Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum

About the museum

The Chantry on Bridge Street in Morpeth was founded in 1296 by Richard of Morpeth as a place of prayer for his parents and for his benefactor, John of Greystoke. It is one of only five surviving bridge chantries, where travellers received blessings for a small fee. Visitors can see the oldest window in Morpeth and the foundations of the medieval bridge in the River Wansbeck.

From the 1550s until 1846 the building housed Morpeth’s original grammar school, where the naturalist William Turner, often called the father of English botany, began his education. In the 20th century it served as council offices, a Victorian concert venue and a mineral water factory. Today it is a Grade I listed building.

The bagpipe museum opened in 1987 and describes itself as the first bagpipe museum in the UK. It is run by North East Museums on behalf of Northumberland Council. The collection holds over 120 sets of pipes from across Europe, with displays that change regularly. It gives particular attention to the Northumberland pipes, the instrument unique to the county, and includes the William Alfred Cocks collection, assembled by a master clockmaker and pipe enthusiast.

Highlights

• More than 120 sets of bagpipes from across Europe
• Northumberland pipes, the instrument unique to the county
• William Alfred Cocks collection
• Bagpipes said to have belonged to King Louis XIV
• Miniature set made for Queen Mary’s dolls’ house
• Grade I listed medieval bridge chantry

Permanent exhibition

• Bagpipe collection – More than 120 sets of pipes from across Europe, with changing displays, and the Northumberland pipes at the centre of the story.

Founded

1987

Operated by

North East Museums, on behalf of Northumberland Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free and donations are welcome.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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 rear doorway into the Craft Centre is automatic and wide enough for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and a wheelchair accessible lift serves the first floor. The courtyard paving is uneven, as is the flooring in the historic building. There is one accessible toilet (key from ground floor staff) but no Changing Places toilet; the nearest is at Morpeth Leisure Centre, a three-minute walk away. Large print brochures are available, upholstered seating is provided and light levels are low for conservation. Assistance dogs are welcome. Visitors with mobility needs can arrange drop-off and pick-up near the entrance by phoning or emailing in advance.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities: not available

There is no separate baby changing facility; breastfeeding is welcomed throughout the building. During school holidays up to three children aged 11 and under travel free on Arriva buses when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.

Getting there & parking

From Morpeth railway station it is a nine-minute walk. Follow the brown and white tourist signs for the Tourist Information Centre.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

There is no café on site; picnics are allowed and there are places to eat in the town centre. The gift shop in the Tourist Information Centre and Craft Centre on the ground floor sells bagpipe music CDs, books and gifts, and there is an online shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit