The Workhouse and Infirmary
Upton Road, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0PT
Behind every door is a story and the Workhouse and Infirmary bears witness to over 160 years of changing social policy and attitudes towards the poor and vulnerable in society. Built in 1824 for up to 158 inmates, the Workhouse is one of the best-preserved examples of the hundreds of workhouses built across the country.
Explore why people came here in our 1921 census exhibition in partnership with Findmypast and trace their physical route. Discover how vagrants created a secret code language as they moved from workhouse to workhouse through our children’s trail. Chat to a room guide, take a tour (limited spaces), complete a children’s trail, dress up and write on a slate in the school room, spot the workhouse mice scenes, play some old-fashioned games, have a wander outside in the kitchen garden, walk in the historic infirmary wards or relax in our second-hand bookshop and café. There is so much here to discover and learn.
Current exhibitions: The Women’s Quilt and The Leighann Wightman Quilt which focus on domestic abuse.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 14 September:
- 1030-1600 (Last admission 1500)
- Saturday 14 September:
- 1030-1600 (Last admission 1500)
Location & directions
Upton Road, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0PT
- Directions:
- The main visitor carpark is off the Upton Road. Please follow the brown signs to The Workhouse.
- Contact on day:
- Victoria Mason Hines
- Telephone number:
- +441636817260
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Due to the historic nature of the house and grounds, some areas might not be fully accessible to all visitors. The ground floor of the workhouse is accessible via ramps. There are stairs to all other floors, cellars and exercise yards. A virtual tour and photos are available for the cellars and upper floors. There is an accessible lift to the first floor of the Infirmary. Separate mobility spaces available in the main car park and additional spaces closer to the building available on request. For full access details please visit our website.
Additional information
Dogs welcome on a lead in the field, grounds and garden only, working assistance dogs welcome everywhere on site. No smoking/vaping on site, no stiletto heels on site, no eating and drinking in the buildings.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 30
- Est. tour duration:
- 0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)
