Heritage Open Weekend
Come along to visit the Workhouse and Infirmary with free entry as part of the Heritage Open Days Festival.
- Booking not needed
- Free event
Behind every door is a story and the Workhouse and Infirmary bears witness to over 160 years of changing social policy and attitudes towards the poor and vulnerable in society. Explore why people came here in our 1921 census exhibition in partnership with Findmypast and trace their physical route. Discover how vagrants created a secret code language as they moved from workhouse to workhouse through our children’s trail. Chat to a room guide, take a tour (limited spaces), complete a children’s trail, dress up and write on a slate in the school room, spot the workhouse mice scenes, play some old-fashioned games, have a wander outside in the kitchen garden, walk in the historic infirmary wards or relax in our second-hand bookshop and café. There is so much here to discover and learn.
Times
The basics
- Suitability
Family friendly
- Accessibility
Some areas might not be fully accessible to all visitors. The ground floor of the workhouse is accessible via ramps. There are stairs to all other floors, cellars and exercise yards. A virtual tour and photos are available for the cellars and upper floors. There is an accessible lift to the first floor of the Infirmary. For full access details please visit our website.
Upcoming events
Written on the Workhouse Walls
Watch out for thieves or hit the road quick? Become a secret sign sleuth with Written on the Workhouse Walls, a fun family trail to celebrate the bicentenary of the Workhouse.
Lives Unravelled
Join us for this creative and thought provoking textile exhibition from Yorkshire based textile group, 6 ply.
Becher Walk
Step back in time and join Reverend John T. Becher, founder of The Workhouse, on a tour of Southwell.
Bicentenary Pop Up Banner
Join us as we celebrate our 200 year anniversary with this participatory banner art event.