Things to do in Lancaster, England: The Best Museums

An intimate gallery in the center of historic Lancaster showcasing the work of artist John Elles. The main theme of John's work is Lancaster itself - the architecture and street scenes reflect John's interest of colorful nostalgia and borrow themes from the French masters. A must-see for tourists and visitors to the town.

An art gallery with a friendly atmosphere in the heart of Lancaster city centre. We are open Fri and Sat 11 to 5.30. Exhibitions change regularly and feature local, regional and international artists. Art workshops, short courses and events take place evenings and other days of the week, also acoustic live music events. The doorway to our upstairs galleries is opposite Waterstones, on King Street.

Walk through the tiny door of our eighteenth century cottage and be transported to a life without running water, central heating, electricity, or even a loo! You're a world away from modern excesses as you navigate your way around the confines of this humble cottage. Encounter some of the gadgets and utensils that were used in ordinary people's daily lives and get a very different view of historic Lancaster.

The Judges' Lodgings is now open for the season. It is Lancaster’s oldest town house and a Grade One listed building. Originally home of the Keeper of Lancaster Castle, Thomas Covell, it later became a residence for the ‘Hanging Judges’ when they visited Lancaster Castle for the Assize Courts.The Judges’ Lodgings Museum is now home to a nationally important collection of Gillow furniture displayed in rooms furnished in the style of the Regency period. You can also visit the Museum of Childhood where you can experience the Victorian school room and see an enchanting display of children’s dolls, toys and games from 18th century to the present day. Admission - Children FREE (accompanied), Adults £3.00 & Concessions £2.00

The Ruskin - Library, Museum and Research Centre is home to the Ruskin Whitehouse Collection of the art and writings of John Ruskin (1819–1900). Our holdings include over 1,500 drawings, 500 prints, 7,400 letters, 29 manuscript diary volumes and 350 books from Ruskin's own collection. We share this collection through exhibitions and a public programme open to all, through research and teaching at Lancaster University, and through digitisation for a global audience.

A small gem of a contemporary art gallery the Peter Scott Gallery is home to a fantastic art collection and hosts a diverse visiting programme of exhibitions and events. The University's international art collection includes Japanese and Chinese art, antiquities, works by twentieth century British artists and prints by significant European artists such as Dürer, Miró, Ernst and Vasarely. The gallery is open during the University term time. Outside the term please contact us before making the trip onto campus.