The Newarke Houses Museum and Gardens, Leicester
Explore Leicester’s Tudor heritage, immersive WWI trench, and vibrant Victorian shops amid tranquil historic gardens.
The Newarke Houses Museum in Leicester offers a captivating journey through local history housed within two Tudor-era houses. Visitors explore immersive exhibits including a recreated First World War trench, Victorian-era shops, and regimental collections, all surrounded by tranquil gardens marked by English Civil War walls. Open seasonally with free admission, it blends social history with military heritage in an intimate setting near De Montfort University.
A brief summary to The Newarke Houses Museum
- The Newarke, Leicester, Leicester, LE2 7BY, GB
- +441162254980
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- 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 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during May to August on Saturdays or Wednesdays during school holidays for full access to exhibits.
- Allow 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum’s immersive WWI trench and recreated period shops.
- Take time to relax in the peaceful gardens, framed by historic Civil War walls.
- The museum is free to enter, but check for special event days that may affect opening hours.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take local bus routes 44 or 44A from Leicester city center to the Newarke area; journey time is approximately 15-20 minutes. Buses run frequently during the museum’s open season. Tickets cost around £2-£3 one way.
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Train and Walk
From Leicester Railway Station, it is a 20-minute walk to The Newarke Houses Museum through mostly flat urban terrain. The route is accessible and well signposted.
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Taxi
A taxi from Leicester city center or railway station to the museum takes about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. Typical fare ranges from £5 to £10.
The Newarke Houses Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Newarke Houses Museum
Historic Foundations of The Newarke Houses
The Newarke Houses Museum is set within two remarkable Tudor buildings, Wygston's Chantry House and Skeffington House, both dating back to around 1511. These houses, originally owned by prominent local figures William Wygston and Thomas Skeffington, stand in the heart of Leicester’s historic Newarke area, now part of the De Montfort University campus. The museum preserves the essence of Leicester’s past through these authentic architectural gems, offering visitors a tangible connection to early 16th-century life.Immersive Social and Military History Exhibits
Inside, the museum presents an engaging blend of social history and military heritage. A highlight is the recreated First World War trench, complete with sound and lighting effects, providing a powerful sensory experience of wartime conditions. Alongside this, visitors can wander through meticulously recreated Victorian shops inspired by Leicester’s Wharf Street, including a grocer, pawnbroker, and the Jolly Angler pub, enriched with period sounds and conversations. The museum also houses an extensive collection related to the Leicestershire Regiment, showcasing uniforms, medals, and memorabilia that narrate the regiment’s local and national significance.A Walk Through Everyday Life and Community Stories
The Newarke Houses Museum excels in portraying the everyday lives of Leicester’s residents across centuries. Its collections span from Tudor times to the 1950s, including toys, domestic objects, and street scenes that illustrate changing lifestyles. The recreated 1950s street scene captures post-war community life with shops and a pub, inviting visitors to hear stories from Leicester’s diverse inhabitants. This focus on personal narratives and social fabric makes the museum a rich cultural resource, reflecting the city’s evolving identity.Serene Gardens and Historical Surroundings
Beyond the indoor exhibits, the museum’s gardens offer a peaceful retreat. These well-maintained public gardens are framed by walls dating back to the English Civil War, creating a unique historical atmosphere. The garden serves as an oasis of calm amidst the city’s bustle, perfect for reflection or a quiet break. Adjacent to the museum is the 15th-century Magazine Gateway, part of the Leicester Castle complex, which can be visited through booked tours, further enriching the historical context of the site.Visitor Experience and Accessibility
The Newarke Houses Museum is free to enter, making it an accessible cultural destination. It operates seasonally, open Saturdays from May to August and on Wednesdays during Leicester City Council school holidays within that period, with visiting hours generally from 11am to 4:30pm. The museum is suitable for families and history enthusiasts alike, offering interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. Facilities include restrooms and seating areas, and the historic buildings have been adapted to improve accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.Educational and Community Engagement
The museum actively supports educational visits, providing learning resources that complement its displays. It serves as a venue for special events and community activities, fostering a deeper appreciation for Leicester’s heritage. Through its collections and programs, The Newarke Houses Museum connects past and present, inviting visitors to explore the rich tapestry of local history in an intimate and evocative setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Leicester Roman West Gate site
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Explore Leicester’s monumental Roman baths and the iconic Jewry Wall, a testament to ancient urban life and architecture.
Welford Place
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23 St.Nicholas Pl
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Museum Development East Midlands
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Supporting East Midlands museums with expert guidance, grants, and training from County Hall, Leicester.
King Lear
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Explore Leicester’s legendary ties to King Lear, where Roman ruins and medieval myths converge in a captivating historical landmark.
Earl Shilton Castle
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Discover the Norman motte and bailey earthworks of Earl Shilton Castle, a historic hunting lodge and fortress near Leicester.
Memorial Clock Tower
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A towering Gothic-revival memorial in Coalville honoring 354 fallen WWI soldiers with a commanding clock and rich community history.
Westmorland Drive
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Experience seamless travel in Nuneaton at the Westmorland Drive bus stop, your gateway to local attractions and vibrant community life.
Bedworth Water Tower
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A towering Romanesque water tower blending industrial heritage, architectural charm, and urban wildlife in the heart of Bedworth.
Rushton Triangular Lodge
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Explore the architectural wonder of Rushton Triangular Lodge, a unique heritage building steeped in history and stunning design.
Old Trent Bridge
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A historic river crossing in Nottingham blending medieval origins with Victorian engineering and enduring local heritage.
Wollaton Park Lake
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Discover the tranquility of Wollaton Park Lake in Nottingham, an ideal retreat for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Sir Frank Whittle
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Coventry's tribute to the jet engine pioneer who revolutionized aviation and transformed modern flight.
St Mary's Guildhall
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Explore St Mary's Guildhall in Coventry - a stunning historical landmark blending rich heritage with modern amenities, perfect for history lovers and café enthusiasts.
Council House
35.2 km
A majestic Edwardian Tudor Revival building at Coventry’s heart, blending civic function with rich historical symbolism and artistic heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Leicester Castle
0.2 km
Explore Leicester Castle’s medieval heritage and royal connections in the heart of the city, where history and architecture intertwine.
King Richard III Visitor Centre
0.4 km
Discover the incredible story of King Richard III’s life, death, and rediscovery at the site where history was unearthed beneath a Leicester car park.
The Guildhall Museum
0.4 km
Explore 600 years of Leicester’s history in a beautifully preserved medieval timber-framed Guildhall, from Shakespearean theatre to Victorian police cells.
Leicester Cathedral
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Discover the historic Leicester Cathedral, home to King Richard III’s tomb and centuries of Gothic splendor in the heart of Leicester.
Jewry Wall & Roman Baths
0.4 km
Explore one of Britain’s largest Roman masonry structures and immerse yourself in Leicester’s ancient Roman baths and heritage museum.
Veeno
0.4 km
Experience authentic Sicilian wines and Italian small plates in Leicester’s vibrant St Martins Square at Veeno.
Highcross
0.5 km
Leicester’s vibrant shopping and entertainment destination with over 120 stores, diverse dining, and a luxury cinema experience.
Town Hall Square Fountain
0.5 km
Historic Victorian fountain in Leicester’s Town Hall Square, a symbol of civic pride and architectural elegance.
Leicester Market
0.5 km
Europe’s largest outdoor covered market, blending 700 years of history with vibrant multicultural produce and lively community spirit.
The Clock Tower
0.7 km
Discover the historic Clock Tower in Leicester, a stunning landmark that encapsulates the city's rich heritage and vibrant local culture.
Leicester Museum and Art Gallery
0.8 km
Discover Leicester’s rich heritage through captivating art, natural history, and interactive family galleries on historic New Walk.
Abbey Park
1.6 km
Discover Abbey Park, Leicester’s historic riverside haven blending tranquil gardens, medieval ruins, and family-friendly fun just north of the city centre.
The Blackbird
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A welcoming Leicester grill pub serving hearty sizzling dishes and classic pub fare in a lively community atmosphere.
Leicester Abbey
1.9 km
Explore the evocative 12th-century Leicester Abbey ruins amid tranquil riverside gardens and family-friendly attractions in historic Abbey Park.
National Space Centre
2.5 km
Explore the UK’s largest planetarium and iconic rocket tower at Leicester’s National Space Centre, a hub of space discovery and interactive science fun.
Essential places to dine
Wygston's House Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
Historic 15th-century timber-framed house in Leicester’s Old Town serving classic English pub fare and real ales in a vibrant, heritage-rich setting.
Bistrot Pierre - Leicester
0.4 km
Experience authentic French bistro dining in Leicester’s city centre with classic dishes, seasonal specials, and a warm Parisian atmosphere.
Sapphire Seafood Kitchen - Leicester Restaurant
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Savor fresh seafood and American-inspired dishes in a lively, casual setting at Leicester’s vibrant Sapphire Seafood Kitchen.
Merchant of Venice
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and Renaissance-inspired charm in Leicester’s Merchant of Venice, a unique dining destination blending culture and cuisine.
The Frame
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A vibrant Mediterranean restaurant and bar in Leicester’s St Martins Square, blending refined flavours with stylish, inviting surroundings.
Varanasi Boutique Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience exquisite Indian fine dining in Leicester’s majestic Varanasi Boutique, where culinary artistry meets opulent ambiance.
Cosy Club
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Stylish British dining and vibrant bar in Leicester’s heart, blending timeless glamour with all-day menus and festive event spaces.
The White Peacock
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Elegant modern European dining with innovative tasting menus and warm service in Leicester’s vibrant city centre.
Restaurant263
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Experience innovative modern British fine dining with personal chef touches and vibrant vegan options in Leicester’s stylish city centre venue.
Casa Romana Restaurant
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Experience authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm at Casa Romana, Leicester’s cherished seafood and pasta haven.
Restaurant Romanesc Leicester (Romanian Restaurant) Grande Gusto
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Authentic Romanian flavors and generous portions await you at Grande Gusto, Leicester’s cozy hub for traditional Eastern European cuisine.
OGGI Italian Restaurant
1.4 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine with fresh ingredients and warm hospitality at OGGI Italian Restaurant in Leicester’s vibrant London Road.
Black Iron
2.7 km
Modern British steakhouse in a historic Georgian mansion, offering charcoal-roasted meats and a refined dining experience in leafy Leicester parkland.
Sapori Restaurant & Bar
5.7 km
Family-run Italian dining in a stylish Victorian setting, blending Neapolitan tradition with modern elegance and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Dom restaurant and bar
9.6 km
A celebrated small plates restaurant in Thurlaston offering refined flavors and a warm, intimate dining experience in a charming village setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Nim's Boutique ltd
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Discover timeless Indian and Asian women's fashion with inclusive sizing and exquisite bridal wear at Nim's Boutique Ltd in Leicester.
Niche Store
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Discover unique gifts and thoughtful treasures in Leicester’s charming Niche Store, where quality meets personal service.
Arciide
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Leicester's premier vintage and Y2K streetwear destination for curated pre-loved fashion and authentic brand collections.
Very Bazaar Leicester
0.5 km
Discover Leicester’s vibrant Very Bazaar, a colourful haven of crystals, unique gifts, and mystical charm in the city centre.
Just Fair Trade
0.5 km
Discover Leicester’s ethical gem offering fair trade gifts and sustainable clothing with a heart for global artisans.
The Wardrobe
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Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion at Leicester’s longest-running vintage clothing shop in the historic Royal Arcade.
Set
0.5 km
Award-winning gifts, jewellery, and cards in a historic High Street gem with royal connections.
Menkind
0.6 km
Discover unique gadgets, quirky gifts, and exclusive toys at Menkind Leicester in the vibrant Highcross shopping district.
Urban Outfitters
0.6 km
Discover Urban Outfitters Leicester: a stylish blend of fashion, accessories, and homewares in the vibrant heart of the city.
The Pot Pourri Shop Leicester
0.7 km
Discover Leicester’s hidden gem for natural aromatherapy and handcrafted gifts on Free Lane, blending quality, charm, and personalized service.
Haymarket Shopping Centre
0.8 km
Leicester's pioneering indoor shopping centre with 60+ stores, dining, and award-winning facilities.
The Source
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Discover unique, high-quality gifts with expert service at The Source, Leicester’s cherished family-owned gift shop on Church Gate.
St George's Shopping Park
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A vibrant open-air retail park in Leicester offering diverse shops, extended hours, and convenient amenities for a comprehensive shopping experience.
The Range, Leicester
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Inspiring homes and creative lives—where furniture, décor, and imagination meet under one expansive roof.
Prettiez
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Discover unique gifts and boutique treasures in the heart of Leicester’s vibrant Clarendon Park at Prettiez.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Rutland & Derby Arms
0.3 km
A lively Leicester pub with top-notch wings, a stunning beer garden, and friendly service in the heart of the city.
The Blue Boar
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Firebug
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Duffy's Bar
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A vibrant, affordable city-centre pub in Leicester known for its welcoming atmosphere and lively social scene.
The Distillery
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Lively city-centre pub offering craft beers, stone-baked pizzas, stacked burgers, and a vibrant atmosphere for dining and socializing in Leicester.
The Gadabout
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A stylish, quirky cocktail bar in Leicester offering a vast selection of drinks in an intimate, character-filled setting.
Knight & Garter
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Tree, Leicester
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Queen of Bradgate
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Inside No 9
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The Globe - Pub & Kitchen
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The Bottle Garden Leicester
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An urban garden oasis in Leicester serving creative cocktails and live jazz in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Tønne Bar
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A stylish craft beer and cocktail bar in Leicester’s heart, perfect for late nights and diverse drink lovers.
The Metal Monocle
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A vibrant steampunk haven in Leicester where rock and metal music meet inventive drinks and immersive atmosphere.
The King's Head
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
The 2Funky Lounge
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Leicester’s energetic two-floor nightclub with live music, private parties, and a rooftop terrace for unforgettable nights out.
Mosh
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Leicester’s vibrant three-floor alternative nightclub, buzzing with indie, emo, and metal beats and budget-friendly drinks.
The Basement
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Leicester’s underground hotspot for late-night dancing, eclectic music, and unforgettable private events in a vintage-inspired setting.
TRUTH Leicester
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Experience Leicester’s vibrant nightlife at TRUTH, a dynamic nightclub pulsing with music and energy in the city centre’s entertainment heart.
Waikiki Nightclub
0.6 km
Experience Leicester’s electric nightlife with futuristic vibes, trendy cocktails, and top RnB beats at Waikiki Nightclub every weekend.
Club Republic
0.9 km
Experience Leicester’s ultimate clubbing hotspot with immersive audiovisuals, live gigs, and a vibrant student-friendly atmosphere.
Helsinki
1.0 km
Leicester’s vibrant LGBTQ+ nightclub with electrifying drag shows, diverse music, and late-night celebrations in the heart of the city.
The Fan Club
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Leicester’s vibrant weekend nightclub with four rooms, diverse music, and a welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Motto Nightclub
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Experience Leicester’s vibrant nightlife at Motto Nightclub, a dynamic venue where music, dancing, and late-night energy come alive.
Corah Works
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Experience Leicester’s rich textile heritage transformed into a vibrant nightlife hotspot at Corah Works on St John Street.
Echo's Night Club
16.3 km
Loughborough’s energetic nightclub with dual rooms, affordable drinks, and a lively student-friendly atmosphere on Biggin Street.
The Emporium
18.8 km
Experience Coalville’s vibrant nightlife at The Emporium, where legendary DJs and electric atmospheres create unforgettable weekends.
Tubes
22.7 km
Energetic nightlife and affordable drinks come alive at Tubes, Melton Mowbray’s go-to nightclub and bar for fun and dancing.
Ciros Nightclub
25.7 km
Energetic nightlife hotspot in Ashby-de-la-Zouch offering music, dancing, and a vibrant social scene in a central market town setting.
Ocean Nightclub
35.3 km
Unpretentious beats and dazzling lights fuel all-night dances at Nottingham's go-to multi-room nightclub on Greyfriar Gate.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
