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Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells

King's Lynn, United Kingdom•4.6(184)•Heritage Site, Museum

Explore King's Lynn's rich history through interactive exhibitions, medieval artifacts, and guided tours of the historic Town Hall and Gaol House.

Stories of Lynn is a museum housed in King's Lynn Town Hall, dedicated to telling the story of this historic market town through its collections and exhibitions. Visitors can discover the region's social history, view the magnificent King John Cup—a rare 14th-century decorated drinking vessel—and explore the Treasury, which contains King's Lynn's impressive civic regalia. The venue offers much more than static displays. A free mobile app provides audio-guided tours of the museum, the historic Gaol House, Town Hall, and walking routes through King's Lynn, bringing the town's history vividly to life with informative narratives and images. On Tuesdays and Sundays, visitors can enjoy complimentary tours of the Town Hall's first floor, including the stunning 15th-century Stone Hall and Georgian Assembly and Card Rooms. Stories of Lynn is family-friendly and pushchair accessible, making it ideal for visitors of all ages. The venue welcomes school groups with special learning events designed to bring curriculum topics to life, and offers affordable family ticket packages. The museum is open daily from 10am to 4:30pm, with free access to the King's Lynn Borough Archives for those researching local history.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 16:30
Tuesday: 10:00 – 16:30
Wednesday: 10:00 – 16:30
Thursday: 10:00 – 16:30
Friday: 10:00 – 16:30
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:30
Sunday: 10:00 – 16:30

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

4.6(184 reviews)
K
Kelly Seed

Kelly Seed

a month ago

This is an interesting one. It's a small museum and the cost reflects that. Some well thought out presentations that I really enjoyed. My confusion comes from a really nice video that you watch towards the end in the goal, it takes about 6 minutes to watch and it's a great story but the only link to the goal and Kings Lynn was that he was arrested there for his crime.... that's it. The crime, most of his life and the trial are all out of KL and in fact Norfolk. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Did I think they could have probably found a more area appropriate story..... the only answer to that is no, because surely they would have used that? I also liked the small garden behind it, to access this you turn right and you go through the archway.

H
Hazel Manley

Hazel Manley

2 months ago

Really nice, informative museum with friendly staff. Apart from the some individual cells which had a single step at the doorway, it was very accessible. You could see some of the contents of these from the doorway. We didn't go upstairs, but there was a lift. It has a good variety of of well curated, different exhibits. The entry fee was surprisingly low and people needing a carer can take their carer for free. We didn't book in advance, but our visit wasn't at a peak time. The website doesn't do it justice.

R
Richard Williams

Richard Williams

4 months ago

This museum is a tardis inside. My 13 yr old girl said it's the best museum ever. Some fabulous paintings in the assembly rooms, the jails were great and the murder video was fascinating. Some of the punishment equipment was grew some. Girls liked dressing up and my 8yr old did the bug quiz. Excellent $value....we didn't find the portrait of Pocahontas though ( because we obeyed the no exit signs!!!)

M
Martin Fowler

Martin Fowler

6 months ago

Very well put together history of Lynn, with lots of interesting items in display. I particularly liked the talking portraits, a bit Harry Potter. The jail part of the museum is equally interesting, with a rather chilling murder story to boot. It's not free to enter, but it's worth what you pay. And we came away knowing a lot more about the fascinating history of Lynn.

H
Harry Bellow

Harry Bellow

8 months ago

Great museum! Not a fan of paying for entry in the UK (it simply isn't the norm*) but this place is just really well put together. It was £3.80 each for reference, think we spent at least an hour in there. I am lazy and distracted when it comes to reading displays but the info here is very digestible and well layed out. It helps that Kings Lynn is actually a really interesting place but this museum also presents that history very well. The gaol section is very well done and a nice contrast to the initial history/timeline of Lynn section. Make sure you don't miss the upstairs of the building where you get to see some fancy town council/court/guildhall rooms and a cool massive window with etched panels. There is also a bit upstairs passed the court room which says 'no exit' but my reading was that you could still go that way (as long as you don't exit) and there is a fun painting of Pocahontas. The connection here is that Pocahontas's boyfriend was the apprentice of someone from King's Lynn. Past Pocahontas there is also a room full of photos of King's Lynn mayors but also lots of wood mounted odd military crests. This is a weird room but basically just extra value for money at this point. *I learned for the first time about the Hanseatic League of medieval merchants at this museum, of which King's Lynn was part of. Maybe membership of this network is what makes this museum take up the somewhat mainland European approach of charging for museum entry

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells

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This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells

Is Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells free to visit?

Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

Is Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells.

Is there parking at Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells?

Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells?

Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells 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 Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells.

How do I get to Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells by public transport?

Stories of Lynn - Museum and Old Gaol Cells is well-served by public transport.
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