Located in the upstairs section of the Victorian town hall, Winchcombe museum is easily identified by the large clock that hangs over the main road. The town hall itself holds a lot of history in its walls. For centuries, it has organised meetings, dances, banquets and other social activities. It was also used for Courts of Petty Sessions, and the seven-holed stocks still stand proud outside the building. The town hall now hosts collections of both local history and police services, as well as protecting and providing access to other historic documents.

The Folk collection commemorates the lives of ordinary Winchcombe people with objects that date back to Neolithic and Roman periods. The museum also remembers the ancient Benedictine Abbey that is no longer present in the town. Objects also include artefacts and information on 17^th Century tobacco growing, the world wars displays, and a large selection of 19^th Century personal, educational, domestic and agricultural items from around the town.

The Police section is a dedicated part of the Simms Collection, a collection founded by local resident Ross Simms. Winchcombe’s Police Museum opened in 1983 and can be located in the Old Court Room in the Town Hall. Portraits of local people, who have served the town in many ways, hang high in this room. Visitors can also view British and International police uniforms, helmets, badges and other equipment.

The museum also houses an extensive local and family history section, including 18^th century documents on the infant school, the fire brigade and the annals of Winchcombe and Sudeley.

Opening Times

(Open 1^st April through to 31^st October)

Monday - Saturday              10.00 – 13.00, 14.00 – 16.30

Bank Holidays                     10.00 – 13.00, 14.00 - 16.00

Admission

Adult                                     £2.00

Child/Student                       £1.00

Children under 5                   Free

Senior Citizen                       £.1.50

Family                                  £5.00

Parking is available nearby such as a large long-stay car park behind the library on Back Lane, a smaller short-stay car park in Bull Lane, and some limited street parking in Abbey Terrace.