Worcestershire County Museum

From Romans to Victorians and toys to treasure there really is something for everyone at Worcestershire County Museum.  

So what will inspire you to visit?

* a fun day out with the family including a nature reserve, fabulous cafe and well stocked gift shop?

* an enjoyable way of finding our more about the world we live in and expanding your own knowledge?

* a chance to explore the past, through room sets and real historical objects and imagine just what life was like for our ancestors?

Come to Hartlebury for all these things and more!

Worcestershire County Museum is housed in the servants quarters of Hartlebury Castle, home to the Bishop of Worcester since the 16^th century. The site has been owned by the Church since 850AD and a manor house was built here as early as the 13^th century (find out more about the history of Hartlebury Castle).

The County Museum main galleries include collections ranging from children’s toys, archaeology and costume to craft work by the Bromsgrove Guild (find out more about our Collections)  Each year we will be changing and re-displaying our permanent exhibitions and bringing more objects out of our stores so there will always be something new for you to discover!

The building also contains a number of room sets such as Victorian, Georgian and Civil War rooms and original rooms within the Castle including the Schoolroom, Scullery, Housekeepers Room and Nursery whichreally help to bring the past to life.  The South wing of the Castle and the State Rooms (pictured below) are not currently open to the public.  

Within the grounds of the Castle you can also visit the Cider Mill and the Transport Gallery housing a fascinating array of vehicles including a fire engine, hansom cab, bicycles, carts and a large collection of beautifully decorated Gypsy caravans.  

Make it a whole day out at Hartlebury!

The Castle Kitchen Café

Serving a wide range of freshly made meals and snacks the Castle Kitchen Café is the perfect place to relax and unwind.  Our menu contains a variety of homemade dishes, light lunches and cakes using many local ingredients as well as organic and fair trade products.  In addition to our standard menu  (2.24 MB) special dishes change to reflect the seasons and to complement our many museum events so there is always something new to try.

The Museum Shop

The Museum Shop sells a wide range of quality cards, crafts and gifts to suit all pockets.  With areas dedicated to home, garden, arts and toys there is sure to be something for everyone.  For that special gift the Worcestershire Guild of Designer Craftsmen have a permanent display and sales area in the museum shop where visitors can purchase unique, hand made, contemporary craft items including jewellery, homeware, clothing and decorative pieces using wood, metal, glass, ceramics and textiles.  

Other visitor facilities include:  

• Old Moat Coppice nature trail & picnic area offer a pleasent place for a stroll
• The Orchard Picnic Area
• Visitor Reception building with a video introduction
• Ample Free Parking
• Easy access to the many walks and footpaths on Hartlebury Common, a rare area of upland heath

An external glass lift allows all visitors access to every floor of the Musuem.   Galleries, shop, cafe and Orchard picnic area are all wheelchair accessible.  Dedicated car parking spaces and toilet facilities are available.