Are you passionate about music and its history? Here are the top music museums in England:
1Mendips
LiverpoolMendips is the childhood home of Beatles' singer and songwriter John Lennon. The house is a fine example of 1950s semi-detached housing. Visitors to Mendips can still see the house and garden as it was when John Lennon lived here and the house still feels like a real home. The house is now Grade II 2Mary Arden's Farm
WilmcoteMary Arden's Farm is a museum in Stratford-upon-Avon. The museum features exhibits related to: decorative and applied art, social history, music, natural sciences and land transport. 3Cambridge University Botanic Garden
CambridgeThe Cambridge University Botanic Garden, one of the most significant botanical gardens in the UK, is conveniently located between Hills Road and Trumpington Road. This prime location makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. The garden is a hub of botanical diversity, showcasing around 8,000 species across its 16-hectare area. 420 Forthlin Road
Liverpool20 Forthlin Road in Liverpool is a significant location in the history of British rock music. This is the house where Paul McCartney, renowned singer and songwriter of the legendary band The Beatles, resided with his family from 1955 to 1963. The house is situated in the Allerton district in the south of Liverpool. It is a part of the city's social housing project and is now maintained by the National Trust. 5Strawberry Field
LiverpoolStrawberry Field gained global recognition after the Beatles released their 1967 single 'Strawberry Fields Forever'. The song was written by John Lennon, who grew up in the vicinity and spent his childhood playing in the grounds of the home. This connection to one of the world's most famous bands has made Strawberry Field a significant site for Beatles fans worldwide. 6Old Royal Naval College
LondonKIDS GO FREE! Discover the Painted Hall, one of the most iconic sights in London, located at the heart of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site. An awe-inspiring artwork covering more than 3,700m walls and ceiling recounting tales of kings and queens alongside mythological, historical, 7Polesden Lacey
Great BookhamSet within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just outside Dorking, Polesden Lacey was the weekend party house of incomparable socialite Margaret Greville from 1909 until 1942. Discover collections of Fabergé, mailoica and Dutch Old Masters in the house; wander the fomal gardens 8Milton Keynes Museum
WolvertonThe Milton Keynes Museum is a local independent museum located in the parish of Wolverton and Greenleys in Milton Keynes, England. The museum is primarily operated by volunteers, supplemented by a small team of paid staff. This unique blend of passionate volunteers and professional staff ensures a warm and informative experience for all visitors. 9Cusworth Hall Museum and Park
DoncasterCusworth Hall Museum and Park is a museum in Doncaster. The museum features exhibits related to: costume and textiles, science and technology, music, archives, social history, medicine, land transport and personalities.- 10
British Music Experience
LiverpoolThe British Music Experience is a permanent exhibition located in the Cunard Building on Liverpool's waterfront. This museum offers a retrospective look at the British music industry since 1944, providing a unique insight into the evolution of popular music in the UK. The exhibition is divided into galleries that effectively provide a timeline of the history of British popular music from 1945 to the present. 11The Foundling Museum
LondonThe Foundling Museum tells the story of the Foundling Hospital, the first home for abandoned children established in Britain. The institution was opened in 1739 by the philanthropist Thomas Coram. The collection the museum holds includes paintings and sculptures by well-known British 18th-century ar 12Herschel Museum of Astronomy
BathThe Herschel Museum of Astronomy is a quaint establishment located in Bath, England. It is dedicated to the life and work of the German-born British astronomer and musician, William Herschel, and his sister, Caroline Herschel. The museum offers a unique insight into the lives of these two remarkable individuals and their contributions to astronomy and music. 13Grosvenor Museum
ChesterThe Grosvenor Museum houses a diverse collection of exhibits. These include archaeological artefacts from the Roman era, a variety of paintings and musical instruments, and a room designed to replicate a Victorian parlour, providing a glimpse into the past. 14The Musical Museum
BrentfordThe Musical Museum contains one of the world's foremost collections of self-playing musical instruments. From the tiniest of clockwork music boxes to the 'Mighty Wurlitzer' the collection embraces a comphrehensive array of sophisticated reproducing pianos, orchestrions, orchestrelles, residence orga 15Bradford Industrial Museum
BradfordThe Bradford Industrial Museum, located in Moorside Mills, Eccleshill, Bradford, United Kingdom, was established in 1974. This museum specializes in the preservation and demonstration of local industrial relics, particularly those related to printing and textile machinery. 16Leeds City Museum
LeedsThe Leeds City Museum, which was first established in 1819, reopened its doors in 2008. It is located in the former Mechanics' Institute, a building designed by Cuthbert Brodrick and situated in what is now known as Millennium Square in Cookridge Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.- 17
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
CarlisleThe Tullie House Museum is currently undergoing redevelopment and is closed to the public. However, it is set to re-open in the summer of 2024. Upon reopening, visitors will be welcomed through a new main entrance located on Castle Street. This redevelopment aims to enhance the visitor experience and make the museum more accessible. 18Norton Priory Museum & Gardens
RuncornNorton Priory is a significant historical site located in the town of Runcorn, in Cheshire, United Kingdom. The site is home to the ruins of a 12th-century abbey and an 18th-century manor house, which now functions as a museum. Visitors can explore the rich history of the site, from its origins as a religious institution to its transformation into a grand manor house. 19Hatchlands Park
East ClandonHatchlands Park is a red-brick country house located in East Clandon, Surrey, England. The property spans an impressive 170 hectares (430 acres), providing ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy. The house is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, offering a tranquil setting for a leisurely stroll or picnic. 20Victoria Baths
ManchesterVictoria Baths is a museum in Manchester. The museum features exhibits related to Architecture, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Archives, Sport, Social History, Film and Media, Music and Performing Arts. 21Handel & Hendrix in London
LondonThe Fine Art Society is a renowned gallery with locations in both London and Edinburgh's New Town. Established in 1876, the gallery has a rich history and has been a significant player in the art world for over a century. It has been home to many notable exhibitions and has a focus on British art and design from 1600 to the present day. The Edinburgh branch specializes in Scottish art from the same period. 22Elgar Birthplace Museum
Upper BroadheathElgar Birthplace Museum is a museum in Lower Broadheath. The museum features exhibits related to: music, personalities and archives. 23Helston Museum
HelstonHelston Museum is a museum in Helston. The museum features exhibits related to: archives, maritime, world cultures, weapons and war, costume and textiles, coins and medals, personalities, land transport, natural sciences, social history, music and archaeology. 24Fenton House and Garden
LondonFenton House is a 17th-century merchant's house. The house was bought by Lady Binning in 1936. She filled it with her decorative collections of porcelain, Georgian furniture and 17th-century needlework. In addition to this, the museum houses the Benton Fletcher collection of early keyboard instrumen 25Brampton Museum
Newcastle-under-LymeBrampton Museum is a museum in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war, natural sciences, medicine, world cultures, fine art, music, archaeology, coins and medals, science and technology, social history, decorative and applied art, costume and textiles and arch 26The Whitaker
RawtenstallThe Whitaker is a museum in Rossendale. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology, decorative and applied art, archives, music, social history, science and technology, coins and medals, fine art and costume and textiles. 27Holst Victorian House
CheltenhamExplore life in Cheltenham’s only Victorian home open to all, the birthplace of composer Gustav Holst. In Holst Victorian House you can explore the lives of some of the inhabitants both in Victorian and more modern times. The house is a time capsule of 19th century life with a working Victorian kit 28Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum
MorpethThe Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum, situated in Morpeth, Northumberland, England, is a unique institution dedicated to the preservation and display of historic bagpipes. Established in 1987, the museum is home to a vast collection of these traditional musical instruments, offering visitors a deep dive into the rich history and cultural significance of bagpipes. 29Nottingham Lakeside Arts
NottinghamNottingham Lakeside Arts is a museum in Nottingham. The museum features exhibits related to: performing arts, social history, music, fine art, film and media, archives and decorative and applied art. 30Butcher Row Museum
LedburyButcher Row House Museum features many items of local interest including reproduction helmets and breastplates that would have been worn in the Battle of Ledbury in 1645 and a small collection of musical instruments ranging from a ‘hurdy-gurdy’ to a Tibetan pipe fashioned from a thigh bone. 31Brunel Museum
LondonThe Brunel Museum is a museum in the Brunel Engine House that tells the story of one of the world’s great engineering dynasties. Brunel organised the world’s first underground concert party here in 1827, and the Museum celebrates and interprets music and theatre as well as engineering. 32Durham Museum
DurhamDurham Castle, located in the city of Durham in Northern England, is a Norman castle that has been occupied by the University College of Durham University since 1840. The castle stands on a peninsula overlooking the River Wear, directly opposite Durham Cathedral. It was originally built in the 11th century as a symbol of the power of the Norman kings in Northern England. 33Ranger's House - The Wernher Collection
LondonRanger's House - The Wernher Collection is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to: music, decorative and applied art and fine art. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: francesco raibolini ‘il francia’, renaissance jewels and bronzes, meissen pottery figures, th 34Blandford Town Museum
Blandford ForumBlandford Town Museum is a museum in Blandford Forum. The museum features exhibits related to: archives, coins and medals, costume and textiles, social history, land transport, weapons and war, archaeology, medicine, science and technology and music. 35Royal Academy of Music Museum
LondonRoyal Academy of Music Museum is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to: personalities, performing arts, coins and medals, social history, archives, fine art and music. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: designated collection, english music prints, violin, pi 36The Norris Museum
Saint IvesThe Norris Museum is a museum in St Ives. The museum features exhibits related to Music, Social History, Medicine, Personalities, Weapons and War, Archaeology, Fine Art, Science and Technology, Decorative and Applied Art, World Cultures, Natural Sciences, Costume and Textiles, Land Transport, Archiv 37Vale and Downland Museum
WantageThe Vale and Downland Museum is a local history museum located in the market town of Wantage, Oxfordshire, England. It is situated in the 'Old Surgery' on Church Street, right in the heart of the town, opposite the Church of St Peter and St Paul. The museum is a significant cultural hub in the region, offering a deep dive into the local history and heritage of the Vale of White Horse region around Wantage. 38Royston and District Museum
RoystonRoyston and District Museum is a museum in Royston. The museum features exhibits related to: music, social history, archives, archaeology and fine art. 39Whitchurch Heritage Centre
WhitchurchWhitchurch Heritage Centre is a museum in Whitchurch. The museum features exhibits related to Archaeology, Personalities, Decorative and Applied Art, Music, Social History, Fine Art and Archives. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include J.B. Joyce / Tower Clocks, Randolph Caldecott, Rom 40Ilkley Manor House
IlkleyIlkley Manor House, situated in the charming town of Ilkley in West Yorkshire, England, serves as a local heritage museum, an art gallery, and a live venue. The establishment of the Manor House in its current form dates back to 1961. It was created with the aim of preserving local archaeological artefacts, particularly those of Roman origin, which were at risk of being lost due to the expansion of the spa town. 41Greenwich Heritage Centre
LondonGreenwich Heritage Centre is a museum in London. The museum features exhibits related to: medicine, weapons and war, fine art, science and technology, coins and medals, costume and textiles, archaeology, archives, world cultures, natural sciences, social history, music, decorative and applied art an- 42
Georgian Theatre Royal Museum
Richmond 43Rustington Museum
RustingtonRustington Museum tells the story of the Village through stories and artefacts. It covers from the Stone Age to the present day and takes in an a WWI airfield, inter-war holiday camp and a famous composer's house. There are many famous people who have connections to the Village and their connections 44Manor House Museum
KetteringManor House Museum is a museum in Kettering. The museum features exhibits related to: world cultures, design, music, film and media, science and technology, agriculture, weapons and war, law and order, coins and medals, medicine, architecture, natural sciences, sport, toys and hobbies, performing ar 45Museum of Asian Music
LondonThe Museum of Asian Music offers an interactive way to discover the diversity of Asian music in a hands-on environment. Permanent exhibits of musical instruments from across the continent are accompanied by touch-screen displays featuring music and video clips, and digital access to an extensive AV 46Royal College of Music Museum
LondonThe Royal College of Music Museum houses one of the richest and most relevant collections of music-related objects in the UK and Europe. Visit us to discover the oldest guitar in the world, and explore our fascinating displays of musical instruments, paintings and objects that cover more than five c 47Hexham Old Gaol
HexhamThe Old Gaol, also known as the Manor Office, is a historic custodial building located in Hallgate, Hexham, Northumberland, England. Today, it operates as a museum and is recognized as a Grade I listed building. This means it is of exceptional interest and is sometimes considered internationally important. The building's history and architectural significance make it a fascinating place to visit for those interested in history, architecture, or both. 48Queen's Hall Arts
HexhamThe Old Gaol, alternatively known as the Manor Office, is a historical building located in Hallgate, Hexham, Northumberland, England. This Grade I listed building currently functions as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history. 49The Heritage Hub at Aurora Bassetlaw
WorksopA place to celebrate Worksop’s people, places, objects and stories, with physical displays and a ‘Virtual Museum’. The Heritage Hub is in the heart of the Old Library and Museum building in Worksop. It was created to provide the people of Worksop with a place on their doorstep to participate in, 50Constantine Museum
FalmouthFrom mining and quarrying, music and farming, bowling, and bands to cricket, art and religion, Constantine has a fascinating past. The museum reflects the life and times of this vibrant community near the Helford River. 51Arundells
SalisburyLocated within Salisbury’s magnificent Cathedral Close, the house is one of Salisbury’s most charming destinations. Arundells is the former home of Sir Edward Heath KG MBE, Prime Minister and Statesman. Sir Edward bequeathed Arundells to the Charitable Foundation set up in his name following his dea 52Dewa Roman Experience
ChesterThe Grosvenor Museum, located in Chester, Cheshire, in the United Kingdom, is a significant cultural institution. It is recognized in the National Heritage List for England as a Grade II listed building, indicating its historical and architectural importance. The museum, which opened in 1886, houses a diverse collection of items, including archaeological artifacts from the Roman period, paintings, musical instruments, and a room arranged as a Victorian parlour.- 53
Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard
NottinghamMuseum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard is a museum in Nottingham. The museum features exhibits related to: social history, personalities, medicine, music, coins and medals, archaeology and archives. - 54
Bognor Regis Museum
Bognor RegisBognor Regis Museum is a museum in Bognor Regis. The museum features exhibits related to: music, archaeology, science and technology, toys and hobbies, social history, photography, archives and costume and textiles. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: richard hotham kt, mary wheat - 55
Caistor Arts and Heritage Centre
CaistorCaistor Arts and Heritage Centre is a multi-faceted building comprising of a cafe, library, heritage display, art gallery and public access computers. The centre is buzzing with activities, workshops, music events and heritage and art exhibitions. The renovated Methodist Chapel is now at the heart o - 56
The Red House
AldeburghThe Red House is a museum in Aldeburgh. The museum features exhibits related to: personalities, music and architecture. - 57
Museum of Cambridge
CambridgeThe Museum of Cambridge, previously known as the Cambridge & County Folk Museum, is situated in the heart of Cambridge, England, on Castle Street. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike, offering a deep dive into the rich history and culture of Cambridge and its surrounding areas. - 58
Bate Collection of Musical Instruments
OxfordThe Bate Collection of Musical Instruments is located in the Music Faculty of the University of Oxford, near the iconic Christ Church on St Aldate's, Oxford. The collection is open to the public, making it a great destination for those interested in music and history. For those interested in academic studies, appointments can be made to access the collection. - 59
St Albans Organ Theatre
Saint AlbansSt Albans Organ Theatre is a museum in St Albans. The museum features exhibits related to: music. - 60
Purbeck Stone Museum
Langton MatraversPurbeck Stone Museum is a museum in Swanage. The museum features exhibits related to: music, weapons and war, science and technology, personalities, costume and textiles, coins and medals, natural sciences, social history, fine art, archaeology and archives. - 61
Crewkerne and District Museum
CrewkerneThe Crewkerne and District Museum is a quaint local museum located in the town of Crewkerne, in Somerset, England. It offers a unique insight into the local history and culture of the area, making it an interesting stop for those wanting to learn more about the region. - 62
Mechanical Music Museum and Bygones
StowmarketCome visit a magical world where music was made not with computers or digital information but by mechanical movement. Our collection is literally an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of musical items and memorabilia. Visitors enjoy tours of actual working mechanical music devices, fairground organs, café dance organ - 63
Thurrock Museum
GraysThurrock Museum is a museum in Grays. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Maritime, Medicine, Fine Art, Music, Costume and Textiles, Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Science and Technology, Natural Sciences, Archives, Personalities, Weapons and War and Decorative and Applied Art. - 64
Northumberland Hussars Museum
Newcastle upon TyneNorthumberland Hussars Museum is a museum in Newcastle & Gateshead. The museum features exhibits related to Archives, Music and Weapons and War. - 65
Fulneck Moravian Museum
LeedsFulneck Moravian Museum is a museum in Pudsey. The museum features exhibits related to Decorative and Applied Art, Social History, Music, Fine Art, Archives, Personalities, World Cultures and Costume and Textiles. - 66
Buckinghamshire Military Museum
BuckinghamThe Buckingham Old Gaol, sometimes referred to as Lord Cobham’s Castle, is a significant historical site in Buckingham, England. Today, it serves as a museum, a shop, and a tourist information centre. It is conveniently located on Market Hill in the town centre, making it easily accessible for visitors. - 67
Victoria Jubilee Museum
CawthorneVictoria Jubilee Museum is a museum in Barnsley. The museum features exhibits related to Science and Technology, Medicine, Archives, Fine Art, Coins and Medals, Archaeology, Costume and Textiles, Social History, Decorative and Applied Art and Music. - 68
The Coventry Music Museum
CoventryThe Coventry Music Museum (CMM) is a multifaceted institution located on Walsgrave Road, Ball Hill, Coventry, England. It serves as a museum, art gallery, music records archive, and interactive media studio. This unique combination of functions makes it a distinctive destination for tourists interested in music, art, and history.