Charnwood Museum
About This Museum
Tucked away in the heart of Loughborough, the Charnwood Museum is one of those wonderful local gems that feels both intimate and surprisingly vast in its scope. It’s a place where you can spend a couple of hours completely immersed in the story of this corner of Leicestershire, from its ancient volcanic roots to the more recent hum of industry. I was particularly struck by how they've woven together geology, archaeology, and social history into such a cohesive and engaging narrative. It’s not a sprawling national museum, and that’s its greatest charm—it feels personal and deeply connected to the ground you're standing on.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the 'Charnwood Forest' exhibit with its 600-million-year-old fossils; seeing the actual rocks that were once part of an ancient seafloor is mind-boggling. The recreated Victorian chemist's shop is another delight, a perfectly preserved slice of local life that feels frozen in time.
Visitor Information
It's conveniently located on Granby Street in Queens Park, so it's easy to pop in after a stroll. Best of all? Entry is completely free, making it a perfect, budget-friendly activity for a curious afternoon.
Architecture & Building
Housed within the old Loughborough Library building, it has that solid, classic Edwardian civic architecture from the early 20th century—think red brick and a sense of enduring purpose.
Contact & Location
Address: Granby Street, Loughborough, Charnwood, Leicestershire, England, LE11 3DY, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1509 233754
Website: Visit Website
