Language & literature museums in England

Shakespeare's Globe is a modern replica of the theatre where some of Shakespeare's plays were staged for the first time. The original theatre was built in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, Shakespeare's playing company. It was located roughly 250 metres from where the Globe Theatre stands now. The

The White Lion Inn, a historical public house located in Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, England, is an example of Elizabethan architecture. It first appears in historical records in 1591. The building was mentioned by both Harriet Beecher Stowe and Rupert Graves. The original building was demolished and rebuilt in 1753, making it one of the largest inns on the Holyhead Road.

Anne Hathaway's Cottage is a museum in Stratford-upon-Avon. The museum features exhibits related to Fine Art, Literature, Social History, Decorative and Applied Art, Personalities and Costume and Textiles.

Hill Top is a 17th-century house located in Near Sawrey near Hawkshead, in the English county of Cumbria. It is recognized for its Lakeland vernacular architecture, characterized by random stone walls and a slate roof. This architectural style is typical of the Lake District and provides a unique insight into the region's historical building practices.

The Brontë Parsonage Museum is a tribute to the famous Brontë sisters — Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë. It is maintained by the Brontë Society, an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of these renowned authors. The museum is located in the house where the sisters spent most of their lives and wrote their famous works, providing visitors with a unique insight into their lives and inspirations.

Tatton Hall, located in Tatton Park near Knutsford, Cheshire, England, is a country house that is open to the public. This Grade I listed building is a significant piece of architectural history, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

The Charles Dickens Museum is an author's house museum, housed in a typical Georgian terraced house. The house was Charles Dickens's home from 1837 to 1839. The museum features the famous portrait of Dickens known as Dickens's Dream by R. W. Buss, with Charles Dickens surrounded by many of the chara

The World of James Herriot Ltd is a unique visitor attraction located in the former home and veterinary surgery of the renowned author, James Herriot. This site offers a glimpse into the life and work of the author, providing a unique perspective on his life and the era in which he lived.

Jane Austen's House Museum is a museum in Alton. The museum features exhibits related to: literature and personalities.

Dove Cottage, located in the English Lake District village of Grasmere, is renowned for being the home of the poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy Wordsworth from December 1799 to May 1808. This period was a significant chapter in Wordsworth's life, as it was during this time that he produced some of his most notable works. The cottage's historical significance and connection to Wordsworth make it a point of interest for those interested in literature and history.

The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum boasts extensive collections that span various fields of interest. These include art, archaeology, natural, social and industrial history. Additionally, the museum has a collection of costumes dating from 1800 to the present day. These diverse collections offer a comprehensive insight into different aspects of history and culture.

Bateman's is a historical house in Burwash, East Sussex, England, dating back to the 17th century. It served as the home of the renowned author Rudyard Kipling from 1902 until his death in 1936. This connection to Kipling adds a layer of cultural and historical significance to the property.

Newstead Abbey, located near Nottingham, is a historical site with a rich past. Originally, it was an Augustinian priory, a place of worship and solitude for monks. However, it gained fame as the family home of the renowned poet, Lord Byron. This connection to a significant literary figure adds a layer of cultural and historical significance to the site, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history, literature, and architecture.

Sherlock Holmes and Doctor John H. Watson lived at 221b Baker Street (where the Sherlock Holmes Museum is located) between 1881-1904, according to the stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The house was last used as a lodging house in 1936 and the famous 1st floor study overlooking Baker Street

Wordsworth House, a Georgian townhouse located in Cockermouth, Cumbria, England, is a property owned by the National Trust. This historic building, built in the mid-18th century, is a significant site as it was the birthplace of the renowned poet, William Wordsworth. The house is open to the public as a writer's house museum from March to October each year, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and times of Wordsworth.

Strawberry Hill is a museum in Twickenham, Middlesex. The museum features exhibits related to Literature, Decorative and Applied Art, Architecture and Agriculture.

The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is a biographical museum and bookshop situated in the heart of Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. It is dedicated to the life and works of the renowned author and lexicographer Samuel Johnson, who penned the first authoritative Dictionary of the English Language. The museum is housed in a Grade I listed building, which was built by Johnson's father in 1707 and is where Samuel Johnson was born and spent the majority of his first 27 years.

Kelmscott Manor, a limestone manor house located in the Cotswolds village of Kelmscott, West Oxfordshire, southern England, is a historical site dating back to around 1570. It features a late 17th-century wing and is listed as a Grade I building on the National Heritage List for England. This signifies its exceptional interest and national importance.

The Portsmouth Museum, also known as Portsmouth City Museum, is a local institution located on Museum Road in the city of Portsmouth, in southern England. It is one of six museums managed by Portsmouth Museums, which is a division of the Portsmouth City Council.

Rudyard Lake Steam Railway is a museum in Nr Leek. The museum features exhibits related to Personalities, Land Transport and Literature. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Rudyard Kipling.

Max Gate, located on the outskirts of Dorchester, Dorset, England, is the former home of renowned author Thomas Hardy. Hardy himself designed and built the house in 1885 and resided there until his passing in 1928. This historical residence offers a unique insight into the life and times of one of England's most celebrated authors.

Weston Park is a museum in Nr Shifnal. The museum features exhibits related to: literature, fine art, natural sciences, decorative and applied art, photography, archives, design, personalities, costume and textiles, social history and architecture. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum inclu

Gainsborough's House, located at 46 Gainsborough Street in Sudbury, Suffolk, England, is the birthplace of the renowned English painter Thomas Gainsborough. Today, it serves as a museum and gallery, showcasing the life and works of the artist. The house itself is a Grade I listed building, dating back to around 1520, and offers a unique insight into the artist's early life and influences.

Dr Johnson's House is a 300-year-old townhouse where Samuel Johnson, the writer and wit, lived and worked in the 18th century, compiling his great Dictionary of the English Language in the Garret. The museum houses a collection relating to Johnson, a research library, restored interiors and original

Monk's House was purchased in 1919 by the renowned writer Virginia Woolf and her husband, Leonard Woolf. The house became a hub for the Bloomsbury Group, a collective of influential writers, intellectuals, philosophers, and artists. Visitors to the house can learn about the Woolfs' life and their connections to this important literary and artistic movement.

Elizabeth Gaskell's House, located at 84 Plymouth Grove, is a writer's house museum in Manchester, England. This Grade II listed neoclassical villa served as the residence of renowned authors William and Elizabeth Gaskell from 1850 until their deaths in 1884 and 1865 respectively. The house offers a unique insight into the lives of the Gaskells and the Victorian era in which they lived.

Lamb House, located in Rye, East Sussex, England, is a Grade II* listed house from the 18th century. It is currently owned by the National Trust. This historic house offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing architecture and design from the 18th century.

Since 1941, the Horsham Museum has been housed in Causeway House, occupying the entire site. Prior to this, the collections were located in the basement of Park House, North Street. The museum's location in Causeway House provides a unique setting for the display of its extensive collections and adds to the overall visitor experience.

The museum's collection includes the holotype of the extinct species Ichthyosaurus anningae, which was identified in 2008 and formally named in 2015. The building also houses the Regimental Museum of the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Additionally, the Roman Danum shield, which was found in Doncaster in 1971, is on display in the museum.

The Abbot Hall Art Gallery is home to one of the most significant collections of George Romney's paintings in Britain. In addition to these paintings, the gallery also houses several of Romney's sketchbooks and drawings. This collection provides a comprehensive look at Romney's work and offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore his artistic process and style.

The Story Museum is situated in the heart of Oxford, England. It is not just a museum, but also a registered charity under English law. This unique institution aims to encourage education and foster community engagement by exploring all forms of stories. Whether you're a local or a tourist, the museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of stories in a unique and engaging way.

Keats House is where the poet John Keats (1795-1821) lived from 1818 to 1820. Here he wrote some of his best known poetry, including "Ode to a Nightingale". The house is a Grade 1 listed building set in a peaceful garden in Hampstead. It has been open to the public since 1925. Keats House features e

The Hawkshead Grammar School Museum is housed in the historic Hawkshead Grammar School building and is open to the public from the 1st of April through to the 31st of October. This period of operation allows visitors to explore the museum during the warmer months of the year, making it a great destination for those interested in history and education.

Playwright, politician, philosopher and wit George Bernard Shaw lived in this Edwardian villa for over 40 years from 1906. When he moved in, he was at the height of his fame. If you'd been walking up the drive 70 years ago, you would have been coming to visit one of the most famous, most photographe

The Wisbech Fenland Museum is situated in the town of Wisbech, in the Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire, England. It is recognized as one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the United Kingdom. The museum was initially a member-based organization and is now a charity. The museum's history dates back to 1835, making it a significant part of the town's heritage.

The Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum is situated in a house from the Georgian era in Portsmouth, England. This is the very place where the renowned writer Charles Dickens was born in the year 1812. He spent the first three years of his life in this house, making it a significant location for those interested in the life and works of Dickens.

Chawton House, located in Hampshire, is a Grade II* listed Elizabethan manor. It is managed as a historic property and also serves as the home for the research library of the Centre for the Study of Early Women's Writing, 1600–1830. This connection to the English novelist Jane Austen makes it a significant location for literary enthusiasts.

The Craven Museum & Gallery is situated in the town of Skipton, North Yorkshire, England, within the Skipton Town Hall. This location is easily accessible and offers a rich collection of local artefacts that depict life in Craven from prehistoric times to the modern day.

Beckford's Tower, originally known as Lansdown Tower, is a unique architectural structure located on Lansdown Hill, just outside the city of Bath in Somerset, England. This neoclassical building is recognized by English Heritage as a Grade I historic building, indicating its national significance and exceptional interest. The tower was built by William Beckford, a wealthy novelist, art collector, and critic, and was completed in 1827.

Carlyle's House is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to: personalities, social history and literature. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: thomas carlyle.

The Roald Dahl Children's Gallery is a unique museum that uses the beloved characters and themes from Roald Dahl's books to spark children's interest in various subjects such as science, history, and literature. This approach makes learning fun and engaging for children, providing them with a unique and interactive experience.

The John Bunyan Museum, located in Bedford, Bedfordshire, England, is primarily dedicated to the life, times, and works of John Bunyan. This museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history and works of this renowned Christian writer and preacher.

The Buckinghamshire County Museum is situated in the heart of Aylesbury, a town in Buckinghamshire, England. This central location makes it easily accessible for visitors, offering a convenient starting point for exploring the rich history and culture of Buckinghamshire.

The Cowper and Newton Museum is situated in the charming town of Olney in north Buckinghamshire, England. It is conveniently located around 8 miles north-east of Central Milton Keynes, making it easily accessible for visitors from the city and surrounding areas.

Hogarth's House is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to: social history, personalities, literature and fine art. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: william hogarth.

Museum & Art Swindon, formerly Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, is a museum in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. We are a vibrant and creative cultural destination for everyone, with a team of passionate experts at our heart. We provide inspiration and enjoyment, offering a sense of place and pride for lo

Lambeth Palace is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to: religion, social history and literature. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: archbishops' archives including archbishop of canterbury, archives of bishops, churchmen and societies, designated collection

Milton's Cottage, located in the Buckinghamshire village of Chalfont St Giles, is a timber-framed building from the 16th century. This historic building was once the home of the renowned writer John Milton and is now open to the public as a writer's house museum. Visitors can explore the former residence of this influential figure and gain insights into his life and works.

The D. H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum is a unique writer's home museum dedicated to the renowned writer D. H. Lawrence. It is located in the charming town of Eastwood, near Nottingham. This museum offers a unique insight into the life and works of D. H. Lawrence, making it a fascinating destination for literature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Ledbury Heritage Centre is a museum in Ledbury. The museum features exhibits related to: agriculture, land transport, literature, photography, social history, natural sciences, trade and commerce and architecture.

The Story Museum, located in Oxford, England, is a unique institution that promotes education and community involvement through the exploration of various forms of stories. As a registered charity under English law, the museum is dedicated to fostering a love for storytelling in all its forms, making it an interesting destination for tourists who appreciate literature, history, and the art of storytelling.

Emsworth Museum is a museum in Emsworth. The museum features exhibits related to Maritime, Social History, Personalities, Land Transport, Archives and Archaeology.

Shandy Hall is a unique writer's house museum located in the former residence of the Rev. Laurence Sterne in Coxwold, North Yorkshire, England. This historical site offers visitors a glimpse into the life and work of Sterne, a renowned author known for his novels 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman' and 'A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy'.

Bruton Museum is a quaint local museum located in the heart of Bruton, Somerset, England. It is situated in the Dovecote Building, a significant landmark on the town's High Street. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the town.

The Moot Hall, also referred to as the Green House, is a medieval structure located on The Green in Elstow, Bedfordshire, England. This historic building is a significant part of the local landscape and offers a glimpse into the architectural style of the medieval period.

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is situated in the quaint village of Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire, England. This location is steeped in history and was the home of the renowned children's and short story writer, Roald Dahl, for 36 years until his death in 1990. The museum was officially opened to the public in June 2005.

The Izaak Walton Cottage, located in Shallowford, Chebsey, Staffordshire, England, is a seventeenth-century timber-framed building. It was once the property of the renowned writer Izaak Walton, who is best known for his work 'The Compleat Angler'. The building, which is a Grade II listed property, is now managed as a museum.

The Museum of Wimbledon is a local history museum. Exhibits from the collections are grouped together into historical periods and topics of interest, including artefacts, books, ephemera, manuscripts, maps, photographs, portraits, press cuttings and prints, watercolours and drawings.

Treasures of the Brotherton is a museum at the heart of the University of Leeds. Rooted in Yorkshire, it is free and open to the world. Encounter the extraordinary Cultural Collections cared for by the University of Leeds. Get curious and discover the breadth of things that humans have thoug

The Armitt Museum, also known as the Armitt Museum and Library, is an independent institution founded in Ambleside, Cumbria by Mary Louisa Armitt in 1909. This establishment serves as a testament to the intellectual activity of Ambleside and is a significant part of the town's history.

John Clare Cottage, located in Helpston, Peterborough, United Kingdom, serves as both a cottage and a literary museum. This unique combination offers visitors a chance to explore the life and works of English poet John Clare, while also experiencing the charm of a traditional English cottage.

St Agnes Museum is a museum in St Agnes. The museum features exhibits related to: natural sciences, coins and medals, agriculture, sport, medicine, fine art, costume and textiles, industry, literature, archives, law and order, religion, land transport, archaeology, trade and commerce, photography, p

The parish church of St Mary and St Cuthbert in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, England, is a site of significant historical and religious importance. The site has been used for worship for over 1100 years, and parts of the current building are over 950 years old. This makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in history, architecture, and religion.

Market Lavington Museum is a museum in Market Lavington. The museum features exhibits related to: coins and medals, fine art, social history, toys and hobbies, photography, industry, archaeology, science and technology, religion, costume and textiles, land transport, weapons and war, music, trade an

Mythstories Museum of Myth and Fable is a museum in Wem. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Literature, Performing Arts, Religion and World Cultures.