Welcome to Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle
Visit Hartlebury Castle and discover over 1000 years of history.
Learn more about this fascinating county; explore the past through room sets and real historical objects and discover just what life was like for our ancestors. From costume to gypsy caravans and archaeology to toys, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
Hartlebury Castle is accredited by the Visit England Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme (VAQAS) and has earned the VAQAS mark for the high standard of our museum and visitor experience.
A Visit to Hartlebury Castle
Since 2018 visitors have been able to discover new areas of Hartlebury Castle. Following significant investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund your ticket now includes access to the Bishops Palace, the magnificent State Rooms and the Castle grounds.
Visitors can explore rooms in the Castle never before open to the public, promenade along the restored Long Gallery and marvel at talking portraits, follow in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I, King George III and Queen Charlotte as you explore the historic grounds, and enjoy hands-on activities and unearth stories about the Castle and those that lived there.
The County Museum, housed in the north wing of the former home of the Bishops of Worcester within Hartlebury Castle, is a fascinating place to explore. In the museum galleries you can discover social history, toys through time, archaeology, and the intriguing story of Worcestershire’s past. Visitors can also see room sets such as the schoolroom and scullery, which are regularly brought to life by visiting schoolchildren.
Hartlebury Castle also hosts exciting events throughout the year and during school holidays.
A shop, café, picnic area and nature reserve all add up to a great day out!
For more information about what you can see and do at Hartlebury Castle please visit hartleburycastle.com or download the 2024 leaflet.
The Transport Gallery is currently closed for essential maintenance. We are taking this opportunity to assess possible improvements to this part of the site, and we hope to have an update for you later this year. Please be assured there is still plenty for you to enjoy at Hartlebury Castle!
Opening Times
| Day | Times |
|---|---|
| Tuesday to Friday | 10am - 5pm |
| Weekends and bank holidays | 11am - 5pm |
| Last entry | 4pm |
| Monday | CLOSED |
Open February to December, closing for the month of January every year (including grounds and playground).
Christmas opening times
Hartlebury Castle is open until Sunday 22 December inclusive (closed Mondays).
It is then closed from Monday 23 December until Friday 31 January inclusive. We look forward to seeing you again from Saturday 1 February 2025!
Days when the museum is open, but the castle and grounds are closed
Occasionally the Castle & Grounds are closed for a wedding or private functions.
On these dates you can still visit the County Museum, at a reduced cost (see Admissions section).
Admission
Whole Site Ticket
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £14.50 |
| Concessions (over 60s and full-time students) | £12.50 |
| Children (ages 5 - 16) | £8.25 |
| Under 5s | FREE |
| Family (2 adults and 2 children) | £38.50 |
| Worcestershire Resident Family Annual Pass* | £65 |
| Worcestershire Resident Individual Annual Pass* | £32.50 |
*excludes additional children’s activities and ticketed events. Can only be purchased by residents of Worcestershire.
Become a Hartlebury Castle Guardian – Join Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust’s Guardian scheme to enjoy free access for a year and a host of other benefits. See the Hartlebury Castle website for more information on the Guardian scheme.
Grounds & Gardens Tickets
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £6 |
| Concessions (over-60s and full-time students) | £5.50 |
| Children (ages 5 - 16) | £4.50 |
| Under 5s | FREE |
| Family (2 adults and 3 children) | £17 |
Museum-only Tickets
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £6.50 |
| Concessions (over 60s and full-time students) | £5.95 |
| Children (aged 5-16) | £3.75 |
| Under 5s | FREE |
| Family (2 adults & 3 children) | £18.50 |
For pre-booked groups we offer a discounted admission – click here to find out more.
Visitor Facilities
- Old Moat Coppice nature trail & picnic area offer a pleasant place for a stroll (outside museum boundaries, available at all times).
- The Orchard Picnic Area is inside the museum and can be used for your own picnics.
- Visitor Reception building with a well-stocked gift shop.
- Lift to all floors.
- Museum is pushchair friendly or pushchairs can be left in the museum lobby if you prefer.
- Ample free parking.
- Easy access to the many walks and footpaths on Hartlebury Common, a rare area of upland heath.
- The Bishop’s Table café serves a delicious selection of hot drinks, cakes and lunches available during Hartlebury Castle’s opening hours.
- Dogs are welcome into the Grounds and Reception building. Only Assistance dogs are allowed into the main Castle and outer buildings. The cafe outdoor seating area has bowls of water available for your dog as you relax with a hot drink. Dogs may be taken through the main cafe to access this area.
Download our Visitor Map which shows you the various areas within the Museum as well as giving you a short history of the site.
Exhibitions & Events
Museums Worcestershire offers a varied programme of activities and events as well as offering the visitor the chance to explore our venues’ fascinating histories.
Family Trail | Find the Nutcrackers and Their Stockings!
Family Trail | Find the Nutcrackers and Their Stockings!
Accessibility/Visitor Facilities
- An external glass lift allows all visitors access to every floor of the museum.
- The shop and Orchard Picnic Area are both wheelchair accessible.
- Dedicated car parking spaces and toilet facilities are available.
- Hearing loops are provided in shop and reception.
- Please download our Access Statement before your visit.
If you have any questions regarding access to the museum please contact us on 01299 250416.
Find and Contact Us
- Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Worcestershire DY11 7XZ
- Phone: 01299 250416
- Fax: 01299 251890
- Email: museum@worcestershire.gov.uk
Worcestershire County Museum is situated approximately 5 miles south of Kidderminster and 8 miles north of Worcester, just off the A449 main road. Follow the signs reading County Museum into the village of Hartlebury where the museum is in the North Wing of Hartlebury Castle.
From Worcester:
Take the A449 road signed to Kidderminster and continue for approximately 8 miles. The left turn to Hartlebury village and the County Museum occurs immediately after the second traffic island. Proceed through Hartlebury village, turning left in front of the White Hart public house. The right turn to Hartlebury Castle is 50 metres from the White Hart.
From Kidderminster:
Leave Kidderminster on the A449 road to Worcester. Continue for approximately 3 miles, passing two sets of traffic lights. After the second set of traffic lights take the next turn right, signed to Stourport and the County Museum. Continue on this road past the village school and White Hart public house. The right turn to Hartlebury Castle is 50 metres from the White Hart.
The Castle Shop
The Castle Shop sells a wide range of quality cards, crafts and gifts to suit all pockets. With areas dedicated to home, garden, arts and toys there is sure to be something for everyone.
Café
Take a break and relax in Hayley’s Kitchen at Hartlebury Castle Café, offering sandwiches, light bites, and delicious cakes for you to enjoy. Book in a catch up with family and friends as you treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea (must be booked 48hrs in advance).
For more information email the Café, call 07908 404550 or visit Hartlebury Castle’s website.