Workhouse Museum

Workhouse Museum

Back in the days of the Victorians, there was no such thing as a benefits system; there was the workhouse. Whilst there you will be able to explore the board room, the cells, laundry, kitchen, workhouse garden (one of a handful of surviving workhouse gardens in the UK) and more.

Each room is set out as it would have been if there were Victorians living there today. A vagrant stayed within cells for only 2 days. The workhouse became a refuge for the old, disabled and those with mental health conditions, and their food was grown in the garden. You can try on the uniforms given to each person living at the workhouse to wear, or take part in some activities even today. There is also a gift shop to explore.

More information.

Accessibility

A lift is available. The accessible toilets are fairly flat throughout. There is just enough room to manoeuvre a wheelchair through each section. On top of this, there is enough room to push a pushchair and activities for children to take part in. Whilst there are no audio tours of the place, staff are able to explain the site and you can touch things throughout the museum.

If you would like to explore more places in Yorkshire, then please take a look at the Eric’s Atlas website.