The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery
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The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery
The Whitaker is a forward-facing museum and art gallery that aims to foster inclusive, vibrant communities that thrive within our natural environment. We have recently undertaken a re-development of interpretation with a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, connecting people, heritage and ideas with the past, the present and the future.

We are working to strengthen people's rights and entitlements in terms of cultural access, education and participation in the life of the community. We are concerned with the sustainability of communities, the environment, local industries and the economy. We draw on history and heritage, to help imagine, design and begin to create the Valley we want for people and nature.
Services
From exceptional Fair Trade teas & locally roasted coffee, wines and craft beers to the best breakfasts, lots of lovely vegan & veggie treats, salads, homemade soups & sarnies to heartier dishes that are sometimes innovative, sometimes traditional, but always full of flavour and incredibly delicious!
Our shop reflects the collection and themes of the museum and the surrounding locality. Enjoy nature-inspired prints and products, items for the garden, and outdoor activities to enjoy in the park. Discover locally-made ceramics, design-led homeware; find the perfect present, and treat yourself to handmade jewellery and accessories.
By staging an event at The Whitaker you have private access to our collections and the expertise behind them. The minimum cancellation charge is 30% of the estimated bill. This will increase to 70% if cancelled within 7 days of the event date and 100% if cancelled within 48 hours of the event date.
Our learning offer is inspired by our diverse spaces, curious collections and creative exhibitions. We promise to hook pupils' curiosity and inspire imaginations whilst building upon their knowledge and understanding of cultural heritage and their place within it. We provide a safe place to make connects with the past and present, enabling our younger audiences to have a confident voice in creating our future.
The Whitaker has a growing friendly team of volunteers who are the heartbeat of all we do. The volunteers share our passion to provide a unique, quirky, space rich in heritage and culture. The contribution and dedication of our volunteers enables us to provide a sustainable museum that is freely available to everyone.
Reviews (10)
Jennifer Bulvans
Jennifer Bulvans
Dec 30, 2021
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A beautiful building, lots to see and information and artefacts from the local area which was interesting. Free to get in which was amazing, you can give a donation instead. A nice gift shop. Helpful staff and a really nice cafe.
Tracey Harris
Tracey Harris
Dec 23, 2021
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The Nutcracker film. Felt safe, and everything was well organised. Great sound and visuals. Mum and I had a really nice afternoon. Thank you.
Arthur Lee Raby
Arthur Lee Raby
Dec 21, 2021
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We enjoyed the theatre show, it was very creative and imaginative and something different for our son to experience. Highly recommended thank you
Mhorag Saxon
Mhorag Saxon
Nov 20, 2021
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Museum is brilliant, especially the cabinet of curiosities. Ate in the restaurant, lovely staff, amazing food and great veggie choice.
Caroline Hardy
Caroline Hardy
Oct 24, 2021
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Lovely day at The Whitaker .. the staff were so helpful and the building is beautiful. The restaurant was lovely too. There is so much to see we thoroughly enjoyed our visit x
Chris Roberts
Chris Roberts
Oct 20, 2021
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Great cafe, nice shop, interesting museum and thought provoking galleries. Textiles work by the 62 Group was excellent and mixed fine art with environmental issues.
Jennie Marsden
Jennie Marsden
Oct 17, 2021
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Fantastic small museum and lovely place to visit. Even better it’s free and the cafe serves good coffee. Really enjoyable, warm and welcoming environment. Definitely recommend.
Jennie Andrew
Jennie Andrew
Oct 02, 2021
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Brought my little girl today for a puppet shadow session in the coach house with Professor Jigget, she had so much fun making the puppet then watching it come alive and dance. We then had lunch in the restaurant after, lovely food and lovely staff, all very friendly and welcoming. They even done a magic creation drink which changed colours, my little girl was very impressed.
Deb Marcy
Deb Marcy
Oct 01, 2021
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Fab food, great service and the restaurant is a beautifully done addition. The museum is looking amazing! I was not convinced about this new evolution but I am now!
Jackie Flynn
Jackie Flynn
Sep 16, 2021
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My first visit to the revamped Whitaker today and I'm blown away by how much it has changed- all for the better. The food is excellent too. The Garden Burger has to be the best veggie burger I've ever eaten. Lovely friendly team there . Not to be missed