Brampton Museum

About the museum

The Brampton Museum is the local history museum of Newcastle-under-Lyme and is run by the borough council. It moved into a former Victorian house in Brampton Park in 1956 and now shows more than 2,000 years of the history of the borough. The collections hold over 28,000 objects, many of them linked to the local area.

National Lottery funding paid for new galleries that opened in 2022. They include The borough in 80 objects, which tells local stories through a mixed group of unusual items, and Mrs Mosley's Parlour, which features a talking portrait. Brampton Street recreates old shop fronts, with an ironmonger's, a pawnbroker's, a chemist's and a doctor's surgery, and the toys gallery holds teddies, dolls and games up to 150 years old. The local Pomona pottery and Newcastle during the two world wars are also covered.

The Jim Wain Courtyard Gallery hosts a programme of free changing exhibitions. The museum also has a tea room, a shop selling local crafts, rooms for hire and a busy programme of events, courses and school workshops. It has won awards for its accessible facilities.

Highlights

• Brampton Street with Victorian shop fronts, chemist and doctor’s surgery
• The borough in 80 objects gallery
• Mrs Mosley’s Parlour with a talking portrait
• Toys gallery with items up to 150 years old
• Pomona pottery and Newcastle in the two world wars

Permanent exhibitions

• The borough in 80 objects – A gallery telling stories of the borough through an unusual mix of objects, next to Mrs Mosley’s Parlour with its talking portrait.
• Brampton Street – A recreated Victorian street with an ironmonger’s, a pawnbroker’s, a chemist’s and a doctor’s surgery.
• Toys gallery – Teddies, dolls and games up to 150 years old.

Founded

1943

Operated by

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free. Some events and film screenings need to be booked in advance and may be ticketed. Donations are welcome.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The museum describes itself as award-winning for accessibility. There are 3 Blue Badge spaces outside, an entrance reached by three steps or a ramp, automatic double doors, access to all areas and a lift to the first floor. There are two accessible toilets, a dementia-friendly accessible toilet and a manual wheelchair to borrow; the nearest Changing Places toilet is 10 to 15 minutes away in Newcastle Library. A portable hearing loop is available at reception and a loop is fitted in the courtyard gallery. A British Sign Language interpreter or lip-speaker can be provided free of charge at weekend events with two weeks’ notice, and free audio description is available for individuals and groups. For visitors with autism there are visual guides, a sensory map, a quiet space, free sensory borrow bags and relaxed film screenings. Volunteers are trained Dementia Friends.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The museum describes itself as family friendly and has a varied events and activities programme. There is a baby change facility in the accessible toilet, and the museum is a breastfeeding friendly venue. Beside the museum are a sandpit play area and, in Brampton Park, a playground.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Brampton Park on the A527 from Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre towards Wolstanton and May Bank. It is across the road from cycle path 551, and there is a bicycle rack. Use the postcode ST5 0QP for satellite navigation.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Little Vintage Tea Room serves drinks, sandwiches, light lunches and cakes, with gluten-free and vegan options and indoor and outdoor seating. Café hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10:30 to 16:30 and Sunday 13:30 to 17:00 in spring and summer. Dogs are welcome on the outside decking. The shop sells local crafts, gifts, retro toys and local history books. Buggies and scooters can be left at reception, as can cycle helmets, at the owner’s risk.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Up to 70 guests.

Four rooms can be hired, including a modern event space for up to 70 people and a Victorian drawing room. Afternoon tea and party packages are offered.

Plan your visit