
Mr Straw's House
Step into a perfectly preserved 1920s home, frozen in time since 1932. A unique glimpse into the everyday life of a grocer's family.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more intimate feel

Mr Straw's House
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more intimate feel

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a perfectly preserved 1920s home, frozen in time since 1932. A unique glimpse into the everyday life of a grocer's family.
"Like stepping back in time, this house is a perfectly preserved time capsule of 1920s life."

🎯 Book Your Time Slot
Essential to book ahead! Timed entry ensures a personal experience.
🎒 Leave Large Bags Behind
No large purses or backpacks allowed inside to protect the historic interiors.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 1932 Time Capsule
Throughout the house
Step into a perfectly preserved 1920s home, frozen in time since 1932. Every item is genuine, offering an unparalleled glimpse into daily life.

Grocer's Legacy
Throughout the house
Explore the home of a successful grocer, showcasing the comforts and upgrades of the era, from running water to electricity.

Restored Greenhouse
Garden
Discover the restored wood-framed greenhouse, once home to Mr Straw's son's impressive cactus collection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for a Timeless Experience
Accessibility and Belongings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Time Slot
Essential to book ahead! Timed entry ensures a personal experience.
🎒 Leave Large Bags Behind
No large purses or backpacks allowed inside to protect the historic interiors.
🚶♀️ Limited Mobility Alert
The house has narrow stairs; not suitable for those with mobility issues.
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Passionate volunteers share fascinating family history and house details.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Time Slot
Essential to book ahead! Timed entry ensures a personal experience.
🎒 Leave Large Bags Behind
No large purses or backpacks allowed inside to protect the historic interiors.
🚶♀️ Limited Mobility Alert
The house has narrow stairs; not suitable for those with mobility issues.
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Passionate volunteers share fascinating family history and house details.
🏡 Explore the Gardens
Enjoy the peaceful gardens and the restored greenhouse, a treat for plant lovers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mr Straw's House as a unique and fascinating 'time capsule' experience, offering an unparalleled glimpse into 1920s domestic life. The authenticity of the preserved interiors and the passion of the volunteers are frequently highlighted as major draws. However, some find the limited mobility access and bag restrictions challenging.
"The property is actually 2 houses, side by side, and one enters the house on the left to check in. Parking is across the street in the old apple orchard. The sign is small so keep a look out.
You need to book a time slot for entry as they only permit a small group into the house at one time. After checking in, you are escorted next door by a guide who gives the history of the house and the family. Really quite informative.
This is the property of a hard working grocer who managed to make enough money to build a house on this "posh" street.
When you walk inside, it's like being in a time capsule from 1932. When Mr. Straw passed suddenly in 1932, his wife proclaimed that nothing was to be touched. When she died her sons did the same. As a result, you are walking into a house that had upgrades for it time period: running water, electricity and a toilet, but no future amenities like central heating or refrigeration.
Mr. Straw's coats still hang on the hooks as they were in 1932. There are stacks and stacks of items still sitting in the spot where they were originally. Room after room was the same.
The self guided tour takes you through all of the rooms, up through the third floor, then exits into the adjacent building, and down the stairs back to the check in desk. There is no accommodation for limited mobility. Also, large purses or backpacks are not permitted to be carried through the house."
Barbara Geisler
"This little time capsule is a absolute must to visit. Every item is genuine to the house. Nothing has changed in the house for around 100 years. You are given a small talk about the history of the Straw family history which is super interesting , then you are left to explore this wonderful house in your own time.
Many thanks to the lovely staff and volunteers there that made us very welcome. Well worth a visit."
Bev Middleton
"Lovely, different kinda NT property with it's own unique charm. You really do get a feeling of stepping back into last century from all of the nik-nacs the Straw family left behind from the sweet tins to the old vacuum and mountains of letters left on the piano. Remember to look above the kitchen door and you'll see a switchboard type system for the live in maid at the time.
The garden is beautiful and divided into two for the two properties with a few apple trees and a plum tree. At the back of Mr Straws garden is a wood framed greenhouse that was restored when NT took over and houses many of his sons Cacti collection.
Definitely worth a couple of hours to spend here and the volunteers are in no rush to kick you out after looking around the house. They're also really friendly.
I spent a while relaxing in the garden and reading the leaflets about the family."
Sarah Plant
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mr Straw's House is located in Worksop. Parking is available across the street in the old apple orchard. Look out for the small sign as it can be easy to miss.
Yes, parking is available across the street from the house in what was formerly the apple orchard.
Worksop is served by public transport, and the house is within walking distance of the town center. Check local bus and train schedules for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking a timed slot in advance is essential as they only allow small groups inside at one time.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Trust website for the most current information and to book your timed entry slot.
Admission fees apply, and it's recommended to book online. National Trust members usually get free entry. Check their website for current pricing.
No, entry is strictly by pre-booked timed slot. It's highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, it's like stepping into a time capsule from 1932. The house is filled with original furniture, objects, and personal belongings of the Straw family, preserved exactly as they were.
While children can visit, the house's delicate nature and lack of mobility access might make it challenging for very young children or those who struggle to stay still. The historical context might be more engaging for older children.
A self-guided tour typically takes about an hour, but you can spend longer exploring the gardens and chatting with the volunteers.
While the tour is largely self-guided, a guide will escort you to the house and provide an informative history of the family and property. Volunteers are also on hand to answer questions.
Photography rules can vary. It's best to check on arrival or with staff, but generally, non-flash photography for personal use is often permitted.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no catering facilities on-site at Mr Straw's House itself. You may find cafes or restaurants in the nearby town of Worksop.
Picnicking is usually permitted in designated garden areas of National Trust properties. Please check on arrival for specific rules regarding food in the gardens.
📸 📸 Photography
The interiors offer unique 'time capsule' shots, capturing the preserved 1920s decor. The gardens and the restored greenhouse also provide lovely photographic subjects.
Flash photography is generally not permitted inside historic houses to protect the delicate interiors and artifacts. Always check for signage or ask a volunteer.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage children to engage with the volunteers, who are often happy to share stories about the family and the house's contents. The gardens offer a space for children to move around more freely, and the restored greenhouse might spark curiosity. It's a good opportunity to discuss social history and the differences between life then and now, but perhaps best suited for families with children who can appreciate a quieter, more observational experience.
🏛️ History Buffs & Social History Enthusiasts
This isn't a curated museum exhibit; it's a genuine snapshot of a family's life, frozen in time. The house raises profound questions about memory, legacy, and how we tell our stories through the objects we leave behind. Engaging with the passionate volunteers will undoubtedly deepen your understanding and appreciation of this unique historical site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into 1920s Life
Visitors can expect to see original furniture, household objects, personal belongings, and even the family's coats still hanging on the hooks. The house features upgrades of its time, such as running water, electricity, and a toilet, but notably lacks later amenities like central heating or refrigeration, offering a stark contrast to modern living. This authenticity provides a deeply personal and often poignant connection to the past, making it a unique experience for those interested in social history.
The National Trust has meticulously conserved the property, ensuring that the delicate silk ribbons on a 1920s calendar have been repaired and the greenhouse restored. This dedication to preservation allows visitors to explore room after room, feeling as though they've stepped directly into the lives of the Straw family. The volunteers play a crucial role, sharing fascinating anecdotes and historical context that enrich the visit.
The Straw Family's Legacy
This preservation, while offering a unique historical insight, also raises questions about legacy and the decision to leave a home untouched for future generations. The sheer volume of items – from sweet tins and old vacuum cleaners to stacks of letters on the piano – speaks to a life lived fully and a desire to hold onto memories. The house also showcases the domestic arrangements of the time, with mentions of a switchboard system for a live-in maid above the kitchen door.
The garden, divided between the two properties, features apple and plum trees, and the restored greenhouse once housed Mr. Straw's son's extensive cactus collection. This personal touch extends the narrative beyond the house itself, offering a more complete picture of the family's life and interests. The volunteers are passionate about sharing these stories, making the visit both educational and engaging.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit