St Neots Museum

About the museum

St Neots Museum is housed in the Old Court on New Street, a former police station and law court a minute’s walk from the High Street. It opened in the 1990s and tells the story of the town and its surroundings from prehistoric times to the present. The original early 20th-century gaol cells have been kept and can be seen by visitors.

The museum is a registered charity governed by a board of trustees, with a management committee for day-to-day matters. Apart from three part-time staff it is run by volunteers, and a Friends group runs the shop and raises funds. About 60 per cent of its funding comes from an annual grant from the town council, with the remainder from admissions, donations, shop sales and fundraising.

The galleries follow the town’s story from an 11th-century Benedictine priory to the Edwardian prison cells. Finds include the Kimbolton hoard of Iron Age gold coins, Anglo-Saxon silver coins, a Regency banknote from the Bank of St Neots, a mammoth tooth and material on the train derailment of 1895. A First World War section draws on the memories of local people, and a separate exhibition space hosts changing displays and events.

Highlights

• Original Edwardian gaol cells
• Kimbolton hoard of Iron Age gold coins
• Anglo-Saxon silver coins and a Regency banknote from the Bank of St Neots
• Mammoth tooth and material on the 1895 train derailment
• First World War section with local memories

Permanent exhibitions

• Museum galleries – The story of St Neots from an 11th-century Benedictine priory to the Edwardian prison cells, with archaeological finds, coins and local objects.
• First World War – A section built around the memories of local people who lived through the war.

Founded

1995

Operated by

St Neots Museum Limited (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Entry is free for local residents living in one of the parishes that contribute to the museum’s running costs (including St Neots, Eynesbury, Buckden and Kimbolton) and for Friends of the Museum. Fees apply for some events.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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 entrance is level from the pavement and there is a ramp and level access to the ground floor. A stair lift serves the first floor and a wheelchair is available there. There is a hearing loop at reception and an accessible toilet. No dogs are allowed except guide and hearing dogs. Blue Badge spaces are in the pay-and-display car parks, and Blue Badge holders may stop briefly at the front of the museum to drop off or collect passengers. Staff can help if booked in advance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Family-friendly displays with hands-on activities, a family trail, and trails and activity sessions in school holidays.

Getting there & parking

The museum stands on flat land in the town centre, one minute from the High Street, and the pavements around it are level.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The shop sells local history books, souvenirs, local crafts, toys and gifts; major credit cards are accepted for purchases over £10.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The exhibition space can be hired as a gallery, showcase or craft fair venue.

Plan your visit