Family Visits
Families are also welcome in the museum and there are activities for you to enjoy together.
We have a variety of workshops during the school holidays for children and their adult carers.
These may include lace making, fossil hunting, weaving, model building and will be related to Malmesbury’s history.
These sessions will incur a small charge.
Group Visits
In addition to normal museum visits within opening hours, it is always worth asking if special access can be arranged. You would do this by email to info@athelstanmuseum.org.uk.
Some previous examples have been:
- visits to the museum by groups that normally meeting in the evening, such as Brownies
- special interest groups viewing particular elements of the collection not usually on display, such as the Embroiderers’ Guild and costumes
- individuals undertaking research into aspects of Malmesbury historyThese arrangements are dependent on the availability of volunteers to manage them, but are usually possible to arrange at mutual convenience.
Groups who wish to visit the museum are advised to contact us in advance as we are quite a small museum.
Youth groups are able to visit the museum “out of hours” but this must be arranged in advance, volunteers are able to tailor activities to fit the group’s needs and may be able to include a town walk.
Workshops or Study sessions can be arranged for groups of adults who may wish to take a closer look at a particular section of our collection (eg textiles or costume).
Visits to the museum during opening hours are free but there will be a charge for Study Sessions. A donation is usual for out of hours visits.
Outreach
We have several volunteers who are able to offer talks/ presentations on various aspects of Malmesbury history for adult groups. We also work with local groups who meet some of the needs of vulnerable adults.
Outreach for Schools includes both visits and loan boxes. Topics include The Roman Coin Hoard, Saxons and Vikings, WW2.
We hold a bi-annual Childrens’ Art competition in partnership with the local Art Society and make a presentation to local schools who wish to take part.
Schools
We welcome visits to the museum from school groups. 4-6 weeks advanced notice is required from teachers.
We are able to arrange workshops for classes in the Julia and Hans Rausing building. Topics covered include WW2, Saxons and Vikings, Toys through the ages.
Outreach visits to schools and loan boxes are also available.
A small donation per child to defray costs is usual.
Tours & Talks
Malmesbury is a wonderful Saxon town with a lot to offer tourists. There is a vibrant High Street with plenty of cafés, pubs and places to eat; a good day out both for individuals and groups.
If your group would like to hear a talk about Malmesbury or have a guided tour of the museum please contact us.
We can also arrange tours of Malmesbury Abbey through the Friends of Malmesbury Abbey and walks around the town through Malmesbury Civic Trust. We normally ask for a donation for these tours.