Willis Museum


Click Photo for Gallery

Market Place
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG21 7QD

Tel: 0845 603 5635
Fax: 01256 332392
Email: rhmainfo@hants.gov.uk
Web: Attraction's Own Web Site

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George Willis a local clockmaker and former Mayor of Basingstoke who saved so much of the town's history from destruction established the Museum in 1931.

Travel back in time, and experience some of the major changes that have created the Basingstoke that we know today. Contrast the present with the past and the rich with the poor.

Meet Pickaxe, a 19th century farm worker forced to scrape a living from the streets of Basingstoke as a scavenger. Walk into a 1960s sitting room and kitchen and transport yourself back to the days of teddy boys and twin tubs.

Take time to explore our fascinating collection that includes locally made grandfather clocks and enjoy our changing exhibition of Hampshire's special interest collections, including displays of maps and embroideries.

Discover Basingstoke and Deane's rich archaeological heritage including the unusual Iron Age burial found at Viables, Fred the Roman skeleton and reconstructions of nationally important Saxon buildings excavated at Cowderys Down.

Addition Information:

  • Education Service - please telephone
  • Local History - old photographs, maps etc.
  • Drop into the stunning new Café Willis
    Complete with marble fireplace, crystal chandelier and hand printed wallpaper, the café serves a range of coffees, speciality teas, locally made cakes and pastries.
  • New exhibitions every month

  • Friends of the Willis Museum - join our active group of supporters

  • Disabled access - ramp to main entrance and ground floor. Stairlift and stairs to first floor

  • Public car parks within five minutes walk
  • Sainsbury Gallery - hosts exhibitions from the most important galleries and museums in the country as well as some of the finest artists in the region.
    •
    Opening Times
    (2011 times)
    Until 30th June 2011:

    Monday to Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm.
    Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm.
    Sunday Closed.

    From 1st July 2011:

    Tuesday to Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm.
    Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm.
    Sunday, Monday and Bank Holidays Closed

    Admission Charges
    (2011 prices)
    Free. Groups welcome by appointment.

    Directions
    Show map of Willis Museum...

    Willis Museum Postcode for SatNav: RG21 7QD

    Nearby Attractions
    The Vyne (3 Miles)*
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    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Hotels
    Red Lion Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
    The Red Lion Hotel is superbly located right in the centre of Basingstoke with good parking. Just a short walk from the stunning Festival Place shopping and entertainment centre with cinema, restaurants, bars and theatre.
    Audleys Wood - A Hand Picked Hotel (1 Mile)*
    Audleys Wood - A Hand Picked Hotel is a traditional country house, set within 7 acres of mature woodland in the heart of the Hampshire countryside.
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    Nearby Self Catering
    The Barn (9 Miles)*
    The Barn at Barford Farm House is located in the village of Medstead on the north west boundary of the South Downs.
    The Lodge, Standford Grange (15 Miles)*
    A beautifully appointed very large luxury stone lodge privately set in park-like grounds of a period Manor house, with country views, newly built but to a classical design with a very high quality specification interior.
    Collage Down Farm Cottages (17 Miles)*
    Kilmeston is set in the rolling hills of the South Downs, known as an area of outstanding natural beauty. We have converted a large old farm building into two, comfortable three bedroom bungalows which are fully equipped.
    Your property could be here
    Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
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