Charles Burrell Museum - Thetford

Introduction to Charles Burrell Museum

The Charles Burrell Museum, located at 1st Floor, Charles Burrell Museum, St Nicholas House, 1 Minstergate, Thetford IP24 1BN, United Kingdom, is a fascinating tourist attraction that specializes in showcasing the rich history and engineering prowess of steam engines and related machinery. The museum, which can be contacted via 1842683157 or visited on their website at charlesburrellmuseum.org.uk, is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in industrial history or engineering.

Specialties and Points of Interest

• Museum
• Tourist attraction

Other notable features include:

• Onsite services
• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating
• Restaurant
• Restroom
• Good for kids

Opinions and Reviews

This beloved institution has garnered a remarkable 261 reviews on Google My Business, with an impressive average rating of 4.7/5. Visitors consistently praise the museum's informative exhibits, friendly staff, and its cafe, known as Steamer's Cafe, for its good prices and great service in a relaxed atmosphere.

A visitor noted, "I just loved the smell of the steam engines if you are a fan of the dads army then you must take a look." Another added, "The cafe is upstairs (no lift) just so you know. Toilets down stairs if needed."

Characteristics of the Museum

The Charles Burrell Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of steam engines, particularly those built by Charles Burrell and Sons, a well-known engineering company that operated in Thetford from 1853 to 1931. The museum's extensive collection includes a range of engines, boilers, and related artifacts, offering visitors a fascinating insight into this important chapter of British industrial heritage.

Recommended Information for Visitors

For those planning a visit to the Charles Burrell Museum, it is advisable to check their website for current opening hours and any special events or exhibitions. The museum is wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating. The Steamer's Cafe, located upstairs, provides a welcoming place to relax and enjoy a meal or refreshment after exploring the exhibits.

Overall, the Charles Burrell Museum is an excellent destination for families, students of history, and anyone with an interest in engineering and industrial history. Its combination of informative exhibits, friendly staff, and pleasant cafe make it a truly memorable experience for all who visit.

👍 Reviews of Charles Burrell Museum

Michelle H.

5/5

Was interesting, informative all these years I've lived in Thetford and finally went inside to have a look was nice to see and hear about the history of it. friendly staff very helpful also went in the steamers cafe upstairs good prices great service, relaxed atomospher.
I just loved the smell of the steam engines if you are a fan of the dads army then you must take a look. The cafe is upstairs (no lift) just so you know.
Toilets down stairs if needed

john L.

5/5

Small museum but still very interesting and well worth a visit , free to enter , please give a donation . Dad's army van on display have a look then visit there separate exhibition at the other end of the town .

Paul M.

5/5

Great to have a free exhibition, survive on donations very knowledgeable staff and approachable

ann P.

5/5

Another amazing free museum in beautiful Thetford, the museum, is in the actual old paint shop of Charles Burrells factory an amazing place with beautiful steam traction engines and a long and interesting history plus they have a lovely little cafe as well . The bonus also is that they have the original Corporal Jack Jones the butchers van from dad's army resting in their museum. .I must say it is staffed by volunteers who also keep the old steam engines in wonderful condition .
The staff were hard working but very friendly and very informative about the wonderful museum and its fine collection of engines and artifacts . Again a must visit place if you are in lovely Thetford .

Clare S. G.

5/5

Fabulous, I think it's all volunteer run. Really knowledgeable volunteers and friendly. Main reason for the visit was to see Jones's van from Dad's Army. Recommend visiting here. Free entry, but donations gratefully accepted. Dog friendly.

Rob D.

4/5

Fantastic but small steam museum run entirely by volunteers and (incredibly) free to visit!
The Dad's Army original van from the TV series is also housed here.
Well worth planning a visit.

Timothy B.

5/5

Very interesting exhibits. Nice too see Jack Jones van from Dads Army tv series.

Duncan C.

5/5

Free entry to museum, contains steam traction engines
Also contains butchers van from dads army (j jones)