Red House Museum

A charming Georgian building, built as a workhouse in 1764, now filled with a rich variety of displays and a regular and varied exhibitions programme. The secluded herb garden is a hidden gem.

The original workhouse dates from 1745 which was a thatched barn standing on the site of our art gallery. The current museum was first built as a workhouse in 1764.

The workhouse would have housed the poor, although everyone who was able had to work to earn their keep. Up to 200 men, woman and children lived in these buildings at one time.

The museum shop is a great place to find unusual presents and cards that you won’t find on the High Street. It stocks a wide range of gifts and souvenirs, specialising in old-fashioned toys, gemstones, books about Christchurch and the surrounding area and good quality craft items, sourced from local makers.

Visitors to the Museum can also enjoy hot and cold drinks and light refreshments in our cosy coffee area or, in good weather, outside in the sunny courtyard and beautiful walled Herb Garden.