Erewash Museum
Erewash Museum
4.5
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Local history museum and art gallery with a wide ranging event programme. Lots of free family activities. We have a lovely volunteer run tea room on site.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Address
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
108 reviews
Excellent
80
Very good
26
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
JaWte
Nottingham, UK104 contributions
Whatever time of year you go there is always something to do or see at the museum. The building itself is interesting and learning about who lived in it was great. So many different rooms offer different information or instruction. And outside in the summer are activities for children and adults alike. Finish off with a lovely cup of tea and a piece of cake. But make sure that you find out when the place is open as it is not open every day.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ruth W
Derbyshire, UK4 contributions
Family
Such a fantastic museum, a great program of events and loads of different things to see in their regular displays. The staff are always friendly and helpful. We went yesterday for the bricks and blocks which was brilliant. We raced Lego cars, built with Lego and duplo, dressed up, saw Star Wars characters, did the Lego hunt, and enjoyed all the usual exhibits- the stables, dolls house etc. We had so much fun we didn’t have time to play in the grounds. Thanks
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Samantha F
Derby, UK17 contributions
Family
Erewash Museum is really lovely. Free entry and a small garden area to play in. It's an old house (so small enough you can easily keep track of the kids) but packed full of interesting exhibits. Lots of things that children are allowed to touch and play with too. They often have craft or themed events in the holidays and the staff are so nice and helpful.
There's a large car park at the leisure centre just down the street as no parking at the museum.
There's a large car park at the leisure centre just down the street as no parking at the museum.
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hilly2969
Ilkeston, UK11 contributions
A little gem, always got something going on, lots of educational stuff going on throughout the year. Located in a lovely building. Lots of activity's planned for school holidays either free or very cheap.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vicki S
1 contribution
Family
I came here with my two boys for the Brick building event during half term. Lots of things to build and a good display of local history.
A great little cafe and gift shop with friendly staff.
A nice way to spend a couple of hours.
A great little cafe and gift shop with friendly staff.
A nice way to spend a couple of hours.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
XkX
1 contribution
Family
I love everything about the museum and the events held. There's so much that goes into the events and considering they are free to attend there is so much to do. We love to go and aim to visit every school holiday events. The museum itself without events on is lovely and definitely worth a visit. Always friendly and welcoming staff.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
one-man-and-his-duck
6 contributions
Family
A fantastic venue with lots of different events and activities happening all though the year.
Been visiting a lot over the years with my family and never been disappointed.
Always worth checking there website/social media to see what's happening.
Been visiting a lot over the years with my family and never been disappointed.
Always worth checking there website/social media to see what's happening.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MarieJanes
Ilkeston, UK279 contributions
Solo
The Erewash Museum is a lovely little place to go if you have an interest in the history of Ilkeston and surrounding areas. On the ground floor there is a kitchen and scullery room is particularly charming and the room dedicated to Stanton Ironworks will undoubtedly throw back many a memory for a large number of people. There is also a replica 1950's sweet shop, again, very lovely to look at, and on the recent World War I Commemoration Day held by the museum, sold sweets to the general public. At the far end is a gallery which houses pictures, poetry, and other artworks which continually changes.
Upstairs is the war room, recently renovated and now has bright pictures and text printed onto the wall, making good use of the space. There are medals and uniforms to look at in drawers and glass cabinets also, along with other war memorabilia such as ration books etc. Next to this room is the old fashioned school room, laid out with desks and photos on the walls of local schools in pre-war years, and again, glass cabinets around the room showing old workbooks and toys that were popular to be played with by children in years gone by.
Along the corridor on the other side of the school room is the room dedicated to archaeology which is the only room that really offers any form of kinaesthetic learning for younger children now that the war room has unfortunately been done up. Here children can piece together pieces of pot, a sort of "real life jigsaw puzzle" and dress up in historically themed costumes and cast admiring glances of themselves into the long mirror on the wall of a cubicle.
There is also another room upstairs which I *think* may be with regards to mining but at the time of writing this, I simply cannot remember what is in there! There is a small courtyard area outside which leads to the barn and hayloft. Father Christmas regularly visits the barn in December and the hayloft offers you a very nice and very affordable cup of tea and coffee when open, you probably won't have just one when you're there! The hayloft is also predominantly where children's crafts take place and each week of the school holidays, the museum offers a different theme. Most days are often free, though I always make a donation to contribute to the cost of resources. There may be a particular attraction one day a week with relation to the theme that has a cost, but I've never known it be more than £1.50 so hardly bank-breaking stuff!
Going back to the recent World War I Commemoration Day held by the museum at the weekend (26/7/14) I felt it would be good to take my 7 year old son along as he starts a school topic on the World Wars when he goes back in September. I didn't know that there was a new war room being unveiled but did know that the old war room offered dressing up, and had an Anderson shelter with toy food inside - akin to what would have been found in one originally. I had hoped to use such a hands on method as a good approach to talking about the subject and take some pictures to take into school. He also had written down a number of war-related questions hoping that there would be someone at the event that may be able to help him answer them. As it turned out, there was nothing to get physically involved with in the war room and there was no-one in particular from looking around who looked as though they could help him with his questions either. He left somewhat disappointed, and since visiting, I have heard of two other children who went with the same intentions and like us were disappointed in what they got from the visit.
Perhaps the museum would like to steer away from attracting younger primary aged children from visiting, for it is still an appealing place to those aged 10 years plus. But the museum lacks inclusiveness for all ages and only becomes appealing to younger ones in the holidays as a cheap place to go for those who live in the town. I do intend to take my son to a couple of events over the summer holidays because they are always well organised and he enjoys it, so this is a big plus for Erewash Museum. For adults and older children a visit is a nice way to spend an hour of your time.
Upstairs is the war room, recently renovated and now has bright pictures and text printed onto the wall, making good use of the space. There are medals and uniforms to look at in drawers and glass cabinets also, along with other war memorabilia such as ration books etc. Next to this room is the old fashioned school room, laid out with desks and photos on the walls of local schools in pre-war years, and again, glass cabinets around the room showing old workbooks and toys that were popular to be played with by children in years gone by.
Along the corridor on the other side of the school room is the room dedicated to archaeology which is the only room that really offers any form of kinaesthetic learning for younger children now that the war room has unfortunately been done up. Here children can piece together pieces of pot, a sort of "real life jigsaw puzzle" and dress up in historically themed costumes and cast admiring glances of themselves into the long mirror on the wall of a cubicle.
There is also another room upstairs which I *think* may be with regards to mining but at the time of writing this, I simply cannot remember what is in there! There is a small courtyard area outside which leads to the barn and hayloft. Father Christmas regularly visits the barn in December and the hayloft offers you a very nice and very affordable cup of tea and coffee when open, you probably won't have just one when you're there! The hayloft is also predominantly where children's crafts take place and each week of the school holidays, the museum offers a different theme. Most days are often free, though I always make a donation to contribute to the cost of resources. There may be a particular attraction one day a week with relation to the theme that has a cost, but I've never known it be more than £1.50 so hardly bank-breaking stuff!
Going back to the recent World War I Commemoration Day held by the museum at the weekend (26/7/14) I felt it would be good to take my 7 year old son along as he starts a school topic on the World Wars when he goes back in September. I didn't know that there was a new war room being unveiled but did know that the old war room offered dressing up, and had an Anderson shelter with toy food inside - akin to what would have been found in one originally. I had hoped to use such a hands on method as a good approach to talking about the subject and take some pictures to take into school. He also had written down a number of war-related questions hoping that there would be someone at the event that may be able to help him answer them. As it turned out, there was nothing to get physically involved with in the war room and there was no-one in particular from looking around who looked as though they could help him with his questions either. He left somewhat disappointed, and since visiting, I have heard of two other children who went with the same intentions and like us were disappointed in what they got from the visit.
Perhaps the museum would like to steer away from attracting younger primary aged children from visiting, for it is still an appealing place to those aged 10 years plus. But the museum lacks inclusiveness for all ages and only becomes appealing to younger ones in the holidays as a cheap place to go for those who live in the town. I do intend to take my son to a couple of events over the summer holidays because they are always well organised and he enjoys it, so this is a big plus for Erewash Museum. For adults and older children a visit is a nice way to spend an hour of your time.
Written July 31, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hannah2983
Ilkeston, UK50 contributions
Great afternoon having a walk round the museum , kids loved the 1950s shop and school room ,
Great to have such a great attraction on our doorstep
Great to have such a great attraction on our doorstep
Written June 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tas78Nottingham
Giltbrook, UK36 contributions
Family
I’d definitely recommend this place as they always put on different themed events most weeks and most of the time it’s free, although sometimes there is a small charge. The museum itself is great and my kids love it.
Written September 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
karanstaples
Derby, UK146 contributions
Good morning. Is the museum open today please. 29 Oct 2018
louisevic26
Ilkeston, UK60 contributions
The museum is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
During school holidays it is open Monday to Saturday except bank holidays.
Erewash Museum (Ilkeston) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Erewash Museum
- Erewash Museum is open:
- Tue - Tue 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Thu - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Erewash Museum:
- (0.30 mi) Adrianne Bed & Breakfast
- (0.29 mi) The Durham Ox
- (3.38 mi) Hayeswood Lodge Luxury Accommodation
- (4.04 mi) The Morley Hayes Hotel
- (2.53 mi) The Hogs Head Hotel
- Restaurants near Erewash Museum:
- (0.02 mi) Old Stables Tea Room
- (0.12 mi) Sir John Warren
- (0.06 mi) U Choose Smoothie Bar
- (0.05 mi) The Observatory
- (0.17 mi) Harpur & Finch tea rooms and Gift shop