Somerset Rural Life Museum

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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.

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

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Are you feeling seasonal yet?✨Now that the days are shorter and mornings are colder, here is something to look forward t...
11/10/2026

Are you feeling seasonal yet?✨Now that the days are shorter and mornings are colder, here is something to look forward to. ❄️

Our Christmas Craft Workshops are now available to book!
Here is what's on:
🧑‍🎄Christmas Stained Glass: Copper Foiling Workshop
Saturday 17th October, 10:00-4:00
⏳LIMITED SPACE

🐦 Robin Decoration Workshop
Saturday 7 November, 10:00-1:00

👕 Mini Christmas Jumper Decoration Workshop
Saturday 7 November, 1:30-4:00

🪡 Rag Rug Workshop
Saturday 14 November, 10:00-2:30

🎄 Christmas Wreath Workshop
Saturday 5 December, 10:30-12:30 & 2:00-4:00

Check out our events to find out more. Which one excites you?✨

08/10/2026

✨On display in the Granary ✨

Whilst you are visiting the Mapstone Gallery and Abbey Barn Exhibition, don’t miss Cultural Conversations, a beautiful textile installation that explores ideas of heritage place and home.
Created through collaborative workshops, led by artist Luan MacDonald (right) and TESOL teacher Nicola Haynes (left), the exhibition showcases stunning artwork by members of the Glastonbury Conversations Club.

Take a closer look during your next visit to Somerset Rural Life Museum.

The Cultural Conversations project was commissioned by Somerset Art Works as part of the Somerset Art Weeks festival exploring Cultural Connections.

🍂 Get ready for October Half Term at Somerset Rural Life Museum! 🍂We're filling the week with family-friendly activities...
07/10/2026

🍂 Get ready for October Half Term at Somerset Rural Life Museum! 🍂

We're filling the week with family-friendly activities, hands-on crafts and opportunities to meet some wonderful animals.

Here is what's happening:
🍎Apple Day Activities - 24 & 25 October
🐑Farmyard Fun: Petting Zoo - 27 October
2nd Chance Petting Farm
🪡Needle Felting - 28 October
Somerset Art Works
🦅Birds of Prey - 29 October
Pitcombe Rock Falconry
🫏Donkey Day - 30 October (£2.50 per ride)
🎃Pumpkin Craft - 31 October

If you have got an animal lover, crafter or are simply looking to have a fun day out why not come along! Activities are included with Museum Unlimited/General Admission🎟

🍂✨

🏡 Home Education Session this Thursday! 📚Are you a home-educating family near Glastonbury looking for hands-on learning ...
05/10/2026

🏡 Home Education Session this Thursday! 📚
Are you a home-educating family near Glastonbury looking for hands-on learning experiences?

Join us at Somerset Rural Life Museum for the first of our Home Education Sessions, where we'll step back in time and explore Victorian House and Home. Try your hand at making drop scones in the farmhouse kitchen, learn the craft of rag rug making, and discover what a Victorian wash day was really like.

A fun, interactive way to bring history to life! ✨

📅Thursday 8 October
⏰11.00-12.30 & 1.30-3.00
💷£12 adult £10 child
Age range 7-14

02/10/2026

Join us for a pumpkin-themed Toddler Explorers on the farm. Book now at srlm.org.uk, look for 'What's On'.

30/09/2026

Some of the oldest tools ever made, and the starting point for new artworks.
These hand axes were among the objects explored by artists during a special research workshop ahead of the Cultural Connections Exhibition. Learn about their history, where examples have been discovered, and why these ancient artefacts still have stories to tell. Have you ever come across one of these?

Somerset Art Works

24/09/2026

Imagine holding an object touched by someone thousands of years ago.✨
That experience became part of the inspiration behind this art piece. After attending an artist research workshop and handling archaeological objects from South West Heritage Trust’s collections, ✨Gladys Paulus found herself thinking about the people behind them. Gladys’s piece, ‘What We Carry’ is on display in The Abbey Barn until 31 October, as part of Somerset Art Weeks festival. You can see some of the archaeological objects that inspired her work on display in the Mapstone Gallery, along with other artists interpretations until 5 December.

Gladys was commissioned to create the piece by Somerset Art Works and it is part of the Somerset Art Weeks headline exhibition for Cultural Connections.

🚨Only 3 Spaces Left🚨 Christmas Stained Glass: Copper Foiling Workshop 🎄Even though it's early to be thinking about Chri...
15/09/2026

🚨Only 3 Spaces Left🚨 Christmas Stained Glass: Copper Foiling Workshop 🎄Even though it's early to be thinking about Christmas, we don't want anyone missing out on this charming workshop making stained glass decorations.✨ If you were thinking about booking closer to the time, be quick, there are only 3 spaces remaining!

Here are the details:
🎨Led by artist Kate Doig from Firewolf Glass
🗓Saturday 17 October, 10:00-16:00
👫Adults only
✅Beginner friendly

Check out the event listing to see what you will learn and what to bring🔗
You can find all our upcoming craft workshops in our bio

12/09/2026

'Cultural Connections' Now Open🧡The exhibition runs until 5 December, but the stunning headline exhibition in the Abbey Barn is only here until 31 October. Make sure you don't miss your chance to see this highlight before it closes!

Somerset Art Works

11/09/2026

Join us for Toddler Explorers: Beside the Sea 🦀⭐🌊 📅 Fri 18 Sep 🕥10:30 or 1:30
🎟️ Booking required: swheritage.org.uk/events

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

Website

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