Black and White House Museum, Hereford

Step back into 17th-century Hereford at the Black and White House Museum, a perfectly preserved Jacobean timber-framed home with rich history and interactive exhibits.

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Black and White House Museum

The Black and White House Museum in Hereford is a beautifully preserved 17th-century timber-framed building dating back to 1621. Originally a butcher’s home and shop, it later served various commercial roles before becoming a museum in 1929. The museum offers a vivid glimpse into Jacobean life with period furnishings, rare wall paintings, and interactive exhibits including replica clothing and tactile displays for all visitors.

A brief summary to Black and White House Museum

High Town, Hereford, Hereford, HR1 2AA, GB
+441432260694
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Sunday 11:30 am-2:30 pm

Local tips

Visit on a weekday morning or early afternoon to enjoy a quieter experience and explore the interactive exhibits fully.
Don’t miss the rare Jacobean wall paintings and the four-poster bed, which are highlights of the museum’s collection.
Take advantage of the virtual tour on the ground floor if you have mobility challenges or want to explore the upper floors.
Check out the museum shop for unique locally made gifts and souvenirs reflecting Hereford’s heritage.

Getting There

Bus

Take the local bus service from Hereford city centre to High Town, which runs frequently with a journey time of approximately 10-15 minutes. Buses operate daily except on Mondays when the museum is closed. A single fare costs around £2.50 GBP.
Taxi

A taxi ride from Hereford railway station to the Black and White House Museum takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares typically range from £7 to £12 GBP. Taxis are readily available outside the station.
Walking

From Hereford city centre, walking to the museum takes around 20 minutes along mostly flat, paved streets. The route is accessible for most visitors, including those with limited mobility.

Black and White House Museum location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Black and White House Museum

A Living Testament to Jacobean Hereford

The Black and White House Museum, also known as The Old House, stands as a remarkable survivor from 1621 in the heart of Hereford’s High Town. This timber-framed building originally functioned as a butcher’s home and shop, later serving various commercial purposes including a Lloyds Bank branch in the 1920s. Its survival through centuries of urban change, including street fighting during the English Civil War and the demolition of neighboring buildings, makes it a unique architectural and historical gem.

Authentic Jacobean Interiors and Collections

Inside, the museum is furnished in authentic period style, showcasing an internationally important collection of English oak furniture. Visitors can admire rare wall paintings, a four-poster bed, and baby walkers, all original or faithfully recreated to reflect 17th-century domestic life. Each room reveals details about how people lived, worked, and relaxed over 400 years ago, offering an immersive experience into Jacobean daily life.

Engaging and Inclusive Visitor Experience

The museum caters to visitors of all ages and abilities. Children can enjoy hands-on activities such as trying on replica clothing and solving puzzles. For those unable to climb the stairs, a virtual tour of the upper floors is available on the fully accessible ground floor. Braille labels and tactile images support visitors who are blind or visually impaired. Assistance dogs are welcome, and a hearing loop is available at reception to enhance accessibility.

Historical Significance and Preservation

Designated a listed building in 1952, the Black and White House Museum preserves not only its timber-framed architecture but also the rich social history of Hereford’s Butchers’ Row. Its transformation into a museum in 1929 was made possible by a generous donation to the city, followed by careful restoration to maintain its historical integrity. The museum stands as a vivid reminder of Hereford’s past, from Jacobean times through Victorian market days to the present.

Visitor Amenities and Surroundings

Located centrally in Hereford, the museum is surrounded by amenities including public toilets and council car parks within walking distance. A charming museum shop offers souvenirs and locally crafted gifts. The museum’s opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sundays from 11am to 4pm, with Mondays closed. Entry fees are modest, with free admission for under 16s and students.

Seasonal Events and Educational Programs

The Black and White House Museum hosts a regular program of activities and rotating displays that enrich the visitor experience throughout the year. Educational resources, including downloadable guides and visual stories, support neurodiverse visitors and enhance understanding of the site’s cultural heritage.

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Unmissable attractions to see

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Hereford Cathedral

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Explore Hereford Cathedral’s 1,300-year legacy, medieval masterpieces, and serene gardens in the heart of historic Hereford.

Hereford Museum and Art Gallery

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Old Market Hereford

0.3 km

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King Street Kitchen

0.3 km

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The Black Lion

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Step into Hereford’s oldest pub, The Black Lion, where Tudor history, hearty British fare, and ghostly legends blend in a warm, timeless atmosphere.

Castle Green

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The Hereford Labyrinth

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Brook Retail Park

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Black and White House Museum, Hereford

A brief summary to Black and White House Museum

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Bus

Taxi

Walking

Black and White House Museum location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Black and White House Museum

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Black and White House Museum

A Living Testament to Jacobean Hereford

Authentic Jacobean Interiors and Collections

Engaging and Inclusive Visitor Experience

Historical Significance and Preservation

Visitor Amenities and Surroundings

Seasonal Events and Educational Programs

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Monkey Puzzle Trees

The Bee Shelter, Hartpury

Raglan Castle

Castell Rhaglan / Raglan Castle

Great Days Out UK

National Trust - The Firs: Elgar's Birthplace

Abergavenny Museum

National Trust - Ashleworth Tithe Barn

Dinas Castle

Harold's Stones

Whinyard Rocks

Witley Court & Gardens

Talgarth Mill

Bronllys Castle

Crickhowell Castle

Unmissable attractions to see

Dylan's Den Crystal Shop

Hereford Cathedral

Hereford Museum and Art Gallery

Old Market Hereford

King Street Kitchen

The Black Lion

Castle Green

The Hereford Labyrinth

Brook Retail Park

Apple Store Gallery

Museum of Cider

Herefordshire Light Infantry Museum

Waterworks Museum - Hereford

Rotherwas Chapel

Mordiford Dragon Trail

Essential places to dine

La Madeleine

The Rocket Cafe

Sensory & Rye

Bill's Kitchen Hereford

Cotto

La'De Kitchen Hereford

The Beefy Boys

The Bookshop

Simply Thai Kitchen

AMAZING ASIA BUFFET

Miller & Carter Hereford

Ponte Vecchio

The Bay Horse Inn

Bunch of Carrots

Carriages Restaurant

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Works

Cherry Savidge

Flannels

Lunaria Lifestyle

View

Philip Morris & Son

Maylord Orchards

Cardzone

The Magpie

Menkind

Flying Tiger Copenhagen