Buckingham Old Gaol Museum
Discover Buckingham's history in a former prison, featuring a rare medieval coin and a captivating clock exhibition.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Hear the clocks chime!
Buckingham Old Gaol Museum
Best Time
Hear the clocks chime!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Buckingham's history in a former prison, featuring a rare medieval coin and a captivating clock exhibition.
"A fascinating compact building showing history through time with great displays and friendly staff."
🎯 Catch the Clock Chimes
Time your visit to hear the hourly clock chimes – a unique experience!
🚗 Parking Advice
Use the Waitrose car park nearby; it's affordable and a short walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Buckingham Half-Angel Coin
Exhibition Room
See one of only seven known rare gold coins from Richard III's reign, the only one on public display.
Historic Gaol Cells
Ground Floor
Step inside former prison cells, now housing fascinating exhibits on Buckingham's past.
Clock and Watchmakers Exhibition
Main Exhibition Area
Experience the ticking and chiming of historical clocks, a highlight for many visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Clock Chimes
Accessibility and Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Catch the Clock Chimes
Time your visit to hear the hourly clock chimes – a unique experience!
🚗 Parking Advice
Use the Waitrose car park nearby; it's affordable and a short walk.
⏳ Quick Visit
Allow about 45 minutes to an hour to explore this compact museum.
💰 Reasonable Entry Fee
Enjoy the history for a very reasonable £4-£5 per adult.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Catch the Clock Chimes
Time your visit to hear the hourly clock chimes – a unique experience!
🚗 Parking Advice
Use the Waitrose car park nearby; it's affordable and a short walk.
⏳ Quick Visit
Allow about 45 minutes to an hour to explore this compact museum.
💰 Reasonable Entry Fee
Enjoy the history for a very reasonable £4-£5 per adult.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Engage with the lovely, informative staff for a richer experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Buckingham Old Gaol Museum to be a charming and informative small attraction, offering a glimpse into local history and a unique clock exhibition. The reasonable entry fee and friendly staff are frequently praised, though the lack of disabled access is a notable drawback for some.
"built in 1748, originally served as a prison and was funded by Richard Grenville Temple, Lord Viscount of Cobham. Its construction, with crenellations and arrow-slits, was intended to resemble a castle, reflecting Buckingham's ambition to regain its status as the county town and host the Summer Assizes.
In the museum they have, The Buckingham half-angel coin which is a rare gold coin from the reign of Richard III, minted between 1483 and 1485. It's one of only seven known examples and is notable for being the only one on public display. The coin was discovered near Buckingham by a metal detectorist and is now housed at the Buckingham Old Gaol Museum.
Only a small museum, but for £5 we thought it was great."
Pete / Hel
"Well worth a visit. Very informative staff, great information at hand and a easy visit. Loved this town and the Old Gaol."
Paul
"The Old Gaol is located right in the middle of Buckingham. There is a nearby car park which is cheap to park in. I believe this is the only museum here in Buckingham.
Stairs involved. No disabled access.
The Old Gaol combines a museum about Buckingham. You can enter several of the gaol cells which now has exhibits.
There is information about The Salvation Army and a room dedicated to Flora Thompson, both on the ground floor.
Toilet facilities available in the basement.
This is a small attraction and shouldn't take you more than 45 mins to look around.
Also opposite the front reception is town information office."
Jan-Fei Li
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located right in the middle of Buckingham High Street. It's easily accessible by car, with the Waitrose car park being a recommended nearby option for affordable pay-and-display parking.
Yes, there is a car park by Waitrose which is a short 5-minute walk away and offers reasonable prices.
While not explicitly mentioned in the provided content, Buckingham is about an hour and a half drive from London, making it a feasible day trip for those interested in historical sites. +1 (Note: These TikToks refer to Bicester Village, but indicate travel time from London).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is open on bank holidays, and the Tourist Information Centre is also open. Specific daily hours are not detailed, but it's advisable to check locally or on their official channels.
Entry fees are very reasonable, typically around £4-£5 for adults.
Unfortunately, the museum involves stairs and does not have disabled access.
Information on advance ticket purchases is not readily available. It's generally a small attraction where tickets can likely be purchased upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore former gaol cells with exhibits, see the rare Buckingham half-angel coin, learn about local history including The Salvation Army and Flora Thompson, and enjoy the clock and watchmakers exhibition.
Most visitors find that a visit takes around 45 minutes to an hour, making it a perfect short stop.
Yes, toilet facilities are available in the basement of the building.
Yes, there is a small gift shop on-site where you can purchase souvenirs.
Yes, the museum is looking for volunteers. You can pop in between 11 am and 1 pm for a chat about opportunities.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly stated, photography is generally permitted in most museums for personal use, unless otherwise indicated by signage. It's always best to check on arrival.
The historic gaol cells, the exterior of the castle-like building, and the clock exhibition offer unique photographic moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit concise, as it's a small attraction, making it suitable for younger attention spans. The reasonable entry fee also makes it an affordable outing. Consider combining the visit with a walk around the town center, where a market is sometimes held.
🏛️ History Buffs
The museum also touches upon broader historical themes, from early settlements to WWII and even local connections to television and film. The informative displays and knowledgeable staff enhance the learning experience, making it a rewarding stop for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Buckingham's heritage.
📸 Photographers
The clock and watchmakers exhibition also presents visually appealing subjects, especially with the intricate details of the timepieces. While specific photography restrictions aren't mentioned, capturing the essence of this compact historical site can yield some compelling images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Buckingham's Past
Inside, the museum offers a compact yet rich exploration of Buckingham's history. Visitors can step into the former gaol cells, which now feature various exhibits. The museum also dedicates space to local heritage, including information about The Salvation Army and a room honoring the writer Flora Thompson.
One of the museum's most prized possessions is the Buckingham half-angel coin, a rare gold coin minted between 1483 and 1485 during the reign of Richard III. It's one of only seven known examples and is uniquely on public display at the Old Gaol. Discovered by a metal detectorist near Buckingham, its presence adds a significant historical artifact to the museum's collection.
The Charm of the Clock Exhibition
This exhibition provides a unique sensory experience, bringing the history of timekeeping to life. It's a testament to the craftsmanship of past eras and offers a delightful contrast to the more somber history of the gaol cells. The attention to detail in showcasing these historical timepieces makes it a memorable part of the visit.
Community Hub and Events
The venue has also begun to host events, including weddings. The Old Gaol has been the setting for intimate celebrations, showcasing its versatility as a historic backdrop for modern gatherings.
Furthermore, the museum actively seeks volunteers to help run its operations. This community involvement ensures the preservation and continued operation of this local treasure, offering opportunities for residents and enthusiasts to contribute.
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