A blast from the past at Hornsea Museum

Located at a historic farmhouse, the museum is filled with intriguing artefacts and displays.

“The museum focuses on the history and people of the seaside town of Hornsea,” Louise Patrick, from the Museum Management team, tells us. “The 17th century house hides a wealth of outbuildings and beautiful gardens; it’s a real hidden gem.”

The Burn family lived in the home for around three centuries. Along with a description of local life, you will be able to discover what life was like for the Burns throughout the eras.

Most notably, the museum highlights the Victorian era, with its own inglenook fireplace, parlour, washhouse and bedrooms. Each is filled with furnishings and textiles from the nineteenth century. The outbuildings and barn are used for the regularly changing exhibitions.

On a warm day, the stunning gardens can be enjoyed. The relaxing, informal courtyard is a credit to the museum. The large outdoor space is in the centre of the replica workshops. These small areas present how tradesmen would have worked, including joiners, wheelwrights and blacksmiths. 

You will also be able to catch a glimpse of the surrounding area during this time. Hornsea Museum documents the Hull and Hornsea Railway, as well as nearby industries, such as the brick and tile works, ships and lifeboats. These are all displayed in original photographs and can be marvelled over in several places inside the galleries.

Fast forwarding half a century, Hornsea Museum possesses over 2,000 pieces of pottery from the Hornsea Pottery company. These items date back to 1949. There are also more modern works in the mix that are as recent as the turn of the 21st century.

“We are a charity and we’re run entirely by volunteers,” Louise tells us. “This summer, we have a lot of hands-on activities for children and their families. And our family ticket will save you money too.”

Entry for adults is £3.50, whilst concessions and children get in for £2.50. A family ticket is just £10 and allows you to come back for free for the rest of 2017.

On Saturday 19 August, a spectacular Jazz Night will be hosted at the venue. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring their own bottles and picnic, as they enjoy the final public performance of the East Riding Society Syncopators.

Meanwhile, throughout August, a regular summer crafts morning is hosted every Thursday for children and parents. These are just £3.50 per child, plus £1 per accompanying adult. The sessions are ideal for busting the boredom at home. On top of this, an adults sewing class is held every Tuesday.

For September, a spectacular Beer Festival is to be held. With promises of live bands and a wide selection of real ale, cider, gin and wine, the weekend is bound to be a success. It takes place from Friday 8 until Sunday 10 September.

Hornsea Museum is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm and Sundays 1am-4pm. There’s a free, 3-hour stay car park on the nearby Cinema Street. Further information can be found on the Hornsea Museumwebsite.