Lancaster Cottage Museum

About the museum

The Cottage Museum occupies 15 Castle Hill, in the shadow of Lancaster Castle. The building is part of a house dating from 1739 which was later divided into smaller dwellings, around 1820. The museum is run by the city council as part of its group of Lancaster city museums.

The rooms are presented as the home of the Thompson family, Richard and Ann, merchants living in the year 1739. Visitors are invited to handle objects rather than only look at them: they can try on an eighteenth-century hat, sit in period chairs, look inside old chests, use a spinning whorl and practise old-style handwriting.

The interpretation also explains how Lancaster’s merchants grew wealthy through the West India trade and how this was connected to the trade in enslaved people.

Highlights

• Georgian house furnished to show a merchant family in 1739
• Hands-on objects including hats, a spinning whorl and handwriting practice
• Interpretation of Lancaster’s links with the West India and slave trades

Permanent exhibition

• The Thompson family home, 1739 – A period-furnished house presenting the daily life of a Lancaster merchant family, with objects visitors may handle.

Founded

1978

Operated by

Lancaster City Council

Admission & discounts

Adult admission was announced as £2 for the 2026 season. Earlier council listings showed lower prices with concessions for over-60s and students, so check on the day.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The house is historic, with small, tight staircases, dark areas and uneven floors, which can make access difficult. Lighting levels are low. There are no toilets on site, and only assistance dogs are allowed inside.

Kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Objects such as hats, chairs and a spinning whorl can be tried out by visitors of all ages.

Getting there & parking

The museum stands on Castle Hill next to Lancaster Castle in the city centre.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit