Bishop's Waltham Museum
Small volunteer-run local history museum in the grounds of Bishop's Waltham Palace, housed in a timber-framed 15th-century farmhouse.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Bishop's Waltham Museum is housed in the only surviving part of the lodgings that Bishop Beaufort built at Bishop's Waltham Palace between 1438 and 1443. In the 17th century this part of the palace was turned into a farmhouse, which kept important features of the original structure. The museum sits in the palace grounds but is separate from English Heritage, which looks after the palace ruins.
The Bishop's Waltham Museum Trust was founded in 1984 to collect, preserve and show items of historical and archaeological interest about the town and its surroundings. Local artefacts are displayed in a timber-framed building with large fireplaces and bread ovens. The collection is accredited under the Arts Council England scheme and also includes an oral history archive.
The museum is managed by unpaid trustees and staffed by volunteer stewards during the summer opening season. It is funded by membership fees, visitor donations, small local grants and shop sales.
Highlights
- Timber-framed farmhouse built from part of Bishop Beaufort's lodgings
- Displays on the history of Bishop's Waltham and the surrounding area
- Oral history collection
- Free entry, in the grounds of Bishop's Waltham Palace
Permanent exhibition
- Local history displays – Artefacts and displays on the history of Bishop's Waltham and the surrounding area, shown in a timber-framed farmhouse.
- Founded
- 1987
- Operated by
- Bishop's Waltham Museum Trust (registered charity 1188140)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free. A small donation is appreciated.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- 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
Only the ground floor is wheelchair accessible; the first floor is reached by a wooden staircase. The palace car park is a short, level walk along a gravel path. Dogs are welcome with well-trained owners.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Stagecoach bus 69 runs hourly between Winchester and Fareham via Wickham. Stagecoach bus 49 runs to Botley station and Hedge End but is very irregular, with no weekend service. The nearest railway station is Botley, about 5.5 km away; the roads often have no pavements, so walking is not recommended.
By car
Free parking
The free palace car park (sat nav SO32 1SB) is entered off the B2177 and is locked outside 10am to 6pm. Pay-and-display car parks are at Basingwell Street (short stay) and Lower Lane (long stay), and there is unrestricted on-street parking on Station Road.
The museum is in the palace grounds. Check bus times with the operators, as routes can change at short notice.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Museum shop
A small shop sells cards and books about Bishop's Waltham. There are no toilets at the museum; the nearest are in Basingwell Street car park, about 300 metres away. Cafés and restaurants are just across the road in the town.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Groups are welcome by special arrangement; contact the museum by email. |
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