Visit Bailiffgate Museum with our Great Savings Guide

Housed over three floors of an old Catholic church, a mere skip across from Alnwick Castle, Bailiffgate Museum is a family-friendly attraction telling the story of life in the area.

Between battles with the Scots, the development of Celtic Christianity at Lindisfarne, and local industries like mining, agriculture and the railway – there’s plenty of history to draw on.

Stand on the pulpit John Wesley may have preached from while visiting Alnwick, sit in on a Victorian school lesson (complete with period outfits and chalk slates to write on), or build a castle of your own out of cardboard blocks.

Many exhibits, such as flying helmets, gun cameras, or printer William Davidson’s unique ‘Bible-in-installments’, come from local donations, and the stories that accompany them lend a more personal perspective to displays.

Sports fans may be interested in the hay-stuffed Rothbury Football, a remnant of medieval games played locally, or the coin and bugle still borrowed annually for the Alnwick Shrovetide football match.

Local dialect adds colour to exhibits, such as “This’ll fill yer kite” next to some pie and mash, or the notepad of translations next to a 1960s telephone, where you can listen in on a conversation between miners.

The lower level is appropriately dedicated to mining, with a life-size diorama of a pitman bathing in his kitchen, lamps, tools, and a crawl tunnel for those not afraid of small spaces.

The upper floor features a programme of temporary exhibitions and workshops. On my visit it was Star Wars toys and memorabilia (the 70s child in me was thrilled), and future attractions include a 50s and 60s themed collection, an exhibition of photo-realistic drawings by a local artist, and an exploration of lost and endangered crafts.

The museum is set to move to a new home in 2028, looking to continue and expand its current remit. For now, though, “be a canny marra and get yersel’ doon reet soon.”

Members receive a 2 for 1 entry with the Great Savings Guide. Find our more here

Nearest Club Campsites: River Breamish, Berwick Seaview