Bassetlaw Museum - Image 1

Bassetlaw Museum

Retford, United Kingdom•4.7(187)•Art Gallery, Museum

Explore Bassetlaw's heritage through varied exhibitions, fine art, and a rural heritage centre featuring vintage tractors and craftsmen's tools.

Bassetlaw Museum offers families a diverse experience combining local history, fine art, and rural heritage in one accessible venue. The museum houses the Percy Laws Art Gallery showcasing fine art, temporary exhibitions in the costume gallery and Music Room, and an engaging Rural Heritage Centre where visitors can explore a reconstructed vet's office and farm kitchen alongside vintage tractors and traditional rural craftsmen's tools. The venue is particularly family-friendly, hosting an exciting programme of events, workshops, and activities throughout the year designed for children and families. With free entry and pushchair-friendly facilities, it welcomes visitors of all ages from infants upwards. The museum also offers educational services for school groups, making it an ideal destination for combining leisure visits with learning opportunities. Located in Retford, Nottinghamshire, Bassetlaw Museum is described as 'a museum of delights' by visitors. The venue supports its community through free children's activities funded by donations, and offers flexible opening hours that extend during school holidays to accommodate families.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 16:45
Tuesday: 10:00 – 16:45
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:00 – 16:45
Friday: 10:00 – 16:45
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:45
Sunday: Closed

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly
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Google Reviews

4.7(187 reviews)
H
Heather

Heather

a week ago

Cute lil museum in rural Nottinghamshire. Not a huge amount to see, but there's a lovely garden and some beautiful agrarian paintings.

B
Briimo

Briimo

a year ago

Honestly didn't expect much from this museum, but I was pleasantly surprised. There is a bit of a gallery on the ground floor which is okay, but you would probably need to appreciate the skill required for the specialist photos on show. The best parts are upstairs... Lots of smaller rooms with a more traditional type museum layout. Not too crowded, with a nice flow to the rooms. The house is quite interesting as well. Some limited free parking outside, but a short walk away, you can find alternative parking, if you want to risk it. I was surprised to spend about 2 hours there.

P
Polly Wainwright

Polly Wainwright

a year ago

Took my grandson (13 yrs old) here. Easy to find on Grove St. No parking at the museum. Great place, not huge, so kept his interest really well. Lovely little rooms - classroom, toys, rural life, art. As well as a seperate 'Pilgrims' room - which was particularly interesting. Toilets, gift shop and really helpful staff. You can easily while away a very pleasant and informative hour plus here. Inspire we're also running childrens activities when we looked round. Well worth a visit, and free to visit.

S
sam

sam

4 years ago

To say I have lived close to this place for many years this was my first visit and I was pleasantly surprised, the exhibitions were fantastic and informative some also interactive, the outdoor space was huge and well maintained, there was plenty of activities on for children and family's, free entry,

M
MT

MT

5 years ago

Great museum! We parked outside on the street which is free parking for 30 minutes, so didn’t have too long to look around - we probably could have spent just a little bit longer there. The woman who welcomed us in was so friendly!! The museum is full of a wide range of information, a great free museum, so well worth visiting if you want a break from driving on the A1.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Bassetlaw Museum

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Bassetlaw Museum

Is Bassetlaw Museum free to visit?

Entry to Bassetlaw Museum is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

What ages is Bassetlaw Museum suitable for?

Bassetlaw Museum is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Bassetlaw Museum dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Bassetlaw Museum.

Is there parking at Bassetlaw Museum?

Bassetlaw Museum doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at Bassetlaw Museum?

Bassetlaw Museum doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is Bassetlaw Museum pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Bassetlaw Museum is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Bassetlaw Museum?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to Bassetlaw Museum.

How do I get to Bassetlaw Museum by public transport?

Bassetlaw Museum is well-served by public transport.

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