Knutsford Heritage Centre
Volunteer-run heritage centre in a rebuilt timber-framed workshop in Knutsford, home of the Millennium Tapestry and guided town walks.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Knutsford Heritage Centre was set up in 1989 in a timber-framed building known as Musgrave’s Yard, a former tinsmith’s and ironmonger’s workshop on King Street. The workshop was derelict by 1989 until the Groundwork Trust rescued it, and it now stands as a reconstructed 17th-century timber-framed building between King Street and Princess Street.
The centre is an independent registered charity, run entirely by volunteers and managed by trustees. It is a member of the Association of Independent Museums and received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2018.
There are two galleries with a changing programme of exhibitions, and a permanent home for the Knutsford Millennium Tapestry, a work more than 13 metres long in three panels, made by over 3,000 local people to mark the year 2000. The collection also includes items on the local May Day celebrations, the Royal George pancake race and Elizabeth Gaskell, and much of it is kept in store because there is not enough gallery space. The centre also offers guided walks and talks about the town.
Highlights
- Knutsford Millennium Tapestry, over 13 metres long
- Two galleries with changing exhibitions
- Items on the Knutsford Royal May Day and Elizabeth Gaskell
- Guided walks and talks about the town
- Two courtyard gardens and a gift shop
Permanent exhibition
- Knutsford Millennium Tapestry – A three-panel tapestry more than 13 metres long, stitched by over 3,000 local people to mark the year 2000.
- Founded
- 1989
- Operated by
- Knutsford Heritage Centre (registered charity no. 1076917)
Admission & discounts
| Guided walking tour (per person) | £10Four walks: King Street 1,000 Years of History, People and Places, Tales and Trails, and Cranford and Mrs Gaskell. |
|---|---|
| Tapestry Talk only | £7.50 |
| Combined walk and talk | £15 |
| Virtual tour (per person) | £5Held in the Tapestry Gallery for people who cannot take a walking tour. |
The centre’s website does not list an entry fee for the galleries; the prices shown are for guided tours and talks. Group tours need 4 to 50 people and a 25 % non-refundable deposit.
Accessibility
- Partially 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
The centre lies between King Street and Princess Street. The King Street entrance is narrow; the entrance from Heritage Way is more accessible but has cobbles. Virtual tours are offered for people who cannot take a walking tour, and special requirements can be given on the booking form.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Coach drivers can use the Tatton Street car park and should tell the centre in advance.
The centre has entrances off King Street and down Heritage Way in the town centre.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
A gift shop and two courtyard gardens.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided walks and tapestry talks must be booked. Coach drivers can use Tatton Street car park by arrangement with the centre. |
