Moyse's Hall Museum - Image 1

Moyse's Hall Museum

Bury St Edmunds, United Kingdom•4.5(359)•Historic House, Museum

Explore nearly 900 years of history in a stunning 12th-century medieval building, with eclectic collections ranging from rare clocks to art and crime artifacts.

Moyse's Hall Museum is housed in a magnificent 12th-century medieval building that has dominated Bury St Edmunds' market place for almost 900 years. The landmark structure has served multiple roles throughout its rich history, functioning as a town Bridewell, workhouse, and police station before opening as a museum in 1899. Today it offers visitors a captivating journey through local and social history alongside artefacts of national and international significance. The museum's collections are wonderfully eclectic and engaging for families. Highlights include West Suffolk's world-class collection of horology featuring rare timepieces bequeathed by musician and clock collector Frederic Gershom Parkington, fine art by renowned local artists Mary Beale (England's first professional female painter) and Sybil Andrews, and the Suffolk Regiment gallery. The museum also houses fascinating crime-related exhibits, including prison paraphernalia and remarkable collections relating to the notorious Red Barn Murder, alongside intriguing insights into historical superstition and witchcraft. Moyse's Hall is particularly family-friendly, having won Suffolk's Family-Friendly Museum of the Year in 2017. The venue hosts regularly changing exhibitions in the Great Hall and offers themed craft workshops for all ages, alongside historical talks and lectures. With its combination of interactive displays, diverse collections, and special events throughout the year, it provides an accessible and engaging way for families to explore the area's fascinating past.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 16:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Walk-in

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

4.5(359 reviews)
S
Susan Nuttall

Susan Nuttall

a month ago

A new and exciting exhibit relating to King Edmund and how he transfigured in St Edmund. Truth and myths. Artifacts that support the story are on display. How faith has interpreted the story of St Edmund. Well worth a visit. The building itself has its own story. There is a large collection of clocks on permanent display. There is also a small military exhibit. Enjoy

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Emma Digby

Emma Digby

5 months ago

Had an absolutely amazing day at moyse's museum. We had never been before and found out that they were showing film props so had to go! We booked online and got there for 10ish. Such an amazing museum entrance. The staff were lovely. I have crohns disease and often need the bathroom a lot so finding out they had a bathroom made me more comfortable. They have baby changing too and also lifts!! We missed out on a few bits in the museum either because the props were there instead or we missed a room. So we will be going back. Everything was so interesting and so easy to see and read. Truly a lovely place to go.

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David

David

8 months ago

It's a laid back museum, which is very accessible for families with children. We went especially for the Movie props display, which the kids loved, so it was a big success. While the kids posed next to a hobbit, I was more interested in finding the local history. Bury St Edmunds offers up a millennia of incredible history, and it's displayed around the building in a slightly disappointed way. To be fair it's a very old building and they use it as best they can, so there is limited scope for story telling like at Chelmsford Museum. The gift shop has spread out too far into the beautiful main arched hall with random tat. It just needs a guiding hand to focus the whole experience and add a little depth and flow to the presentation of their wonderful artifacts.

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Evil Edna

Evil Edna

12 months ago

I loved visiting this local museum, it's massively improved from a few years ago and the current exhibition on dinosaurs is excellent and for a local museum, it's outstanding! Great place to bring children or just to wander round. The gift shop area is also very good. Easy access for pushchair and wheelchairs to all floors, also does have a loo. Recommended.

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Emma Turner

Emma Turner

a year ago

Fantastic little museum in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. Went here specifically to see the info on the red barn murder at Polstead. So much info about the murder plus a book covered in the murderers skin and his scalp including ear. A little gross but also extremely interesting. The museum also had displays and facts on dinosaurs which kids would find fascinating. Its cheap to get in so perfect for a family day out. The staff are very helpful and informative. Would definitely recommend a visit.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Moyse's Hall 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 Moyse's Hall Museum

Is Moyse's Hall Museum free to visit?

Moyse's Hall Museum is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

Is Moyse's Hall Museum dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Moyse's Hall Museum.

Is there parking at Moyse's Hall Museum?

Moyse's Hall Museum doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at Moyse's Hall Museum?

Yes, food is available on site at Moyse's Hall Museum.

Is Moyse's Hall Museum pushchair-friendly?

Moyse's Hall Museum isn't the easiest for pushchairs, prams or buggies — stairs or uneven terrain may make a baby carrier a better option.

How long should we plan to spend at Moyse's Hall Museum?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to Moyse's Hall Museum.

How do I get to Moyse's Hall Museum by public transport?

Moyse's Hall Museum is well-served by public transport.

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