Bacup Museum
About This Museum
Tucked away on Yorkshire Street, the Bacup Museum is the town's memory-keeper, a wonderfully cluttered treasure trove of local life. It feels less like an institution and more like stepping into your grandad's shed if he'd carefully saved every photograph, tool, and oddity from the last 150 years. The heart of the place is its collection of artefacts from the Natural History Society, founded by Victorian mill workers with a passion for knowledge. You'll find everything from stunning mineral specimens pulled from local mines to delicate pressed flowers and, of course, the story of Bacup's famous Britannia Coconut Dancers.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the intricate 'Tottington' Sampler from 1832, a beautiful piece of needlework that tells a story in thread. The museum also holds fascinating relics from the area's industrial past, including clog irons and weaving shuttles from the mills that once defined the Rossendale Valley.
Visitor Information
Pop in on a Wednesday or Saturday afternoon—it's run by passionate volunteers who are true locals and love to share a story. There's no fuss or high-tech gadgetry here; just genuine warmth and a chance to connect with a real piece of Lancashire history.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a solid, unassuming stone building that was once part of the town's bustling commercial centre, its simple facade belies the historical riches packed inside.
Contact & Location
Address: Yorkshire Street, Huttocks Top, Bacup, Rossendale, Lancashire, England, OL13 9AE, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 7727 015749
Website: Visit Website
