Explore Sanquhar's rich industrial and cultural heritage through interactive exhibits, including famous knitting traditions, mining history, and Napoleonic prisoner artifacts.

Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum, housed in a fine 18th-century tolbooth building, offers visitors a fascinating journey through the history of Upper Nithsdale. The museum showcases Sanquhar's world-renowned knitting tradition alongside compelling stories of the region's mining heritage and the lives of miners from Sanquhar and Kirkconnel. A particularly unique exhibit features a ship crafted from bone by Napoleonic Prisoners of War who were held in Sanquhar jail, providing insight into this remarkable historical period. The museum is specifically designed to be family-friendly, featuring a dedicated children's activity area, interactive quiz sheets, and Lego minifigures depicting characters from Sanquhar's past. These elements encourage young visitors to engage with the displays and discover local history in an enjoyable way. An audio-visual room with subtitled short films on local history themes enhances the educational experience. Visitors benefit from free admission and a free car park adjacent to the museum. The well-lit displays provide plenty of space to move around comfortably. The museum is open seasonally from April 1st to September 30th, Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm. Please note that access is via stone steps with no lift available.

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