Royal Lancers and Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum

About the museum

The Royal Lancers and Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum was opened by Princess Alexandra on 26 July 2011. It occupies a refurbished space across the front of Thoresby Courtyard, a former range of stables, coach houses and riding school belonging to Thoresby Hall in Thoresby Park. The project was made possible through a partnership with the Stonebridge Trust, rural regeneration funding and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The museum illustrates the service of three cavalry regiments with strong links to Nottinghamshire: the Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeth's Own) and its predecessor regiments, the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry and the South Nottinghamshire Hussars Yeomanry. The two yeomanry regiments were raised in 1794.

Panels, display cases, learning zones and video presentations follow the story of cavalry from the horseback charge through the tank battles of the Second World War to recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The collection includes arms, uniforms, medals, silver and paintings, among them an original red coat from the American War of Independence and the bugle said to have sounded the Charge of the Light Brigade. The museum is part of the Royal Lancers Museums Trust.

Highlights

• Story of cavalry from the horseback charge to modern armoured units
• Original bugle sounded at the Charge of the Light Brigade
• Red coat from the American War of Independence
• Uniforms, medals, silver and paintings
• Learning zones for children and adults
• Free entry

Permanent exhibition

• Three cavalry regiments of Nottinghamshire – Displays on the Royal Lancers, the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry and the South Nottinghamshire Hussars, with arms, uniforms, medals, silver and paintings.

Founded

2011

Operated by

Royal Lancers Museums Trust

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry to the museum is free; donations are welcome. Car parking in the Thoresby Park car park costs £5 per day. Researching historical enquiries by the museum is charged separately (£15 for an initial enquiry).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is on two floors with lift access to the first floor, and has a designated accessible toilet with a pull cord. A wheelchair can be borrowed for a donation if requested in advance. Blue Badge spaces are provided in the car park, but the path to the courtyard is compacted earth and cobbles. Interpretation boards are in large text and seating is available on the first floor. Service dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Activity and learning zones let children and adults explore the history themselves. More than 50,000 school children and group members have visited since the museum opened.

Getting there & parking

Thoresby Courtyard is about 22 miles north of Nottingham city centre. From the A614 at Ollerton roundabout take the A1 turning, turn left at Thoresby roundabout and follow the County Road for 1 mile, then turn left for the courtyard just before the Thoresby Hall Hotel entrance. Signs lead from the A614, A1, A616 and A6075.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

A museum shop on the first floor sells souvenirs and books. The Bay Tree Café, a licensed coffee shop and tearoom opposite the museum in Thoresby Courtyard, has level access. The courtyard also has craft shops and a gallery.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit