The Whitaker Rawtenstall
A charming Victorian museum and art gallery in Rawtenstall, offering free entry, diverse collections, and beautiful grounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
More exhibitions and events
The Whitaker Rawtenstall
Best Time
More exhibitions and events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Victorian museum and art gallery in Rawtenstall, offering free entry, diverse collections, and beautiful grounds.
"A brilliant and amazing museum and art gallery in the heart of Rossendale."
Free Parking Available
Plenty of free parking on-site, making your visit convenient and cost-effective. :car:
Donations Accepted
Support the museum with cash or card donations at the welcome points. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cabinet of Curiosities
A delightful and amazingly displayed collection of intriguing artifacts. A must-see for those who love the unusual.
Contemporary Art Exhibitions
Discover rotating exhibitions featuring local and international artists, offering a fresh perspective with each visit.
Victorian Building & Grounds
Explore the beautiful stone-built Victorian building and its picturesque grounds, featuring gardens and sculptures.
Taxidermy Collection
An interesting display of taxidermy animals with informative details, presented in excellent condition.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Donations Welcome
Check Cafe Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Parking Available
Plenty of free parking on-site, making your visit convenient and cost-effective. :car:
Donations Accepted
Support the museum with cash or card donations at the welcome points. :moneybag:
Check for Events
The Whitaker hosts various community events, workshops, and art talks. Check their schedule!
Gift Shop Finds
Browse the small shop for a wonderful range of souvenirs at reasonable prices. :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Parking Available
Plenty of free parking on-site, making your visit convenient and cost-effective. :car:
Donations Accepted
Support the museum with cash or card donations at the welcome points. :moneybag:
Check for Events
The Whitaker hosts various community events, workshops, and art talks. Check their schedule!
Gift Shop Finds
Browse the small shop for a wonderful range of souvenirs at reasonable prices. :gift:
Accessible Facilities
The museum offers disabled access, ensuring a comfortable visit for all. :wheelchair:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise The Whitaker Rawtenstall as a 'hidden gem' and a 'cracking little find,' highlighting its free entry, diverse collections including a fascinating Cabinet of Curiosities and taxidermy, and beautiful Victorian building and grounds. The on-site cafe is also a popular spot. Some visitors note that art exhibitions can be hit or miss depending on personal taste.
"Brilliant local museum hiding in plain sight housing a fascinating permanent collection, especially the Cabinet of Curiosities. The museum hosts regular contemporary art exhibitions, and a range of community activities and workshops.
The grounds feature a community garden, tennis courts, and sculptures, and there is now a bar and restaurant.
Free entry, with donation points which take cash or card, and there's a gift shop.
A short walk from Rawtenstall town centre, and accessible via the 464 bus route (Accrington - Rochdale)."
Kerry Burnout
"Visited here on a late Sunday afternoon ( bh aswell) . Pleased by free parking. Disabled access If needed. Was slightly disappointed as the cafe was shut that day but the museum.was open. Free entry to museum but donations welcomed to help support.
This is a hidden little gem.
Lots of interesting things to look at Inside .. a few pics to tease to the spoils but certainly doesn't show all the things to haze upon. The exhibition we saw was voiced by Jane horrors and is only there until June 1st. Will definitely be going to pack to see future installations."
Rebecca Charlson
"This is a brilliant and amazing museum and art gallery in the heart of Rossendale. The museum and art gallery in a fantastic Victorian stone built building and it is housed over two floors where you can see some fantastic portraits of the local area and also there is a fantastic display of taxidermy animals on the ground floor with some informative information about them and the display of the animals is great with the condition of them very good. The top floor has some great artefacts from the local area with some great railway memorabilia about the East Lancashire Railway and also there is a great display of artwork and textile work from the Americas with some nice displays about how they were made and upon sighting these Textile works you can see their beauty and intracies. On the ground floor there is a Cabinet of Curiosities with a delightful range of artefacts to see and which are amazingly displayed and presented. There is a cafe selling a great range of refreshments at reasonable prices and also there is small shop selling a wonderful range of souvenirs at reasonable prices. Overall this is a wonderfully intriguing and interesting place to visit and makes for a delightful day out. Well worth a visit whilst in the area of Rossendale."
Daniel Willingham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Whitaker is located in Rawtenstall, Rossendale, BB4 6RE. It's a short walk from Rawtenstall town centre and is accessible via the 464 bus route (Accrington - Rochdale). There is also free parking available on-site.
Yes, The Whitaker offers free parking for visitors, making it convenient to reach by car.
Absolutely! The 464 bus route connects Accrington and Rochdale, with a stop conveniently close to The Whitaker.
The postcode for The Whitaker is BB4 6RE.
Yes, it's described as a 'hidden little gem' but is also 'right on our doorstep' and a short walk from the town centre.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to The Whitaker museum is free! Donations are welcomed to support the venue.
No, tickets are not required as entry is free. However, for specific events or workshops, booking might be necessary.
The Whitaker is generally open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, with late openings on Thursdays. It's always best to check their official schedule for the most up-to-date hours.
The Whitaker frequently hosts contemporary art exhibitions and community events. Check their social media or website for the latest announcements.
Yes, donations are highly appreciated and can be made via cash or card at donation points within the museum.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a fascinating permanent collection, including the 'Cabinet of Curiosities,' local history exhibits, taxidermy, and rotating contemporary art installations.
Yes, it's a great place for families. There's a nice cafe, a big park to walk around, and plenty of room for kids to run.
The grounds feature a community garden, tennis courts, and sculptures, offering a pleasant space to explore.
The Whitaker hosts regular contemporary art exhibitions, showcasing works from various artists. +2
Yes, the museum offers disabled access, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe attached to the museum that sells a great range of refreshments at reasonable prices. It's also described as a 'fine dining' experience by some visitors.
The cafe offers refreshments at reasonable prices, making it an affordable option for visitors.
Yes, drinks are available at the cafe, and some events also offer bar services.
The cafe may have limited hours or be closed on certain days, so it's advisable to check their schedule in advance.
Yes, the cafe serves a range of refreshments and is described as offering fine dining by some visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or during special events.
The 'Cabinet of Curiosities,' the exterior of the Victorian building, and the sculptures in the grounds offer great photographic opportunities.
While not exclusively a photography gallery, The Whitaker hosts diverse art exhibitions that may include photographic works.
Photography of art installations is usually allowed for personal enjoyment, but please be mindful of any signage indicating otherwise.
Morning light can be lovely for the exterior and grounds, while indoor exhibits are best viewed during opening hours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't forget to check out the cafe for refreshments, which offers a good range of options at reasonable prices.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Beyond the temporary exhibitions, the permanent collection, including the unique 'Cabinet of Curiosities,' offers a different kind of visual stimulation.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring The Whitaker's Collections
Beyond the curiosities, the museum offers a fascinating look into local history, with exhibits that highlight the heritage of the Rossendale area. You'll also find a notable taxidermy collection, praised for its excellent condition and informative details, providing a unique glimpse into the region's natural history.
Complementing its permanent displays, The Whitaker is a vibrant hub for contemporary art. It regularly hosts rotating exhibitions featuring both local and international artists, ensuring there's always something new and thought-provoking to discover.
+2 This dynamic approach to art keeps the museum fresh and engaging for repeat visitors.The Whitaker's Community Role
Recent initiatives include the 'Future Soles' group, exploring Rossendale's shoe-making history and sustainable fashion, and a Dementia Carers Support Meetup, highlighting the venue's commitment to diverse community needs.
+1 The museum also hosts events like the SEN & Autism Support Fair, demonstrating its dedication to inclusivity. Furthermore, The Whitaker is a space for artistic expression, with local artists proudly exhibiting their work.
This strong community connection makes The Whitaker a beloved local institution, offering something for everyone.Enjoying The Whitaker's Grounds and Amenities
For those seeking recreation, the grounds also feature tennis courts and open spaces perfect for children to run around.
Adding to the visitor experience is the on-site cafe and restaurant, described as offering fine dining and a great range of refreshments at reasonable prices.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit