Charnwood Museum

About the museum

Charnwood Museum is housed in the former Victorian swimming baths in Queen’s Park, Loughborough, a short walk from the town’s market place. It is run by Charnwood Borough Council and presents the heritage of the Charnwood area and its surroundings.

Four permanent displays organise the collection. Coming to Charnwood follows the people who have lived and worked in the area since the Stone Age, including the 4,000-year-old burial of the Cossington child. The Natural World of Charnwood explores the area’s geology, plants and animals and the discovery of one of the world’s oldest fossils. Living off the Land covers farming, quarrying and rural crafts, and Earning a Living looks at the industries and skilled workers whose products were exported worldwide, from stockings and cranes to Auster aircraft and Ladybird Books.

A changing exhibition gallery hosts community and artist displays through the year, and a small education room is used for school sessions and family activities. The museum also runs a participation programme and a young champions group for people aged 16 to 25.

Highlights

• Burial of the 4,000-year-old Cossington child
• The Barrow Kipper, a Jurassic marine reptile displayed under the floor
• Gilbert’s Victorian grocer’s shop
• Video microscope, basket weaving and crane-lifting activities
• Displays on Ladybird Books and Auster aircraft

Permanent exhibitions

• Coming to Charnwood – The story of the people who have lived, worked and visited here since the Stone Age, with an archaeological dig display and the Cossington child burial.
• The Natural World of Charnwood – Charnwood’s rocks, fossils, plants and animals, with a video microscope and the Barrow Kipper marine reptile.
• Living off the Land – Farming and quarrying in the area through time, with a basket-weaving activity and a large carved oak chair.

Founded

1999

Operated by

Charnwood Borough Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry to the museum is free.

Accessibility

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

Step-free access is by a ramp at the most accessible entrance, and a manual wheelchair can be borrowed. Some surfaces are uneven and walkways narrow in places, and a fixed hearing assistance system is installed. Three sensory backpacks and three sets of ear defenders can be borrowed free of charge from the front desk, and a quiet zone with a blackout tent and sensory toys is offered on request. A social story and a sensory map are available online, and an AccessAble guide gives further detail.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Family art and craft activities run in the education room, and the museum offers activity sheets to use on a visit or at home. Several displays are hands-on, for example the video microscope, basket weaving and crane lifting.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Queen’s Park, a short walk from Loughborough market place. Parking details are on the Charnwood Borough Council parking page linked from the museum’s directions page.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Olivia’s at Queens Park café is linked from the museum’s visitor information (open Tuesday to Friday 09:00 to 16:00 and Saturday to Monday 09:00 to 17:00). The museum shop sells souvenirs, pocket-money toys, jewellery, fossils, minerals and books.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 23 guests.

The education room holds up to 23 people and has an interactive whiteboard and wi-fi for hirers. The Charnwood Gallery is used for exhibitions by community groups and artists.

Plan your visit