FAQs.

Your Visit

  • The Heritage Centre is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 am-1 pm. Please keep an eye on social media and/or the Visit page for changes.

  • For visits during the regular opening times, booking is not required.

  • Yes, the Centre is suitable for wheelchair and pushchair users. However, it’s not possible to use mobility scooters inside the building.

  • Yes, there are toilets, including an accessible unit and a baby changing area adjacent to the main hall.

  • Yes, free parking is available.

Venue Hire

  • The Main Hall is the largest room in the centre, accommodating 60 seated or 100 standing. It can be divided into two smaller rooms if required. 

    The Streather room is a smaller meeting room that comfortably accommodates 10-12 people.

  • Meeting rooms are equipped with tables and chairs and can be set out to suit individual groups’ needs. Audiovisual equipment is available in the main hall.

  • Yes, open flames (candles), glitter, and confetti are often prohibited to protect historic fabric and reduce cleanup risks.

  • Yes, private caterers can be hired; contact details of the caterers to be provided to the centre so that we can advise on facilities.

  • The venue is not licensed, therefore you need to have secured a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for this occasion if you plan to sell alcohol. Alcohol can be served free of charge, but you cannot sell alcohol without a licence. If alcohol is included in the ticket price, it is considered a sale, and a TEN is required.

  • Our hire rates are flexible and depend on the date, duration of your booking and additional services required. We offer competitive rates based on your booking request. More info here.

  • Bookings can be made by using the booking form (here) or by calling the Heritage Centre during opening hours.

  • Cancellations need to be made at least 48 hours in advance to avoid charges.

Venue Hire - Afternoon Teas

  • The Heritage Centre uses the main hall for afternoon teas and can cater for up to 40 people.

  • Bookings typically require 72 hours' notice for catering purposes.

  • Yes, but notice is required often at least 72 hours to accommodate gluten-free, vegan, or allergy requirements.

  • Typically includes a selection of sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, cakes and a pot of tea.

  • The room hire and catering options start from £15 per head based on dietary requirements.

  • Bookings can be made by using the booking form (here) or by calling the Heritage Centre during opening hours.

  • Cancellations need to be made at least 48 hours in advance to avoid charges.

Family Research

  • The more details, the better (names, dates, locations of births/marriages/deaths).

  • While many families in the UK can be traced to the early 1800s, it depends on record survival.

  • We use ancestry.com and findmypast.com for general searches. The Heritage Centre also has access to a collection of local documents.

  • Tuesday mornings are our main session for family history so it is advisable, particularly if you need one-on-one assistance from one of our research staff.

  • Bring any existing notes, family stories, or photos. You can also bring your laptop, which can make searching easier.

School Visits

  • The Victorian school room can accommodate a maximum of 35 students for each session.

  • We conduct sessions either in the morning or afternoon, each session takes around 2 hours.

  • The school room uses original slates, dip ink pens and students can dress up in traditional clothing of the period. There is role-play with a Victorian schoolmaster/mistress.

  • Not at all, many schools come in their school uniform, it is your choice but it can help the children get into character for the day.

  • Yes this can be arranged, call the Heritage Centre for further details.

  • We currently charge from £35 per class.