Dunwich Museum

About the museum

Dunwich Museum tells the story of Dunwich, once a prosperous medieval port that was largely lost to coastal erosion. The museum was planned in 1934 by the Dunwich Town Trust and opened in 1935 in the Old Rocket Station, with the support of the owner of the Dunwich Estate. After it closed in 1966, it was modernised and moved into the Reading Room Cottage on St James Street, where it reopened formally in 1972.

Its displays cover the history of the town from Roman times to the present day, including many archaeological finds from the excavations at nearby Greyfriars. The museum also looks after a collection of glass plate negatives and film, watercolour landscapes and medieval pilgrimage badges, and has recently been updating the Reading Room space with the help of a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant.

In 2023 the museum charity became the Dunwich Community Heritage Centre, a membership-based charity that supports the museum together with volunteers and trustees. The museum also runs learning resources and events for schools and visitors.

Highlights

• The story of the medieval town lost to the sea
• Archaeological finds from the Greyfriars excavations
• Glass plate negatives, film and historic watercolours
• Medieval pilgrimage badges
• Events and learning resources for schools

Permanent exhibition

• The history of Dunwich – The story of the lost medieval town from Roman times to the present day, with finds from the Greyfriars excavations and historic images.

Founded

1935

Operated by

Dunwich Community Heritage Centre (DCHC)

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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

Wheelchair accessible, with an easy slope at the back door and a lift to the first floor. Low-sensory visits can be arranged on request outside opening hours. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. Disabled visitors can often stop outside the museum and park nearby.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

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