We decided to head to Preston Park Museum & Grounds as, shockingly, it has been years since we last visited. Craig has fond memories growing up visiting here and I used to visit often with my Auntie.
Not much has changed in those years but we still love visiting.
The museum is made up of 5 main galleries
* The Hall and it's people
* Collecting and Collectors
* The River Tees
* Clocking Off
* Exhibition
Plus the Garden, Victorian Street and Shop
We arrived a little bit early for our booking slot, so the boys spent some time in the large play area. This is sectioned so there is a play area for the younger children and one for the older children. Also a skate park and toilets close by and a little cafe that serves Ice Cream.
Once the boys were finished in the playpark, we headed into the museum for 10am, there is a one way system in place, face mask at all times when you are indoors and there are also foot operated hand sanitising stations dotted around the site.
The boys like to learn about the people that once live in the places we visit and we found the Ropners to be very interesting people, who cared about the community and gave back to help those who needed it.
To be honest the place was really quiet, I think we only ever passed 2 other people the whole time we were there. The boys took their time looking at all the displays and reading about the families that lived at Preston Park. They also thought the computer from 1981 was hilarious (Craig was born in 1981). Strangely the three of them took an interest in the old washing machines and ice box, so they did a little research once they got home. Some of the displays were closed today but we are hoping to go back soon and see the rest. Elliot loved looking at the old toys on display too. I would have loved to have bought a guide book for our collection, but didn't see one anywhere.
You can also take a step back in time with the Victorian Street, you can go into some of the buildings to have a look such as the Police station, haberdashers and the blacksmiths. You can also purchase some fruit and veg, such as potatoes, apples and tomatoes which all come from the walled garden. (Pay as you feel)
There is a lovely tea room which serves light bites such as scones and toast, coffee, tea and cakes. Today we had a cold drink and tried the Hummingbird cake (Pineapple, Banana, Coconut) , flapjack, caramel shortbread and the rocky road. All delicious.
After cake we took a stroll through the garden and wow! So many apples ready to be picked. Unfortunately the walled garden was closed but the boys had fun looking in the bug houses. We headed back through the Victorian street, to the shop and we got some goodies to take home with us.
Staff were all polite and interacted with the boys which we always love, especially when it involves learning.
We then headed out into the grounds and took a walk by the river and watched the ducks for a while. It is a shame the aviary is unused as this could be a great addition again to the park and museum. The car park was pretty full by the time we were finished our morning so it is best to get here early.
You can potentially make a full day of it here if you combine the museum, grounds, Butterfly world and the playpark. Once they reopen you can also enjoy the River shack and the Teesside small gauge railway
Need To Know Info
*Booking online is essential
*Toilets in the museum also toilets in the park (park ones were not very clean though)
*Tea room is open for indoor and outdoor seating
*Pay as you feel fruit and veg available
*Face mask is essential
*Hand sanitising stations on site
*Car park main car park fills quickly but there is another round the back.
*Play area for young and older kids
*Butterfly world on site (separate building and separate entry costs)
*Ducks that would love to see you (with seed)
*Extra cleaning throughout the museum and the place was spotless.
*Lift available
Ticket Info
Adult £5
Children £3
Family 1(A) 3(C) £10
Family 2(A) 3(C) £15
Tickets are valid for a year.
Book your visit Here
Opening Times
Museum
Monday - Closed
Tues-Sunday 10am-4pm
Preston park car park
6am - 9pm
Sat Nav
TS18 3RH
Dogs are welcome in the park but not in the museum/play areas/skate park
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