Newarke Houses

Two of Leicester’s most interesting historic houses, now form the Newarke Houses social history and regimental museum 

Composed of two historic houses, Wygston's Chantry House and Skeffington House, Newarke Houses Museum tells the story of contemporary Leicester and the history of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment.

The museum displays include a cinema experience, a collection of toys from Tudor times to present day and a play area for children to try various games.

You can find out more about Leicester’s famous son Daniel Lambert at the museum where several of his possessions are on display at the museum. Daniel Lambert became one of Leicester’s famous icons as Britain’s largest man. Visit a 1950s street scene – inspired by Wharf Street – which includes the Jolly Angler public house, a grocer and a pawnbroker, with sounds and conversations from the time.

Discover more about the story of Leicester at war. Through personal stories learn about the home front and the history of the regiment, including a recreation of a First World War trench with sound and lighting.

Over the centuries, Newarke Houses has had many lives, having been used as houses for notable Leicester gentry and merchants such as William Wyggeston. In 1645 it was involved in the Siege of Leicester and has also been used as a school for boys. It was opened to the public in 1953 as a museum.

Through oral histories, archive film, interactives exhibits and collections, discover the histories of Newarke Houses, the surrounding historic area and contemporary Leicester.

Entry is FREE, except on event days. 

Newarke Houses is COVID Secure and is following current government guidance with procedures in place to protect your safety. We strongly encourage visitors to wear face coverings in our buildings. Please visit the COVID FAQ page before your visit so you are prepared and can enjoy your visit to our museums and galleries.