 2028.
Highlights
- Permanent displays on about 10,000 years of Alnwick and district history
- Former church building with original stained glass
- Top-floor gallery with changing exhibitions
- Museum Detectives and mouse hunt trails for children
- Weekly Friday quiet hour
Permanent exhibition
- Permanent collection displays – Two floors of objects, documents, photographs and audio-visual material telling the story of Alnwick and the surrounding district over about 10,000 years.
- Founded
- 2002
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £5Aged 65 and over, visitors with disabilities, students over 16 and ages 16 to 24 |
| Children & teens | £1free up to age 4 · Ages 5 to 16; under 5s are free. |
| Seniors | £5Aged 65 and over. |
| Visitors with disabilities | £5 |
| Students & apprentices | £5Students over 16. |
Booking online saves 10% (adult £5.40, concession £4.50, child 90p). The exhibitions are included in the museum ticket. Friends of the museum enter free for a year.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Wheelchair and pushchair access to all areas, with a lift to every floor. Large print information sheets are available at reception, and a free Support Pack is offered to visitors with additional needs. On Fridays from 10:00 to 11:00 a quiet hour reduces audio and dims the lights. A downloadable accessibility guide and a directional guide are on the website. Well-behaved dogs on a short lead are welcome on the permanent exhibition floors but not on the top gallery floor; guide dogs are welcome throughout and other assistance dogs may have limits.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
A mouse hunt for younger children and the Museum Detectives trail for older children. Family events are held throughout the year, often linked to the changing exhibitions. Baby changing facilities are available.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The bus station is nearby. The nearest railway station is Alnmouth, about 4 miles away.
By car
Free parking
A large free all-day car park (postcode NE66 1DL) is within walking distance. On-street parking nearby is limited to 2 hours.
The museum is near the Bailiffgate entrance to Alnwick Castle.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop with local history books, gifts and souvenirs; many items are also sold online. No cafe or wifi is mentioned by the museum.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
The former church can be hired when the museum is closed to the public. Projection of images and sound from a laptop and an internet connection for delegates are offered; catering is not included.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Schools can visit during opening hours or on Mondays when the museum is closed to the public, with a Museum Detective quiz, a visit based on the current exhibition, or a loans box. More than 20 loans boxes can be borrowed free for two weeks by schools, childminders, home-schooled pupils and young people's groups. Enquiries go through the contact form or by phone. |
