Somerset Rural Life Museum

Somerset Rural Life Museum Explore Somerset's rich rural and social history at Somerset Rural Life Museum. The museum tells the story of Somerset’s rich rural and social history.
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Somerset Rural Life Museum reopened in June 2017 following a major £2.4 million redevelopment. Visitors can enjoy the five Farmhouse Galleries which explore the themes of ‘Creating’, ‘Learning’, ‘Believing’, ‘Celebrating’ and ‘Remembering.’ In the large Farmyard Gallery the major themes are ‘Working Village’ and ‘Working the Land’. The magnificent 14th-century Abbey Barn remains the centrepiece of

the site. Outside spaces, including the Farmyard and the Orchard, contain sculpture and family trails that interpret the history of the site and its buildings. The Grain Store Café will be open all year round at this family-friendly destination, offering high-quality locally-sourced food and drink. The museum is part of the South West Heritage Trust, an independent charity committed to protecting and celebrating Somerset and Devon’s rich heritage. As well as the widely-praised Museum of Somerset and the redeveloped Somerset Rural Life Museum, in Glastonbury, the Trust manages state-of-the-art facilities in Taunton and Exeter to care for the extraordinary archive collections of the two counties. The Trust also provides essential advice about the historic environment and manages historic sites. For more information:

www.SRLM.org.uk

www.swheritage.org.uk

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It's the final week of Summer Fun on the Farm🚜There is still activities running to help you fill the inset days before s...
30/08/2026

It's the final week of Summer Fun on the Farm🚜There is still activities running to help you fill the inset days before school starts. 🎨Get creative with a Harry Brockway inspired craft, pack a picnic and bring your teddies and there is still a chance to meet some animals.🐑

📍Somerset Rural Life Museum

What does play look like through 6,000 years of Somerset history? 🎲♟️🪓Inspired by PLAY at The Museum of Somerset, we exp...
29/08/2026

What does play look like through 6,000 years of Somerset history? 🎲♟️🪓

Inspired by PLAY at The Museum of Somerset, we explored our collections across Somerset to discover how people have played, created and connected throughout history.

From ancient board games and childhood toys to music, gardening and Somerset skittles, these objects reveal that the desire to play is timeless.

♟️Take a journey through Play Through the Ages in 10 Objects and then visit our sites to find them in person:

📍 Museum of Somerset
📍 Somerset Rural Life Museum
📍 Somerset Brick & Tile Museum
📍 Avalon Archaeology
📍 Somerset Heritage Centre

Read the full blog 'Play Through the Ages': https://swheritage.org.uk/news/play-through-the-ages/

Inspired by PLAY at the Museum of Somerset, on until 10 October.

27/08/2026

Journeys to Somerset: Exploring Cultural Connections Through Space and Time brings together archaeological objects and contemporary artworks to explore the journeys of prehistoric communities who travelled across lands to settle in Somerset. 🗺️

Objects from as early as 500,000 years ago will be on display in the Mapstone Gallery from 12 September to 5 December, alongside artworks by contemporary Somerset artists, who took part in a workshop exploring the objects and the stories they hold to inspire their creative responses. 🏺
This exhibition is part of a wider project that explores the rich cultural heritage that has shaped Somerset across millennia.

📽️Objects pictured (left to right): A hand axe, flake tool, flint knife, flint microlith used as part of an arrow, a pottery beaker, a polished stone axe head and a coin.

26/08/2026

What visitors are saying about 'Ways with Wood' 👇

'What a brilliant exhibtion brought alive by the commentary, very personal. Such skills.'💬

'One of the greatest craftsmen in Illustration.'

⏳Final week to visit 🗓Closes 3 Septemeber 📍Somerset Rural Life, Glastonbury

🎨 Discover the art of printmaking with Somerset artist Jackie Curtis in a series of hands-on workshops at Somerset Rural...
25/08/2026

🎨 Discover the art of printmaking with Somerset artist Jackie Curtis in a series of hands-on workshops at Somerset Rural Life Museum.

Jackie is an artist and printmaker based in Somerset whose work is inspired by the natural world. She creates vibrant monoprints, collagraphs, linocuts and woodblock prints, and her work is currently featured in a pop-up exhibition at Bridgwater Community Hospital as part of the NHS Art for Life programme.

Now, Jackie is bringing her expertise to Somerset Rural Life Museum, giving you the chance to learn new techniques and create your own beautiful prints..

🖨️Monoprinting Workshop
🗓Saturday 12 September
🕙10:00

✨Foil Printing Workshop
🗓 Saturday 12 September
🕑 14:00

✏️Drawn Style Monoprinting
🗓Sunday 13 September
🕙10:00

Want to see more of Jackie's work before booking? Search "Jackie Curtis Artist" to explore her website and discover her distinctive style. 🌿

Ready to give it a go? Head to the link in our bio and select 2026 Craft Workshops to book your place. 🎟️

🫏Donkeys? Twice in one week?! If you fancy a donkey ride on the lawn , you've got TWO days to choose from PLUS four othe...
24/08/2026

🫏Donkeys? Twice in one week?!

If you fancy a donkey ride on the lawn , you've got TWO days to choose from PLUS four other days of activities.🎨🛝

Don't forget, if you have already visited this summer, you can come back again anytime over the next year for free! ☀️

📣 Toddler Explorers now open for booking right through to March!Designed for children aged 1 to 3 and their grown-up,  T...
21/08/2026

📣 Toddler Explorers now open for booking right through to March!

Designed for children aged 1 to 3 and their grown-up, Toddler Explorers sessions are packed with stories, crafts, play and hands-on activities that encourage learning through discovery.

This season's adventures include:
🌊 Beside the Sea
🎃 Hunkypunk Pumpkins
🦔 Night Animals
🎄 Christmas Fun
🍎 Wassail
💨 The Wind
☀️ Springtime

📅 Monthly from September to March
📍 Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury
🎟️ Booking essential

Spaces are limited and expected to fill quickly. Book your place today:

👉 https://swheritage.org.uk/events/toddler-explorers-srlm/

🎨 Have you been feeling left out of the kids' craft activities running over the summer?Don't worry, we've got five creat...
20/08/2026

🎨 Have you been feeling left out of the kids' craft activities running over the summer?

Don't worry, we've got five creative workshops coming up to satisfy your creative curiosity and give you the chance to make something of your own! ✨

📅 Here's what's coming up:
🖨️ Mono Printing - Saturday 12 September
✨ Foil Printing - Saturday 12 September
🎨 Drawn Style Mono Print - Sunday 13 September
✏️ Expressive Charcoal Drawing - Saturday 3 October
🎄 Christmas Stained Glass: Copper Foiling - Saturday 17 October

💡 A returning crafter? Why not try a different workshop this time around, or share a photo of what you made last time to inspire others. We'd love to see your creations! 📸✨

🔗 Visit 2026 Craft Workshops in our bio to learn more and book your place!🎨🙌

Harry Brockway had a deep appreciation for traditional crafts and the people who dedicated their lives to them. In 2015,...
19/08/2026

Harry Brockway had a deep appreciation for traditional crafts and the people who dedicated their lives to them.

In 2015, he was commissioned by John Leach's Muchelney Pottery and Gallery in Langport to create a series documenting the pottery-making process, from throwing and glazing to packing the finished pieces.

His interest in the work of others reflected the same commitment he brought to his own artistic practice. Through a lifetime of discipline, observation and creativity, Harry produced an extraordinary body of work that continues to inspire today.

As one friend told him shortly before he died:
"Harry, I believe you've achieved as much fine work as it would take others several lifetimes to achieve."

🏺 These prints feature in Harry Brockway: Ways in Wood Somerset Rural Life Museum.

Lots of animals visiting this week as well trails and interactive activities!🐾🌟
17/08/2026

Lots of animals visiting this week as well trails and interactive activities!🐾🌟

Address

Chilkwell Street
Glastonbury
BA68DB

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

01458 831197

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