Somerset Rural Life Museum

Somerset Rural Life Museum Explore Somerset's rich rural and social history at Somerset Rural Life Museum. The museum tells the story of Somerset’s rich rural and social history.
(1)

Somerset Rural Life Museum reopened in June 2017 following a major £2.4 million redevelopment. Visitors can enjoy the five Farmhouse Galleries which explore the themes of ‘Creating’, ‘Learning’, ‘Believing’, ‘Celebrating’ and ‘Remembering.’ In the large Farmyard Gallery the major themes are ‘Working Village’ and ‘Working the Land’. The magnificent 14th-century Abbey Barn remains the centrepiece of

the site. Outside spaces, including the Farmyard and the Orchard, contain sculpture and family trails that interpret the history of the site and its buildings. The Grain Store Café will be open all year round at this family-friendly destination, offering high-quality locally-sourced food and drink. The museum is part of the South West Heritage Trust, an independent charity committed to protecting and celebrating Somerset and Devon’s rich heritage. As well as the widely-praised Museum of Somerset and the redeveloped Somerset Rural Life Museum, in Glastonbury, the Trust manages state-of-the-art facilities in Taunton and Exeter to care for the extraordinary archive collections of the two counties. The Trust also provides essential advice about the historic environment and manages historic sites. For more information:

www.SRLM.org.uk

www.swheritage.org.uk

Follow:

17/06/2026

All this, created in a studio at the bottom of a garden.🌱✨
There’s something really beautiful and heartfelt in Harry Brockway’s work.🪵
Take a moment to celebrate Harry and his work, some of which you may have seen before without knowing the artisit behind it...🤫

'Ways with Wood'
Running until Wednesday 2 September

The weather is looking good for Tuesday. 🌞Francesca will be following one of Harry Brockway’s daily routes towards the T...
13/06/2026

The weather is looking good for Tuesday. 🌞
Francesca will be following one of Harry Brockway’s daily routes towards the Tor, exploring the places behind his prints. 🎨

Will you be there?

Don't forget to bring plenty of water and dress for the heat.🥛👚

🌟 We’re Hiring – Exhibitions and Programme Manager 🏛️The South West Heritage Trust is seeking an experienced and creativ...
10/06/2026

🌟 We’re Hiring – Exhibitions and Programme Manager 🏛️

The South West Heritage Trust is seeking an experienced and creative Exhibitions and Programme Manager to lead the delivery of our ambitious exhibitions and public programme across Somerset and Devon.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in shaping a dynamic portfolio of exhibitions and engagement activities that spark curiosity, encourage lifelong learning, and connect audiences with the rich stories of the South West. Working collaboratively across teams and with external partners, you’ll help ensure our programme aligns with our strategic priorities and brings outstanding experiences to our communities.

You’ll be responsible for leading projects from concept to delivery, managing budgets, and supporting a wide-ranging public programme in a fast-paced and rewarding environment.

Key Information
📍 Location: Somerset Heritage Centre, Taunton
⏰ Hours: 37 hours per week
💼 Contract: Permanent
💷 FTE Salary: £38,079

Apply Now ⬇️
To read the full job description and apply, please visit our website.
Please note that CVs are not accepted, applications must be submitted using the South West Heritage Trust application form.

The South West Heritage Trust is committed to building an organisation as diverse as the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups under‑represented within the heritage sector.

10/06/2026

🌟 We’re Hiring – Exhibition Technician 🏛️

The South West Heritage Trust is looking for a skilled and practical Exhibition Technician to help create high‑quality, engaging exhibitions across the Trust's museum sites.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong hands‑on making skills, an eye for design, and a passion for crafting memorable visitor experiences. Working as part of our Design and Curatorial team, you’ll support the creation, installation and maintenance of exhibitions and displays, producing bespoke elements and ensuring the galleries look their best.

You’ll play a key role in delivering a varied programme of exhibitions and heritage projects, working flexibly across the year depending on project needs, with occasional evening and weekend work.

Key Information
📍 Location: Somerset Heritage Centre, Taunton
⏰ Hours: Annualised hours (equivalent to 14.8 hours per week / approx. 770 hours per year)
💼 Contract: Annualised Hours
💷 FTE Salary: £31,528 (Pro Rata)

Apply Now ⬇️
To read the full job description and apply, please visit our website.
Please note that CVs are not accepted — applications must be submitted using the South West Heritage Trust application form.

The South West Heritage Trust is committed to building an organisation as diverse as the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups under‑represented within the heritage sector.

08/06/2026

👉Artist Harry Brockway lived and worked in Glastonbury, returning again and again to its landscape for inspiration.

🚶This walk follows part of his daily route towards the Tor, passing views and details that found their way into his prints.

Join us next Tuesday to explore the places that shaped his work and a for private viewing of the exhibtion.👀

✨Walk in the footsteps of Harry Brockway🪵Join art historian and writer Francesca Ramsay for a special morning exploring ...
02/06/2026

✨Walk in the footsteps of Harry Brockway🪵

Join art historian and writer Francesca Ramsay for a special morning exploring ‘Harry Brockway: Ways with Wood’ starting with a private viewing of the exhibition before the museum opens then take a guided walk up Glastonbury Tor, a route which Harry walked daily 🥾

Discover the stories behind the work, Harry’s remarkable career, and how the exhibition was put together. Pause along the way to reflect on Harry’s life and artistic practice, before returning for a well-earned treat of tea, coffee and cake 🍰

The walk is approximately 2.5 miles with a steep climb so come prepared!🚶‍♀️

📆 16th June
🕛 9:30am-12:00pm
📍Glastonbury



📸All rights reserved to The Brockway Family

01/06/2026

🎥 Sneak Preview!

Get a taste of GreenMatthews in action before they join us in the medieval barn for Midsummer Revels with GreenMatthews. The instruments played here are the English border bagpipes and a mandocello🎻

(Wed 17 June, 7.30pm - don't forget to book your tickets). ✨

30/05/2026

🎥 Sneak Preview!
Get a taste of GreenMatthews in action before they join us in the medieval barn for Midsummer Revels with GreenMatthews (Wed 17 June, 7.30pm - don't forget to book your tickets). ✨

📣Tea and Talk - Wood Engraver Harry Brockway☕The celebrated Glastonbury-based artist, Harry Brockway left behind a creat...
27/05/2026

📣Tea and Talk - Wood Engraver Harry Brockway☕

The celebrated Glastonbury-based artist, Harry Brockway left behind a creative legacy.🎨

Join art historian and write Francesca Ramsay as she dives into the life and work of Harry Brockway. Discover the stories behind his exceptional wood engravings, wood cuts and wooden sculpture. Learn how his deep commitment to craftmanship shaped a career spanning illustration, sculpture and stone carving.📖🗿

📅Saturday 11 June
🕐 11:00-12:00
📍Somerset Rural Life Museum
🎟Booking Required, £5

📸All rights reserved The Brockway Family

🎵 About GreenMatthews 🎶Meet GreenMatthews — modern‑day balladeers keeping the ancient art of storytelling through song v...
24/05/2026

🎵 About GreenMatthews 🎶

Meet GreenMatthews — modern‑day balladeers keeping the ancient art of storytelling through song very much alive.
Chris Green and Sophie Matthews draw on the rich tradition of the wandering troubadour, bringing narrative songs to life with warmth, wit and a dazzling array of instruments.

Their toe-tapping performances blend timeless tales with a fresh 21st‑century energy. GreenMatthews tour through intimate folk clubs to historic venues across the UK and Europe, travelling far and wide to share music.

✨If you love stories, songs and a touch of musical adventure, Midsummer Revels with GreenMatthews is coming to the abbey barn on Wednesday17 June 7.30 pm 📅 - put it in your diary and secure your ticket.

Address

Chilkwell Street
Glastonbury
BA68DB

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

01458 831197

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Somerset Rural Life Museum posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Somerset Rural Life Museum:

Share

Category