Bayle Museum

About the museum

The Bayle Museum occupies the Bayle Gate, a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument in Bridlington’s Old Town. Its oldest stonework is thought to date from the twelfth century and may come from the gatehouse of a wooden castle built by William le Gros in 1143. In the fourteenth century it became the gatehouse to Bridlington Priory, with a porter who collected tolls and an almoner who gave food to the poor.

After the dissolution of the monasteries the building served many purposes, including as a prison, town court, schoolroom, garrison for soldiers in the Napoleonic period and town hall. Today it is still used as a meeting room by the Lords Feoffees, the local charity that runs the museum.

The displays tell the history of Bridlington and the surrounding area. A refit in 2001 redesigned the cases and added interactive displays and lifelike models. Each year a main exhibition on a theme chosen by the Lords Feoffees fills the large top-floor Courtroom.

Highlights

• Medieval priory gatehouse, Grade I listed
• Interactive displays on Bridlington’s history
• Annual main exhibition in the top-floor Courtroom

Permanent exhibition

• Bridlington history displays – Interactive displays and lifelike models telling the history of Bridlington and the surrounding area.

Operated by

The Lords Feoffees and Assistants of the Manor of Bridlington

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

The historic building is reached by a staircase. Visitors with mobility difficulties are asked to contact the museum before visiting. Service animals such as guide dogs are allowed.

Kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The museum describes its displays as interactive. Some objects are marked as touchable.

Getting there & parking

For satnav use postcode YO16 7JT. The museum is on Baylegate in the Old Town.

Amenities & dining

There are pubs and tea rooms around the Old Town. Public toilets are across St John’s Street on the corner of High Street. Food and drink may not be consumed in the museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit