Eyam Museum
Independent village museum in Derbyshire telling the story of Eyam, from the 1665 to 1666 plague to local mining and industry.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Eyam Museum grew out of the personal collection of Clarence Daniel, a local man who worked for a mining company and collected minerals, fossils, tools and objects from the area. A group of villagers, including the founders of the local village society, set up the museum in 1989, and it moved to its present building on Hawkhill Road in 1994.
The museum is an independent charity run by trustees, with a small paid team and many volunteers. It is Accredited by Arts Council England and was re-accredited in 2024. Its work has been supported by funders such as the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England.
The displays tell the story of the village, above all the plague outbreak of 1665 and 1666, when the villagers chose to isolate themselves to stop the disease spreading. They also cover social history and the industries of the area, including lead mining, silk and shoe making. The collection includes plague-period gravestones, archaeological finds from prehistoric to medieval times, mineral and fossil specimens, historic photographs and postcards, and recorded memories of long-term residents.
Highlights
- The Eyam plague story of 1665 and 1666
- Mineral and fossil specimens from the Clarence Daniel collection
- Plague-period gravestones and archaeological finds
- Lead mining, silk and shoe industry displays
- Historic photographs and recordings of local residents
- Short films and interactive elements
Permanent exhibition
- Eyam Museum permanent displays – Displays on the 1665 to 1666 plague in Eyam, village life and local industries such as lead mining, silk and shoe making, with archaeological and geological finds.
- Founded
- 1989
- Operated by
- Eyam Museum (registered charity no. 702067)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £6 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £4free up to age 4 · Ages 5 and over. |
| Students & apprentices | £5 |
| Groups (10+ people) | £5 per personAdult groups of 10 or more, pre-booked. Student groups pay £4 per person. |
| Families | £16Two adults and up to three children aged 5 and over. |
| School group, per child | £2Pre-booked; teachers and accompanying adults are free. |
An annual pass is available for each ticket type in 2026 and includes free repeat visits. Cash and cards are accepted. Pre-booking is not needed for individual visitors.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: not available
- 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
The ground floor is fully accessible, with a ramp to the main entrance. The first floor can be reached by stairs only, and a virtual version of the exhibition is available online. There are no toilets inside the museum; free public toilets are in the car park opposite. Only assistance dogs are allowed inside. Wheelchair users with specific needs can arrange a visit outside normal hours by email, and an access statement is published on the website.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
| Family ticket | £16 · Two adults and up to three children aged 5 and over. |
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities: not available
Children's trails are provided for three age groups, and there are dressing-up clothes and hands-on activities in some displays. Pushchairs are allowed on the ground floor only and can be left in a safe place upstairs. There is no baby changing in the museum. A playground is on the sports field opposite.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bus 257 (Sheffield to Bakewell) and bus 65 (Meadowhall to Buxton) stop in Eyam. The nearest railway station is Grindleford; Sheffield and Chesterfield are the nearest main-line stations.
By car
Paid parking
A pay car park is directly opposite the museum on Hawkhill Road. The Parish Council car park just behind it uses an honesty box. Roadside parking in the village is allowed where signs permit.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
The museum shop sells books, booklets and a fold-out village walking map, and there is an online shop.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photography is allowed; commercial photography is not permitted. |
| Good to know | A visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Displays include panels, short films and interactive elements. Entry may be staggered at busy times. School and group visits are booked by email. |
