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The Workhouse and Infirmary

Upton Road, Southwell, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0PT

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The Workhouse and Infirmary

About

The Workhouse and Infirmary

This austere building, the most complete workhouse in existence, was pivotal in the development of our national health and welfare system. For decades it was where the poorest in society had to work and where they received food, shelter and medical care.

Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist painted a bleak picture of life in the workhouse, but in this rural workhouse in Southwell it is shown that, although harsh and monotonous, aspects such as education, medical care and diet may have been better inside The Workhouse than for the poor in their own homes.

This unique venue focuses on the individuals and families who lived here, a refreshing take, as history often overlooks stories from ordinary, everyday people and their day-to-day struggles. It is estimated that 1 in 6 people have relatives linked to Workhouses, so you do get the feeling that it is your history too. It is impossible to resist putting yourself in the shoes of those who lived and worked there, and your mind will wander to the pros and cons of such a living arrangement.

The garden at The Workhouse was both a place of labour and a source of food. Visit the garden today and discover the wide variety of heritage and seasonal fruits and vegetables that are grown, recreating days of old.

Located on the ground floor of Firbeck Infirmary, the café serves a range of hot and cold drinks, seasonal meals, and sweet treats.

Bring the family and experience a full programme of living history events, seasonal events, tours, and exhibitions. Younger visitors can enjoy children’s trails, games and dressing up with activities and crafts during the school holidays.

The History

The Workhouse was built in 1824 as a place of last resort for the poorest who couldn’t work and for those people suffering from unemployment. Firbeck infirmary, built nearly 50 years later in 1871, provided medical care for The Workhouse. Later it became a care ward in the 1970s but had been untouched for decades after closing its doors in the 1980s.

Visitors can now see inside the Firbeck infirmary after an extensive project to restore the derelict building and unlock some of its secrets. The reimagined building depicts how the infirmary cared for people when it first opened in the 1870s, through to its final residential use. Visitors can access several spaces, including the room of the last resident, which encourages reflection on how we care for vulnerable people today.

 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£15.00
Child£7.50
Family£37.50 per ticket
Group Adult£14.25 per ticket
Group Child£7.13 per ticket
One Adult and up to three children£22.50 per ticket

*Standard admission prices. Visitors can choose to pay a voluntary 10% Gift Aid donation which are displayed at the property.

Map & Directions

Facilities

Other

  • Educational Visits Accepted - School visits available – please contact the property
  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Subtitles on introductory video Hearing loop available
  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors - Virtual tour available for cellars and upper floors Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups - Pre-booked groups welcome - Maximum group size 50, Minimum group size 15 (Please contact the property)
  • Indoor Attraction
  • Marketed Towards Children
  • Marketed Towards Families
  • Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
  • Marketed Towards Students / Youth
  • On-Site café/restaurant
  • Outdoor Attraction
  • Picnic Site
  • Printed Material in Foreign Languages - French, German, Italian & Spanish
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors - Adapted toilet in car park facilities building and at The Workhouse

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking - Onsite visitor parking - Free parking 200yds from building Seperate mobility parking spaces - please follow signs for 'Staff Car Park' located at the back of the building Drop off point at rear of the building

Payment Methods

  • All major credit/debit cards accepted

Provider Preferences

  • In countryside - Just outside of market town of Southwell, Nottinghamshire
  • In Market Town

Venue Facilities

  • Shop

Opening Times

House and Garden (19 Feb 2025 - 6 Apr 2025)
DayTimes
Wednesday - Sunday10:30 - 16:00
Season (7 Apr 2025 - 27 Apr 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:30 - 16:00
Season (28 Apr 2025 - 25 May 2025)
DayTimes
Wednesday - Sunday10:30 - 16:00
Season (26 May 2025 - 1 June 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:30 - 16:00
Season (2 June 2025 - 3 Aug 2025)
DayTimes
Wednesday - Sunday10:30 - 16:00
Season (4 Aug 2025 - 31 Aug 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:30 - 16:00
Season (1 Sep 2025 - 26 Oct 2025)
DayTimes
Wednesday - Sunday10:30 - 16:00
Season (27 Oct 2025 - 2 Nov 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:30 - 16:00

* The Workhouse will be closed for its annual conservation clean from 4 November 2024 – 18 February 2025.

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