Louth Museum

About the museum

Louth Museum was founded by the Louth Naturalists', Antiquarian and Literary Society, which was established in 1884 and later became a charity and a company. The society collected objects on the natural history, archaeology and daily life of the town and the surrounding Lincolnshire Wolds, and these collections form the museum today. It is an independent museum run entirely by volunteers under a board of volunteer directors.

The galleries tell the story of Louth from the Ice Age to the twentieth century. One gallery follows the course of the River Lud, with fossils to handle, archaeological finds from the Stone Age to the Roman period, brick making and the legend of the Ghost of the Green Lady of Thorpe Hall. The Town Gallery shows objects made or used in Louth, including flat-weave carpets from the only carpet factory in Lincolnshire and the largest national collection of work by the Victorian woodcarver Thomas Wilkinson Wallis.

A backlit panorama of Louth as seen from the spire of St James's church in the 1840s is rated among the best panoramas in Europe. A mezzanine gallery is devoted to the flash flood of 29 May 1920, which claimed 23 lives, and uses a floor map, photographs, objects and newsreel film.

The museum opens from April to October and has recently added free activities for families, including a snail mascot, activity cards and word trails.

Highlights

• Backlit 360-degree panorama of Louth in the 1840s
• Largest national collection of carvings by Thomas Wilkinson Wallis
• Flat-weave carpets from Louth's own carpet factory
• Walk-along floor map of the Louth flood of 1920
• Fossils and rocks of the Lincolnshire Wolds to handle

Permanent exhibitions

• Panorama Gallery – A backlit panoramic view of Louth in the 1840s, with replicas of the original sketches and displays on weapons made in Louth.
• Town Gallery – Objects made or used in Louth, including carvings by Thomas Wilkinson Wallis, Louth carpets, crested china and a printing shop.
• Town Mezzanine Gallery: the 1920 flood – The story of the flash flood of 29 May 1920 told with a floor map, photographs, objects and newsreel film.

Founded

1910

Operated by

Louth Naturalists', Antiquarian and Literary Society (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Every paying visitor receives a free repeat visit card valid until the museum closes for the season on 31 October 2026. All activities and exhibitions are included in the price. Members of the society (the Ants and Nats) enter free with proof of membership.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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

Accessible toilets are on the ground floor. A chair lift serves the first-floor exhibition gallery and a lift serves the flood display on the mezzanine. Large bags and pushchairs are best left at the front desk because space in the galleries is limited. The surrounding pavements are narrow and uneven. The museum has its own space for disabled visitors' parking.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Free family activities for all ages from babies to teenagers include top trumps, activity cards and word trails, led by the mascot Sam the snail. There are fossils to handle and a children's activity zone with dressing up. Pushchairs are best left at the front desk.

Getting there & parking

The museum is just off the A16 at the bottom of Broadbank, near the large Co-op store.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop

There is a gift shop and a small outdoor picnic area for the warmer months. Several cafés are a short walk away, and Spout Yard in Broadbank has a children's playground and, in summer, a small café.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit