Folk & Costume Museum
National Trust of Guernsey museum in Saumarez Park on island life over the past 250 years and the Channel Islands’ only permanent costume collection.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Folk Museum at Saumarez Park first opened its doors in 1968. It grew from an original collection of traditional farm implements donated by Advocate Walter Langlois into a rich picture of Guernsey folk and island life. Today it is run by the National Trust of Guernsey.
The museum is arranged around a cobbled courtyard in the grounds of Saumarez Park in the parish of Castel. Its permanent displays follow the story of Guernsey life over the past 250 years through trades, transport, fashion and everyday domestic life.
The National Trust of Guernsey Costume Collection, with more than 8,000 items, is the only costume and fashion exhibition in the Channel Islands. Selections from it are shown over two floors in annually changing costume exhibitions. A light-filled gallery, Art at The Park, holds art and craft exhibitions between April and October, and a Christmas shop opens in the museum in the weeks before Christmas.
Highlights
- Permanent displays on trades, transport and domestic life in Guernsey
- National Trust of Guernsey Costume Collection with over 8,000 items
- Annual costume exhibitions on two floors
- Cobbled courtyard and Art at The Park gallery
- Free admission in the setting of Saumarez Park
Permanent exhibitions
- Guernsey life over the past 250 years – Permanent displays arranged around the courtyard explore island history through trades, transport and everyday domestic life.
- National Trust of Guernsey Costume Collection – The only permanent collection of historic dress and textiles in the Channel Islands, with more than 8,000 items shown over two floors.
- Founded
- 1968
- Operated by
- National Trust of Guernsey
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free; donations are always welcome.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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
The ground floor is access-friendly and a lift serves the costume exhibitions on the upper floor. The terrain is level, apart from the cobbled courtyard and the surrounding parkland. Blue Badge parking is not available at the nearest public car park in Saumarez Park but is available at the north car park, a five-minute walk on a tarmac path through the park.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
The museum is listed as family friendly, with a baby-changing facility and pushchair access.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Saumarez Park
Bus routes 41 and 42 serve Saumarez Park.
By car
Parking available
There is parking at the public car park in Saumarez Park. Blue Badge parking is at the north car park, a five-minute walk on a tarmac path through the park to the museum.
- Accessible parking
The museum is less than a 15-minute drive from the centre of St Peter Port. The Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden of the Guernsey Botanical Trust is nearby.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The museum has a shop, and a Christmas shop opens before Christmas. Salvatore’s Café in Saumarez Park offers refreshments, and there are public toilets in the park.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
The courtyard and the Art at The Park gallery and reception area can be hired for private functions.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours are available for groups of 10 to 15 people; group bookings are made through the Museum Manager. |
