The Nottingham Industrial Museum contains a collection of the rich industrial history of Nottingham from the Industrial Revolution right through to the early 20th century. The museum holds 5 galleries which are the steam hall, transport, textiles, gin yard and the local industries. It is the only Industrial Museum in Nottingham and was ranked at number 4 by the Trip Advisor in over 220 things to do in Nottingham. It is also reported that several films were made here.

The Museum is a volunteer run museum

The Museum is run by volunteers who are keen to protect the industrial heritage of Nottingham. The museum has also won the Nottinghamshire Heritage Site of the Year Award in 2012 which is a local prestigious accolade issued by Experience Nottinghamshire.

The volunteers who are part of the visitor experience make sure that visitors enjoy their visits and learn about the industrial heritage. They answer any questions as well as giving guidance tours.

Transport gallery at the Nottingham Industrial Museum

Prior to the use of cars, bicycles and trains it was horse drawn coaches being used especially amongst the wealthy people. The Nottingham Industrial Museum holds a Phaeton coach which is one of the very few survivors from the olden days. In terms of bicycles, Raleigh, a well-known name across the UK is Nottingham based and first appeared by a small bicycle maker. The collection of Raleigh bicycles at the museum also include the bicycle made for world sprint champion Reg Harris who captured 2 silver medals at the 1948 Olympics. Also adding value to the transport gallery at the Nottingham Industrial Museum are locally made motorcycles and cars produced by Brough superior machines.

The Steam hall

The Steam Hall allows visitors to travel back to the age of when steam and diesel engines powered the many factories throughout the nation. Steam engines had many uses some of which were to pump drinking water, power railway locomotives and to build roads using steamrollers. The Nottingham Industrial Museum looks after a variety of engines and pumps as well as ploughing engines.

Local industries gallery at the Nottingham Industrial Museum

The Museum holds a superb collection of radios, telephones and clocks which formed the history of Nottingham’s great companies such as Boots. Boots which was founded in 1849 sold the drug which is now known as Ibuprofen. The collections at the Industrial Museum also include tower clocks. These are from when Nottingham had its own time which was behind London time. The Nottingham Industrial Museum is also presented the clock from the Old Nottingham Exchange which is open for visitors to see.

Textile 

Nottingham was well known for its textile industry. There were 2 key inventions which stemmed from Nottingham. One of these was the Calverton which was developed in 1589. This was a framework knitting machine which enabled the manufacture of stocking hoses. This revolutionised the textile industry as the Calverton was much faster than the hand knitting machines. The hand operated lace-making machine was also developed in Nottingham in 1808. This marked the beginning of the famous Nottingham lace industry given that this machine allowed lace to be made in the same manner as by hand. The textile gallery at the Nottingham Industrial Museum features stocking frames and many knitting machines. Visitors can view these machines and try and relive the history of the Nottingham Textile Industry and the famous lace market.

Opening Times 

The Museum is open on Saturday and Sunday with the exception of some Bank holidays. The Museum is opened from 11am to 4pm with last entry for visitors at 3.30pm. It is closed on weekdays but by providing some notice you are able to benefit from private weekday group tours. Venue hire is also available to be taken advantage of and again this can be arranged by directly contacting the museum. The venue is often hired when the museum is not open to the public provided prior notice is given and arrangements are made in advance.

Prices at the Nottingham Industrial Museum

The entry fees is £4.00 per adult and £3.00 for students or concessions. Children are permitted entry free provided they are accompanied by an adult. The museum also accepts educational visits as well as group visits. Group discounts also apply where one free ticket is available for every ten tickets purchased.

How to find Nottingham Industrial Museum in Nottingham  

The Nottingham Industrial Museum is situated in the 17^th century stable block of Wollaton Hall and Dear Park which is at the west of Nottingham. The Museum is approximately 3 miles away from the Victoria centre.

It is conveniently located and can be accessed via the M1 motorway. Public transport is also accessible from the museum itself. The mainline rail station is close by which serves the Nottingham area. Busses also connect the Museum with the city centre of Northampton. Cyclists can also easily access the museum as cycle paths link Wollaton Park with the centre of Nottingham.

The place caters for visitors of all ages and abilities. Toilets are easily located within the building as well as toilets for disabled visitors. Blue badge holders can also park free of charge. The Museum also has ramp/level access for use of disabled visitors or visitors with children in buggies and push trollies. 

Whilst visiting the Museum you may consider visiting the Wollaton Hall which is an Elizabethan country house. Quite interestingly the Wollaton Hall houses the Nottingham Industrial Museum.

Our divorce lawyers in Nottingham are situated approximately 3.4 miles from the Nottingham Industrial Museum. If you are living around the Nottingham area and are experiencing any family law issues then contact Kabir Family Law for a free initial consultation on 0115 666 3800. We are located at 2 King Street, Nottingham, NG1 2AS.

Driving directions from our family lawyers in Nottingham can be found below: