Gillows furniture & childhood collections / LANCASTER

Judges’ Lodgings Museum

Visit the house where travelling judges stayed, then move from its furnished rooms to the Museum of Childhood upstairs. Lancaster-made Gillows furniture gives a close view of the city’s craft and commercial history, while the toy collections and Victorian schoolroom change the pace for families.

Before you go

The childhood collection is on the top floor of a house with no lift. Check that the stairs suit everyone before making it the main family stop.

The practical details

Where to find it: Church Street and Castle Hill, Lancaster LA1 1YS
Directions and arrival information ↗
Tickets and booking: For 2026, open Thursday–Sunday, 11am–4pm, from 2 April to 15 November. Adults pay; this county-run museum is separate from the City and Maritime museums’ multipass. Check events and seasonal dates before travelling. The small courtyard picnic space may be unavailable, so keep a town lunch option.
Access and getting around: The main entrance is reached by steps. Limited ground-floor access is via the side entrance up a short steep hill and a step; arrange this with staff. There is no lift to upper floors and no visitor parking on site. Large-print information can be requested. There is no fully accessible toilet. Visitors unable to reach upstairs can ask about free ground-floor-only access.
Official access information ↗
Visiting with children: Children aged 18 and under enter free. Ask about the current children’s trail or activities; school sessions have separate booking arrangements. There is a ground-floor buggy park and baby changing. Do not expect pushchair access to the upstairs childhood rooms.

Practical information checked 15 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.

Make it part of your day

Allow 1–2 hours for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.

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