Museums

Museums in Loughborough

Well, back in Loughborough, after a long week in Leicester, I see Spring has sprung, Easter is upon us and we all know what that means - Yes! The museums in town are now open for their summer season hours!

The Carillon Tower and War Memorial includes three rooms of artefacts, the clavier chamber, the carillon bells themselves, as well as a roll of honour to those who gave their lives in WW1 (and later conflicts). Entry to the ground floor exhibits are free, whilst the upper floors are accessible on payment of a small charge (£1). The carillon is played twice a week, at 1pm on a Thursday and Sunday (I think). The opening hours for the museum are: 1-4.30pm everyday, apart from Monday when it is closed all day. You can find the Carillon in Queen's Park Loughborough, close to the bandstand, the aviaries and the ...





... Charnwood Museum. Charnwood Museum tells the fascinating story of Loughborough and its environs, covering early history - think Walking ON dinosaurs, rather than Walking WITH dinosaurs - the geology of the area - "small areas of Precambrian and lower Cambrian rocks in Charnwood Forest and the unconformable overlying Carboniferous cover." - through framework knitting to rubbish tips, to Ladybird Books, and Edward Elgar music scripts. As well as the permanent displays, there are two exhibition areas which are used for temporary events - displays of local work, of national events, and exhibitions mostly relevant to the local area. The museum is FREE to visit, and the opening hours for the summer are: Tuesday - Saturday 10.00-4.30, Sunday 2-5pm. Beside the museum, with an entrance from the museum and from Queen's Park itself, is the Café in the Park.

Both the above museums are on facebook:

The Carillon

Charnwood Museum

Situated in the Heritage Quarter of Loughborough, next to the Parish Church (aka the Church of All Saints with Holy Trinity), is the former rectory, known as the Old Rectory, which was the home of the former vicars of the adjacent church. The building that is still standing is a 13th century stone-built manor house, which although extended many times over the years, is all that is left of the former prestigious house. Inside there is an exhibition area which houses a different display each year, whilst upstairs there are display cases which show the history of the building, the area, and even some local firms. Last year, I visited the museum and wrote about my experience. The Old Rectory Museum is FREE to enter (I think), and can be found on Rectory Place, very close to the Parish Church, and is open every Saturday, April - October, 11.00-3pm.

The final museum I would like to mention is Taylor's Bellfoundry museum. This museum is spread over two floors, and includes things like bells from different era made by different founders, artefacts pertaining to bell founding, and also has a shop which sells many bell-related items. You can take yourself around the museum, but to get the very best experience, guided tours are also offered (these must be pre-booked). The museum is a little way from the town centre, on Freehold Street, and is generally open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10.00 - 12 noon, and 2.00 - 4pm, although it is advisable to check before making the journey. There is a small charge of approx. £4 for entry.

For an account of my visit to the Great Central Railway Museum, which is open during times the station is open, please follow this link.