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Opening Times

  Good Fri - Jun Jul - Sep  October 
Mon 1 - 4pm 10 - 4pm 1 - 4pm
Tue 1 - 4pm 10 - 4pm 1 - 4pm
Wed 1 - 4pm 10 - 4pm 1 - 4pm
Thur 1 - 4pm 10 - 4pm 1 - 4pm
Fri 1 - 4pm 10 - 4pm 1 - 4pm
Sat 12 - 4pm 12 - 4pm 12 - 4pm
Sun 12 - 4pm 12 - 4pm 12 - 4pm

We suggest you allow at least 1.5 hours for your visit.

Admission Charges

Save money with our Xplorer multi-pass tickets

Adults£ 3.00
Concessions £ 2.00
Accompanied Children FREE

Facilities

  • Gift shop
  • Coffee shop serving light refreshments
  • Limited access for disabled users
  • Visitors with guide dogs welcome
  • Family events and activities

Contact the museum

Judges’ Lodgings
Church Street, Lancaster, LA1 1YS.
Tel: (+44) 01524 32808

Our venues

Judges Lodgings

Discover the treasures of Lancaster's oldest town house

Built in the centre of Lancaster against the backdrop of Lancaster Castle and Lancaster Priory this elegant, Grade I listed building is Lancaster's oldest town house. The house was originally home to Thomas Covell, Keeper of Lancaster Castle and notorious witch hunter. Between 1776 and 1975 the house became an impressive residence for judges visiting the Assize Court at nearby Lancaster Castle.

The museum is now home to a renowned collection of Gillow furniture which is displayed in fabulous Regency period room settings, fine art and also the enchanting Museum of Childhood which explores toys and games from the 18th century to the present.

Explore the museum:

Judges Lodgings museum Lancaster architecture

Architecture

When the Romans settled in Lancaster they built the Wery wall to protect the fort that stood on the site of Lancaster Castle. This wall ran across the area now occupied by the Judges' Lodgings.

Judges Lodgings museum Lancaster dolls collection

Collections

There are 2 main collections on display at the Judges' Lodgings. The first is a fine collection of Gillow furniture. The second collection can be seen in the Museum of Childhood, which displays an enchanting array of toys and games from the 1700s to the present day.

Judges Lodgings museum Lancaster grounds

Grounds

Behind the house is a walled garden with period rose bushes and walkway with stairs leading down into a paved courtyard below.

Judges Lodgings museum Lancaster interior

Interior

The interior of the Judges' Lodgings is even more compelling than the outside. Around every corner is a new discovery about the development of the building.

Judges Lodgings museum Lancaster man

People

The Judges' Lodgings has been residence to many significant men over its history, however its most famous occupant is Thomas Covell who lived there from 1590 - 1638.

Schools

Judges Lodgings Museum Lancaster - School teacher and pupil

Activities for Schools

Information for teachers. Discover the wealth of educational activities available at Judges Lodgings Museum, Lancaster.


Judges Lodgings gallery