Bassetlaw Museum

Bassetlaw Museum Bassetlaw Museum is run by Bassetlaw District Council which covers North Nottinghamshire, and includes the two market towns of Retford and Worksop.

The museum is situated in Retford town centre in Amcott House, an 18th century town house which retains many of its original features. The Percy Laws art gallery was built in 1994. The refurbished museum was re-opened in 2008 with the inside of Amcott House completely transformed and with a new purpose built building housing Rural Heritage Centre. The collections include local history, archaeology, decorative and fine art, agriculture, costume and textiles.

02/06/2026

Not many people can say that part of their job involves repairing a Native American dwelling. Museum work is full of surprises.

Many thanks to Joe from the Parks Dept and Lauren, our volunteer, for their help.

✨ “In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.” ✨—...
30/05/2026

✨ “In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.” ✨
— F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Step into an evening of elegance and enchantment…
📍 Friday 11th September
🌿 Bassetlaw Museum Garden
Join us in our green garden for a beautiful evening under the stars, where you’ll be transported back to the glamour and intrigue of the Jazz Age. Expect an unforgettable atmosphere, timeless storytelling, and a truly stunning production.
🎟️ Tickets available here:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cuemarketing/2240005
Don’t miss your chance to experience a touch of Gatsby magic… ✨🥂

We've had some lovely little visitors come waddling to the museum! They must have heard about our beautiful museum garde...
29/05/2026

We've had some lovely little visitors come waddling to the museum! They must have heard about our beautiful museum garden! 🦆

There are some beautiful blooms now the weather's getting warmer, why not take a moment to view the garden during your visit, you never know what you might come across! 🦆

27/05/2026

Recently, we welcomed a U3A group from Belper, who explored our Archaeology Gallery and even got up close and personal with some of the finds.

Here is one of the items they looked at - a figurine of Atys, found in North Leverton and dating from the 3rd century AD. Atys was a deity who originated in Asia Minor and was later worshipped throughout the Roman Empire. He is depicted here seated on the ground, resting
his right hand on his cheek in an attitude of mourning.

If you would like to bring an interest group for a guided tour or visit, please get in touch.

The Museum of the Horse is an absolute gem right on our doorstep. From an original Mail Coach to a two‑hundred‑year‑old ...
21/05/2026

The Museum of the Horse is an absolute gem right on our doorstep. From an original Mail Coach to a two‑hundred‑year‑old sleigh, the displays showcase equestrian treasures from around the world - everything from racing and mining to military history.

A huge thank‑you to the owner, Sally Mitchell, for giving us a fascinating guided tour and for keeping us on our toes with a mystery object quiz. A brilliant visit, and definitely worth experiencing for yourself.

Museum of The Horse

Were you or someone in your family part of the mining community in Bassetlaw?Bassetlaw Museum, working in partnership wi...
19/05/2026

Were you or someone in your family part of the mining community in Bassetlaw?
Bassetlaw Museum, working in partnership with the Oasis Centre in Kilton, is launching an exciting new project to preserve and celebrate the area’s rich mining heritage – and we’d love you to be part of it.
This project will bring together local memories and stories in several ways:

📖 A book featuring personal experiences of life in the mining community.
🏛️ A museum exhibition showcasing objects connected to mining.
🎒 Education boxes for schools to help share this important history.
🎨 A photography and art exhibition inspired by mining life.

We’re looking for people who:

Would be happy to share their memories through an interview, or have objects, photographs, or memorabilia linked to mining in Bassetlaw.

If you have a story to tell or something to share, we’d love to hear from you.
📩 Message us via Facebook
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call: 01777 713749
Help us keep Bassetlaw’s mining history alive for future generations.

Half term is next week! Come and join us for fun and creativity. We will also heading to the park on Friday for 'Move mo...
18/05/2026

Half term is next week! Come and join us for fun and creativity. We will also heading to the park on Friday for 'Move more in May', and the Lego will be out at the museum.

A detail from 'Can No. 58' in Frank Tomlinson's new photography exhibition, LITTER ART, at Bassetlaw Museum 📷♻️'In my wo...
15/05/2026

A detail from 'Can No. 58' in Frank Tomlinson's new photography exhibition, LITTER ART, at Bassetlaw Museum 📷♻️

'In my work I have focused mainly on aluminium cans, which are recyclable and clearly labelled with the instruction that they should be disposed of appropriately.'

View this thought-provoking exhibition and some of the litter that inspired this photography display until Saturday 18th July 2026.

Have you seen our exhibition of artworks by Christy Burdock dotted around the museum? 🎨As you explore the museum, see Ch...
13/05/2026

Have you seen our exhibition of artworks by Christy Burdock dotted around the museum? 🎨

As you explore the museum, see Christy's 'Stories of Bassetlaw' artworks, inspired by our objects on display and the local stories that surround them.

Pick up your free exhibition guide on your next visit, and see if you can spot them all!

Address

Amcott House, 40 Grove Street
East Retford
DN226LD

Telephone

+441777713749

Website

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