The Workhouse & Infirmary

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The Workhouse & Infirmary

Built in 1824, Southwell Workhouse is one of the best preserved workhouses in England. Discover the most complete workhouse in existence.
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Find out about the Reverend Becher, the founder of The Workhouse and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the building. Learn about the true stories of the 19th-century poor, brought to life by real archive evidence. Discover how society dealt with poverty through the centuries right up to the modern day. Explore the segregated work yards, day rooms, dormitories, master's quarters and cell

ars, then see the recreated working 19th-century garden and find out what food the paupers would have eaten.

29/05/2026

Join our costumed characters for Tales from The Workhouse this weekend and discover what daily life was really like within these historic walls.

Listen to stories from the past, write on a slate, help with the washing and even learn how to pick oakum as history is brought to life around the site.

Storytelling sessions take place at 11.30, 12.30 & 14.00.

📅 Saturday
👛 Included in normal admission
🎟 No booking required

26/05/2026

Unfortunately, this week's Becher Walk, scheduled for Wednesday 27 May, has been cancelled.

The next walk is due to take place on Wednesday 10 June.

📷 David Kissman

24/05/2026

You may notice part of the play field looking a little wilder from now on.

We’re allowing areas of grass to grow longer to help create valuable habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

Longer grass and wildflowers provide important food and shelter for insects, birds and small mammals, helping nature thrive alongside this historic site.

While it may look a little different, these small changes can make a big difference.

Fancy trying it at home? Leave a patch to grow wild, and see what appears 🌼

22/05/2026

Are you looking for a fascinating family day out for curious minds of all ages?

Visit The Workhouse & Infirmary this May half term for a week of stories, trails and hands-on activities inspired by the past.

🔍 Take on the Cheer Up Chuckaboo Trail and uncover the curious world of Victorian slang.

🎭 Meet costumed characters during Tales from The Workhouse on Thursdays and Saturdays, and discover what daily life was really like.

🧶 On Tuesday 26 May, the team from the Framework Knitters Museum, Ruddington will be taking over the site with traditional storytelling, textile heritage and hands-on demonstrations.

📅 Open daily throughout half term
🕰️ 10.00 – 16.00 (last entry 15.00)
🎟️ No booking required

18/05/2026

Today we’ve been celebrating International Museum Day at The Workhouse & Infirmary🌿

Museums and heritage sites play an important role in preserving stories, objects and places that help us better understand the past. They are spaces for curiosity, reflection, and learning, connecting people with the lives, experiences and histories that have shaped our communities.

Here, every room, object, and story offers an opportunity to explore a complex and important chapter of social history, while encouraging conversations that still resonate today.

Thank you to everyone who helps care for and share this remarkable place, from staff and volunteers to visitors past and present.

📷 David Kissman

17/05/2026

🐦 A very special family has taken up residence at The Workhouse & Infirmary.

A pair of great t**s have made their nest inside the old water pump in the yard, and we've been lucky enough to capture a few glimpses of the busy parents coming and going.

It's a lovely reminder that alongside the stories held within these historic buildings, the site also continues to provide a home for wildlife.

If you spot them on your next visit, please help us give them plenty of space while they raise their young.

📷 Fiona Lewin

14/05/2026

Books have been flying off the shelves of our second-hand bookshop and they're looking a little empty again. Can you help?

If you're having a clear-out and have books searching for a new home, we'd be delighted to receive them. Every donation helps support the care and conservation of this special place.

📚 Donations can be dropped off during opening hours
📅 Wednesday - Sunday, 10.30 - 16.00

For larger donations, please call ahead to arrange a convenient time on 01636 817260.

Thank you for helping keep our shelves full for visitors to enjoy.

12/05/2026

Join us this May half term, from Saturday 23 - Sunday 31 May, when families can enjoy stories, trails and hands-on activities inspired by the past.

🔍 Follow the Cheer Up Chuckaboo Trail and uncover curious Victorian words and phrases as you explore.

🎭 Meet costumed characters during Tales of The Workhouse on Thursday & Saturdays.

🧶 And on Tuesday 26 May, discover Nottinghamshire textile heritage with the team from the Framework Knitters Museum, including traditional storytelling and hands-on demonstrations.

A fascinating day out for curious minds of all ages.

Open daily, 10.00 - 16.00, last entry 15.00. No booking required.

07/05/2026

Celebrate National Walking Month at The Workhouse and Infirmary with walks that combine wellbeing, fresh air and local history 🌿

Join Reverend John T Becher on a guided walk through Southwell and discover the town he helped shape, or enjoy our monthly Wellness Walk - a chance to get outdoors, meet new people and take gentle exercise at your own pace.

📅 Becher Walks: Wednesday 27 May
🕰 10.45 - 12.30
🎟 Free, booking advised via our website

📅 Wellness Walk: Friday 29 May
🕰 10.45 - 12.30
🎟 Free, no booking required

📷 Tammy Herd/Chris Lacey

Address

The Workhouse, Upton Road
Southwell
NG250PT

Telephone

01636 817260

Website

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/theworkhouse

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