Nidderdale Museum

Nidderdale Museum – A Fascinating Journey Into Past Dales Life

Discover one of the Yorkshire Dales’ true hidden gems at Nidderdale Museum, located in the historic Old Workhouse in the heart of Pateley Bridge. This award‑winning museum brings local history to life with more than 30,000 artefacts displayed across 13 immersive themed rooms, each recreating everyday life in Nidderdale over the last 200 years. It’s one of the most atmospheric, authentic, and best-reviewed heritage attractions in North Yorkshire.

Step Inside the Old Victorian Workhouse

Set within the impressive Old Workhouse on King Street, the museum offers an evocative setting that immediately transports visitors into Nidderdale’s past. Its central location opposite St Cuthbert’s Church makes it easy to find and an ideal stop on any visit to Pateley Bridge.

So much to see… and so much more to experience

More than just exhibits, the museum also contains over 10 life-size ‘dioramas’. These immersive spaces allow visitors to step directly into the past and experience how Nidderdale’s communities lived, worked and socialised.:

Pop in to the full sized Cobbler’s Shop

Lean on the counter at the Village Store

Take a seat in the Schoolroom or in the Pub Snug

Peek into the Dairy Room

Stand in the dock in the Courtroom

Walk through a Victorian Parlour…. and a Mine Tunnel!

And many more ...

Go digital; Free audio tour and children’s ‘treasure trail’

Our free digital guide runs off your phone (and we have free Wi-Fi too) and provides a host of further experiences: an audio tour of main exhibits; a children’s trail where they solve simple riddles to find some surprises hidden amongst exhibits, and further in-depth information on selected items. All free.

Over 30,000 Fascinating Artefacts

With thousands of objects collected from across the dale, the museum offers a rich insight into rural life, agriculture, industry, domestic history and local traditions. It’s a treasure trove for families, history enthusiasts and anyone curious about Yorkshire heritage.

Perfect for families too

Whether it’s the life-size dioramas, the slates to write on (with real chalk) in the school room, following the free ‘treasure trail’, or the hundreds of fascinating surprises right up close, there really is no better way to create memories for all!

The ideal antidote to poor weather

If rain threatens, the extensive museum is the largest indoors attraction around. Make the very most of your time whatever the weather.

Run With Passion by Local Volunteers

Nidderdale Museum is entirely volunteer‑run, and their knowledge, warmth and enthusiasm shine through every room. Visitors frequently praise the friendly welcome and the depth of local insight shared by the team.

What Visitors Say

Visitors consistently praise the museum for its atmosphere, detail and friendly volunteers:

“An amazing museum packed with thousands of objects… One of the best museums I’ve been into.” – Vincent

“A wonderful museum and a must‑visit… The volunteer staff are a credit.” – Tom

“We were delighted to discover 13 rooms filled with local artefacts and stories.” – Karen

“Fabulous museum.” – Yvonne

“My three kids had a great experience. The staff were fabulous.” – Mehl

“What an awesome museum.” – Saltmarch Print

“Really feels like you’re travelling back in time.” – Greta

Admission Fees and Opening Hours

Run as a non-profit charity and hosted by enthusiastic and generous volunteers, the museum is able to provide this memorable experience for about the price of a good coffee

Adults (16+): £5
Children (0–15): Free
Accompanying carers: Free

Opening Hours 2026:

Winter hours are 10.30-3.30 on weekends. Summer hours are 1.30-4.30 Tues-Sun. We also open for half terms and bank hols and have extended hours at other times too.

Being dependent on volunteers, changes can happen. Please see website, google maps etc for up-to-the-moment information

Getting There – Transport & Parking

The museum sits at the top of King Street, however you can take the sting out of the hill and pass several of Pateley's historic buildings by walking up the High Street and along Church Street.

Pateley Bridge is easily reached via the B6265 from Harrogate and Skipton with plenty of parking within a short distance.

The 24 bus service runs regularly from Harrogate to Pateley Bridge, stopping at the bottom of the High Street.

A Must‑Visit for Anyone Exploring the Yorkshire Dales

Whether you’re planning a family day out, exploring Pateley Bridge, or looking for an engaging heritage attraction in the Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale Museum offers a warm welcome and a memorable journey through local history.