Shardlow Heritage Centre

About the museum

Shardlow grew into an inland port after the Trent and Mersey Canal opened through the village in 1770. Goods were moved between wide river boats and narrow canal boats and stored in warehouses beside the basins, and the village filled with carriers, boat builders, rope walks, stables and workers' cottages. The canal port and its warehouses can still be seen today.

The heritage centre occupies one of the earliest canal warehouses. The building was leased from Mansfield Brewery, which refurbished and equipped it at its own expense as a museum for the village. The centre is now managed by the Shardlow Heritage Trust, a registered charity, and is staffed entirely by local volunteers.

The exhibition covers boat builders, carrying companies, the coming of the canal and the railway, pubs and breweries, and local trades. It also tells the story of the church, the old river crossings, schools, shops and the village carnival. A full-size replica of a narrowboat back cabin, a video introduction to the port and several hundred archived photographs add to the displays.

Highlights

• Full-size replica of a narrowboat back cabin
• Wall exhibition on boat builders, carriers and canal trades
• Material on the Shardlow Bronze Age log boat
• Video introduction to the historic port
• Edwardian costumes for children to try on
• Inland Port History Trail leaflet for a walk round the village

Permanent exhibition

• Shardlow Heritage Centre exhibition – Wall displays and cases on the canal port, its boat builders and carriers, local trades and village life, with a replica narrowboat back cabin.

Founded

1996

Operated by

Shardlow Heritage Trust

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free, but the centre relies on donations for its running costs. The Inland Port History Trail leaflet costs 50p.

Accessibility

• 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 and the neighbouring Clock Warehouse are both described as accessible for disabled visitors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Children can dress up in Edwardian canal-boating clothes made in small sizes.

Getting there & parking

Follow the signs to Shardlow from the A50 between junction 24 of the M1 and Derby. The centre is in the warehouse between the canal and the road, and its entrance is on the canal wharf, reached from the Clock Warehouse car park.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

A small sales area offers reproductions of Edwardian photographs of the village, postcards and local souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit