Exterior and interior of the barn (14/5/16)
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Upminster Tithe Barn Museum

4.2
·45 reviews·Upminster, United Kingdom

A 15th-century Tithe Barn housing a 'Museum of Nostalgia' with 19th & 20th-century artifacts, run by passionate volunteers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Better visibility for exhibits

CrowdLow
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Exterior and interior of the barn (14/5/16)

Upminster Tithe Barn Museum

Best Time

Daytime

Better visibility for exhibits

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 15th-century Tithe Barn housing a 'Museum of Nostalgia' with 19th & 20th-century artifacts, run by passionate volunteers.

4.2
(45 reviews)

"A wonderfully dusty collection of 19th and 20th century everyday objects. It is possible to rummage around here for hours."

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Confirm Opening Dates

Always check the museum's website for current opening times as they can vary. :calendar:

Watch Your Step

The car park can be uneven and dimly lit at night; exercise caution. :athletic_shoe:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

15th Century Tithe Barn

15th Century Tithe Barn

The Barn itself

Step back in time in this beautifully constructed, 572-year-old agricultural and folk museum.

Museum of Nostalgia

Museum of Nostalgia

Inside the Barn

Discover a dusty collection of 19th and 20th-century everyday objects that evoke fond memories.

Enthusiastic Volunteers

Enthusiastic Volunteers

Throughout the museum

Engage with passionate volunteers eager to share stories and answer questions about the exhibits.

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Planning Your Visit

Check Opening Times

The museum's opening dates can be sporadic, so always check their website or social media before visiting. Some reviewers noted it was closed with no dates announced for 2022, so confirm current operating status to avoid disappointment.

Mind the Car Park

The Upminster Hall Visitors Car Park is described as poorly maintained with unstable surfaces and large holes, especially dangerous at night. Visitors are advised to be cautious when parking.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Better visibility for exhibits
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Volunteers are often present
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Upminster Tithe Barn The barn, originally part of the Home or Hall Farm of nearby Upminster Hall, is a large timber framed structure clad in a mixture of horizontal and vertical boarding, capped by a thatched roof. It is of a box-frame construction with aisled sides, consisting of nine bays with central midstrey and a gabled porch on the northern side and measures some 138 feet long by approximate...
@stone_guru
24 likes • 559 views

Confirm Opening Dates

Always check the museum's website for current opening times as they can vary. :calendar:

Watch Your Step

The car park can be uneven and dimly lit at night; exercise caution. :athletic_shoe:

Upminster Tithe Barn The barn, originally part of the Home or Hall Farm of nearby Upminster Hall, is a large timber framed structure clad in a mixture of horizontal and vertical boarding, capped by a thatched roof. It is of a box-frame construction with aisled sides, consisting of nine bays with central midstrey and a gabled porch on the northern side and measures some 138 feet long by approximate...
@stone_guru
16 likes • 423 views

Engage with Staff

The volunteers are a wealth of knowledge and happy to chat. :speech_balloon:

Bring Grandparents!

Perfect for older generations to reminisce about items from their youth. :olderman: :olderwoman:

Tips

from all over the internet

Confirm Opening Dates

Always check the museum's website for current opening times as they can vary. :calendar:

Watch Your Step

The car park can be uneven and dimly lit at night; exercise caution. :athletic_shoe:

Engage with Staff

The volunteers are a wealth of knowledge and happy to chat. :speech_balloon:

Bring Grandparents!

Perfect for older generations to reminisce about items from their youth. :olderman: :olderwoman:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(45 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Upminster Tithe Barn Museum for its fascinating collection of nostalgic items and the beautiful, historic setting of the 15th-century barn. The enthusiastic and engaging volunteers are frequently highlighted as a major asset, making the experience interactive and informative. However, the poorly maintained car park is a consistent point of concern, and the museum's variable opening times can be frustrating.

"Went to an event here at night. Was dimly lit so was weary of footing. Seating slightly concerning, but was advised by hosts. The atmosphere and ambience was very beautiful inside a building so beautifully constructed. It smelt of the new wood, I loved this. I will visit in the day light. The car park is very unstable with large holes in the surface and in the dark dangerous. I definitely appreciated seeing the barn at night though"

Deborah Henry

"A wonderfully dusty collection of 19th and 20th century everyday objects. It is possible to rummage around here for hours. The dedicated volunteers who staff the museum are enthusiastic and engaged very well with the two kids that accompanied us."

Louis Pretorius

"A scheduled Ancient Monument - Upminster Tithe Barn Museum of Nostalgia - is standing tall & wide by very poorly maintained Upminster Hall Visitors Car Park! Apart from a sign by the entrance - which is naturally missed by many - there is no other signs or interpretation text displaying this unique historic landmark and currently being used as a museum! And often, visitors to the playing fields do not know about the Tithe Barn even though parking their car right next to it!

Tithe Barn dates from the 15th Century. It is used as an Agricultural and Folk Musuem managed by the Hornchurch & District Historical Society. As per the website, The museum holds around 14,500 artifacts of domestic and agricultural use, ranging from Roman times to the present day.

Sadly, it is closed and no opening dates announced for 2022! Hope, there will be openings soon!"

Muhammad Haque

What People Like

Fascinating nostalgic collection
Beautiful historic barn
Engaging volunteers

What People Dislike

Poorly maintained car park
Variable opening times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at Upminster Hall, and while there's a car park nearby, it's noted as being poorly maintained. Public transport options would involve checking local bus routes to the Upminster area. Reddit

Yes, there is a car park at Upminster Hall, adjacent to the museum. However, reviewers have noted it is unstable with large holes and can be dangerous, especially in the dark. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can be inconsistent. It's crucial to check the museum's official website or social media for the most up-to-date information, as there have been periods with no announced opening dates. Reddit

The museum is staffed by volunteers and is generally free to enter, making it an accessible local attraction. Reddit

While events might be held at night, the museum's regular visiting hours are typically during the day. One visitor noted a nighttime event was dimly lit, impacting visibility. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum houses a 'dusty collection' of 19th and 20th-century everyday objects, focusing on domestic and agricultural use, ranging from Roman times to the present day, with a strong emphasis on nostalgia. Reddit

Yes, the enthusiastic volunteers are noted to engage very well with children, making it a potentially interesting visit for families. Reddit

The Tithe Barn itself dates back to the 15th Century and is a scheduled Ancient Monument, serving as the historic structure for the museum's collections. Reddit

The museum's collection focuses on items from the last 150 years, designed to evoke memories and nostalgia, particularly for visitors over 60 who will recognize items from their childhood. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies are not explicitly stated, but generally, museums allow personal photography unless otherwise indicated. It's always best to check onsite signage or ask a volunteer. Reddit

The unique architecture of the 15th-century Tithe Barn itself offers a striking backdrop. Inside, the sheer volume and variety of nostalgic objects provide many interesting close-up shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Upminster Tithe Barn Museum can be a surprisingly engaging outing for families. The enthusiastic volunteers are particularly adept at interacting with children, making the museum feel more dynamic and less like a static display. While the collection focuses on nostalgia, the sheer variety of objects can spark curiosity in younger visitors, offering a glimpse into how people lived in the past. Reddit

Tips for families: Look for specific interactive elements or ask volunteers to highlight items that might appeal to children. The free entry and ample parking (despite its condition) make it an accessible option for a budget-friendly family activity. Remember to check opening times beforehand, as they can be variable. Reddit

👵 Older Visitors & Nostalgia Seekers

This museum is a goldmine for those seeking nostalgia, especially visitors over 60. The 'Museum of Nostalgia' aspect means you'll likely encounter countless items from your own past – from childhood toys to household gadgets. It's a perfect opportunity to reminisce and share memories with companions or even the knowledgeable volunteers. Reddit

Recommendations: Take your time to explore every nook and cranny. Engage with the volunteers; they often have fascinating stories about the artifacts. Consider visiting with parents or grandparents to share in the collective memory evoked by the exhibits. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

The Upminster Tithe Barn Museum is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers as it offers free admission. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in local history and a unique collection without any financial pressure. Reddit

Key benefits: Free entry, ample parking (though caution is advised), and the opportunity to spend hours exploring. It's a great way to experience a piece of local heritage without spending a penny, making it a highly recommended spot for those watching their expenses. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Tithe Barn: A Living Piece of History

The Upminster Tithe Barn is not just a museum building; it's a scheduled Ancient Monument dating back to the 15th Century. This impressive structure, described as standing 'tall & wide', provides a unique and atmospheric setting for the museum's collections. Its historical significance as a place for collecting tithes (a tenth of produce or earnings) adds a layer of depth to the visitor experience. The barn's construction, with its mention of smelling of 'new wood' even in a historical context, contributes to a beautiful and tangible connection to the past. Reddit

While the barn itself is centuries old, the Museum of Nostalgia housed within focuses on more recent history, specifically the 19th and 20th centuries. This juxtaposition of ancient architecture and relatively modern artifacts creates an interesting dynamic. Visitors often remark on the 'beautifully constructed' nature of the building, appreciating its ambiance, especially during events. Reddit

Exploring the Museum of Nostalgia

The Upminster Tithe Barn Museum is affectionately known as a 'Museum of Nostalgia' for good reason. It houses an extensive and 'wonderfully dusty collection' of everyday objects from the past 150 years. Reviewers highlight that visitors can 'rummage around here for hours,' discovering items that spark personal memories. This focus on recent history makes it particularly resonant for older generations, with suggestions that those over 60 will 'love it as they will see tonnes of stuff they remember from their childhood.' Reddit

The collection is described as a 'mish-mash of stuff,' encompassing both domestic and agricultural uses, with artifacts ranging from Roman times to the present day, though the emphasis is clearly on the more recent past. The sheer volume of around 14,500 artifacts means there's always something new to discover, making each visit potentially unique. The enthusiastic volunteers are key to unlocking the stories behind these objects, enhancing the nostalgic experience. Reddit

The Volunteer Experience

A recurring theme in visitor feedback is the exceptional quality of the volunteers who staff the Upminster Tithe Barn Museum. They are consistently described as 'enthusiastic and engaged,' going above and beyond to interact with visitors. Many reviewers specifically mention how well the volunteers connect with children, making the museum a welcoming place for families. Reddit

These dedicated individuals are not only happy to answer questions but also eager to share their knowledge and passion for the museum's collection. Their presence significantly enhances the visitor experience, transforming a collection of objects into a living history lesson. The fact that the museum is managed by the Hornchurch & District Historical Society underscores the community-driven nature of this attraction. Reddit

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