Excellent museum covering the history of workhouses. One building is currently being renovated but we saw plenty of information that was fascinating. When compiling my family tree I discovered my maternal grandmother was an ‘inmate’ in Sedgefield workhouse in 1921. She was about 24 years old at the time and a few years earlier her parents had separated. That workhouse no longer exists so the detail provided here was really illuminating. Well worth a visit. We bought the ticket to visit the other museums in this group in Ripon and it allows entry for 12 months.

A really wonderful visit to find out more about what must've been a pretty grim time to be alive for a large portion of the population. All the staff we encountered were absolutely lovely, insightful and welcoming, as they greeted us, introduced us to the history of the workhouse and (as we stayed so long!) politely and patiently escorted us out at closing time. It was fascinating to see how many of the original features were still in place, which really brought to life how things must've been for the people who resorted to coming there to seek lodgings, food and work all those years ago. Information boards on the way round are informative and give just enough detail to tell you what you need without having to stand around for ages. Although simple, there was a really engaging kids activity booklet, which got them to physically do something in each room (e.g. assess someone for worthiness for entry to the workhouse, dress up, play the piano, search for the rats, weigh out ingredients for dinner, sweep up the yard etc.). Our party aged 4 - 70-odd were all kept thoroughly engaged and occupied for the whole visit. We arrived after 2.30pm which was a shame as there had also been some baking activities for kids which had just finished. In the summer holidays at least, it seems there are some kind of activities going on each day. The family & friends ticket (£38 for 2 adults + up to three children) represents very good value for money when compared to single adult entry, especially as it includes entry to the other 2 parts of the museum, which we now plan to visit tomorrow, as the tickets are valid for a full calendar year from the date when you buy them, for as many entries as you want. American Express cards accepted at the till. Totally recommended for anyone with an interest in British history, humanity or a modicum of compassion. It really made the kids and adults in our party think.

A nice little museum explaining and letting you walk around the actual building where people came for help/work along with a garden with picnic tables and a veg garden to wonder around. Staff Very friendly and helpful Mostly on one level but there is a lift for wheelchair/pram user's to see a couple of rooms upstairs. Toilet and baby changing available also. You can purchase a single ticket or a combined ticket which allows entry to 2 other museums 0.2 miles away.

We'd bought the full access entrance tickets as we were attending all three museums (courthouse, workhouse and police)and found it quite reasonable. There was plenty to see,and it was a pleasant way to spend a few hours in Ripon. It was interesting to see just how people were treated and the disparity between rich and poor. The volunteers were very friendly, and I had a lovely encounter with Tom and Jerry.

Wonderful surprise, and larger than we expected. We did debate going based on the price, but are glad we did. It's across two buildings, the first is about vagrants (temporary "visitors") and the second is the workhouse. There are great signs throughout and learnt a lot about the history of workhouses in the UK, how people were admitted, elements in them like schools, infirmaries, and sleeping arrangements, and what daily life was like. We spent about an hour, but could've taken a little longer. Very friendly and informative staff. Facilities: clean toilets albeit slightly dated. Most is on the ground floor, but they seemed to have a lift to access the two rooms that are upstairs.