Judges' Lodgings Museum, Lancaster
Step into Lancaster’s oldest townhouse to explore Georgian elegance, Gillows furniture, childhood nostalgia, and a complex local history beneath the castle walls.
Nestled beneath Lancaster Castle, Judges' Lodgings Museum is Lancaster’s oldest town house, dating back to around 1625. Once home to the Keeper of the Castle and later the 'Red Judges' of the Assize Courts, it showcases exquisite Georgian and Regency period rooms, the world’s largest collection of Gillows furniture, and a captivating Museum of Childhood. The museum offers rich insights into local history, craftsmanship, and the complex legacy of Lancaster’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
A brief summary to Judges Lodgings Museum
- Church St, Lancaster, LA1 1YS, GB
- +441524581241
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on a Thursday to Sunday between 11am and 4pm during the main season for full access to exhibitions and garden.
- Take time to explore the Museum of Childhood on the top floor for hands-on activities and nostalgic toys.
- Look out for temporary exhibitions such as Regency fashion or contemporary art that add extra interest.
- Bring your Lancaster Castle ticket to receive a discount on admission to the Judges' Lodgings Museum.
- Note that accessibility is limited due to the historic building layout; ground floor access is available via a side entrance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train
From Lancaster Station, a short 15-minute walk through the city centre brings you to Judges' Lodgings Museum. Trains run regularly from Manchester and other regional cities, with fares typically between £10-£25 depending on advance booking.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Lancaster city centre with surrounding areas. Alight near the Castle or Church Street stops; the museum is a 5-minute walk. Tickets cost around £2-£4 depending on route and operator.
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Car
Parking is available nearby on Castle Hill and in city centre car parks. Note that parking can be limited and paid, typically £3-£8 for a few hours. The museum is accessed via cobbled streets and may require a short uphill walk.
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Walking
If staying in Lancaster city centre, Judges' Lodgings is easily reached on foot within 10-20 minutes. The route includes historic streets with cobblestones and some gentle slopes, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Judges Lodgings Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Judges Lodgings Museum
A Historic Residence at the Heart of Lancaster
Judges' Lodgings Museum stands on Church Street, just below the imposing Lancaster Castle, on a site with nearly 2000 years of history. The current building, constructed around 1625 by Thomas Covell—the Keeper of the Castle and Justice of the Peace—is the oldest surviving townhouse in Lancaster. Covell is historically notable for imprisoning the Pendle Witches in the castle’s dungeons during the infamous Lancashire Witch Trials. From 1776 until 1975, the house served as lodgings for the traveling judges who presided over the Assize Courts at Lancaster Castle, earning the nickname 'Red Judges' for their scarlet robes.Georgian Elegance and Gillows Craftsmanship
The museum’s interiors are a stunning showcase of Georgian and Regency elegance, featuring the largest collection of Gillows furniture anywhere in the world. Founded in Lancaster in 1728, Gillows became internationally renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and use of exotic woods, furnishing prestigious locations such as the New Palace of Westminster and luxury ocean liners like the Lusitania and Queen Elizabeth. Visitors can admire period rooms furnished with these masterpieces, reflecting Lancaster’s industrial and artistic heritage intertwined with its role in the transatlantic trade.Exploring Childhood and Victorian Life
A highlight for families is the Museum of Childhood on the top floor, where children can discover toys and games from past generations. The Victorian schoolroom allows visitors to experience a bygone era of education, complete with hands-on activities like polishing in the kitchen or playing teacher. Outside, a walled garden offers traditional games such as croquet and boules, providing a peaceful green oasis amid Lancaster’s historic streets.Confronting Lancaster’s Complex Past
Judges' Lodgings does not shy away from Lancaster’s darker history. The museum addresses the city’s significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, including the connections of the Gillows furniture makers who traded West Indian goods produced by enslaved Africans. Exhibitions like 'Facing the Past: Black Lancastrians' engage visitors in reflection and dialogue about this legacy, guided by decolonising principles to foster understanding and awareness.Visitor Experience and Accessibility
The museum is open seasonally, primarily Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm, with some winter Fridays open. Admission is modestly priced, with adults typically paying around £5 and children admitted free. While the historic building’s age limits full accessibility—there is no lift and some steep steps—ground floor access is available for visitors with limited mobility. The museum welcomes assistance dogs and offers facilities such as a breastfeeding room, buggy park, and picnic areas in the garden.Living History and Community Engagement
Knowledgeable volunteers enrich the visitor experience with detailed insights into the exhibits and the stories behind them. Temporary exhibitions, such as Regency fashion displays and contemporary art, add dynamic layers to the museum’s offerings. The Judges' Lodgings Museum is a vital cultural landmark that invites visitors to step back in time, explore craftsmanship and childhood nostalgia, and engage thoughtfully with Lancaster’s layered history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
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- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
