The Old House, Hereford

About the museum

The Old House in High Town was built in 1621 as a butcher's shop and family home. Over the following centuries it served several purposes, including a spell in the 1920s as a branch of Lloyds Bank. It has been a museum since 1929 and is run by Herefordshire Council as part of Herefordshire Museums and Galleries.

The timber-framed building is a well-preserved example of Jacobean domestic architecture in the centre of Hereford. Its rooms have been faithfully re-created with original 17th-century furniture and everyday objects that show how people lived, worked and relaxed more than 400 years ago. Visitors of all ages can try on replica clothing and test an authentic bed from the period.

Because the building is old and listed, only the ground floor is accessible without stairs. For visitors who cannot climb to the upper floors there is a virtual tour of the rooms and a set of tactile displays on the ground floor. The museum shop sells postcards, greeting cards and gifts made by local artisans, and the house runs a regular programme of activities and changing displays.

Highlights

• Timber-framed Jacobean house built in 1621
• Re-created period rooms with original 17th-century furniture
• Replica clothing to try on and a period bed to test
• Virtual tour of the upper floors and tactile displays on the ground floor
• Shop with gifts by local artisans

Permanent exhibition

• Jacobean rooms – Re-created 17th-century rooms with original furniture and everyday objects, replica clothing to try on and a virtual tour of the upper floors.

Founded

1929

Operated by

Herefordshire Council

Admission & discounts

The adult price applies to visitors over 16.

Accessibility

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

The building is a listed 17th-century house, so access is limited. The ground floor is wheelchair accessible with level access throughout, and a virtual tour shows the upper floors to visitors who cannot use the stairs. A hearing loop is available at the reception desk (set hearing aids to the T setting). Braille labels and tactile displays are available for blind or partially sighted visitors. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout. A downloadable visual story helps neurodiverse children prepare for a visit, and an access guide can be downloaded.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Visitors of all ages can try on replica clothing and test a period bed. Under-16s enter free, and the museum runs a regular programme of activities, including family events.

Getting there & parking

The Old House stands in High Town in the centre of Hereford.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum shop sells postcards, greeting cards and gifts by local artisans. Public toilets and council car parks are a short walk away.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit