Museum of Local History: Visitor Information

Thank you for planning a visit to the Riverside Museum of Local History. Housed in a restored eighteenth-century warehouse beside the old harbour, the museum tells the story of our town and the people who have lived and worked here over the centuries. This information sheet will help you make the most of your visit, whether you are coming alone, with family or as part of a group.

Opening hours and admission

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from ten in the morning until five in the afternoon. It is closed on Mondays, apart from public holidays, when we open as usual. Last admission is at half past four, so please allow enough time to see the galleries before we close. Admission to the permanent galleries is free of charge, though we welcome donations towards the upkeep of the collection. There is a separate charge for special exhibitions, which are held in the gallery on the top floor several times a year.

Getting here

The museum is a ten-minute walk from the town centre and is well served by public transport, with several bus routes stopping nearby. We strongly encourage visitors to travel by bus, on foot or by bicycle, as there is no car park at the museum itself. The nearest public car park is on Mill Street, a short walk away, but spaces there are limited and fill up quickly on busy days. Secure bicycle racks are provided at the front of the building.

What to see

The permanent collection is arranged over three floors. The ground floor traces the town's origins as a fishing and trading port, with model ships, old maps and objects recovered from the harbour. The first floor is devoted to daily life in the town over the past two hundred years, including a reconstructed shop and schoolroom that are especially popular with younger visitors. The second floor houses our collection of local artwork and photography, as well as the space used for temporary exhibitions. A lift serves all floors for those who prefer not to use the stairs.

Facilities

A café on the ground floor serves hot drinks, light lunches and homemade cakes, and is open throughout the day. Visitors are welcome to use the café without paying to enter the museum. The gift shop, also on the ground floor, sells books about local history, postcards, and gifts made by local craftspeople. Toilets, including facilities for disabled visitors and a baby-changing room, are located on each floor. A cloakroom near the entrance offers a place to leave coats and bags, and we ask that large rucksacks and umbrellas be left there rather than carried through the galleries, where space can be tight and delicate objects are close at hand.

Visiting with children

Families are very welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Free activity trails, which guide young visitors around the galleries with puzzles and things to spot, are available from the front desk. During school holidays we run craft workshops and story sessions for children; these are free but must be booked in advance, as places are limited.

Groups and guided tours

We welcome groups, but organisers of parties of ten or more are asked to book their visit at least two weeks in advance so that we can ensure a comfortable experience for everyone. Guided tours led by our knowledgeable volunteers can be arranged for booked groups at no extra cost, but must be requested at the time of booking. Please note that flash photography is not permitted anywhere in the museum, as it can damage delicate exhibits, though visitors are welcome to take photographs without flash for personal use.

Getting in touch

If you have any questions before your visit, or wish to make a booking, please contact the front desk by telephone or email; our details are on the museum's website. Members of the public who are interested in the work of the museum may also like to know that we depend heavily on volunteers, who help at the front desk, lead tours and assist with the care of the collection. No special knowledge is needed to volunteer, only enthusiasm and a few free hours, and full training is given. If you might be interested, ask for a leaflet at the front desk. We look forward to welcoming you and hope you enjoy discovering the rich history of our town.