UK / East / Norfolk
Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse
Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, Gressenhall Dereham, NR20 4DR
Discover Norfolk’s rural history over 50 acres of glorious countryside, from the traditional working farm to the lives of the residents of the Victorian workhouse.
Step back in time at this fascinating historical site, where you can uncover what life was like for some of Norfolk’s poorest people in a Victorian workhouse.
Originally opened in 1777 as a House of Industry, Gressenhall’s collections and interactive displays bring to life the real stories of workhouse staff and inmates – how they ate, slept, worked, and played through the ages.
As the home of the Museum of Norfolk Life, Gressenhall celebrates the county’s rich agricultural heritage. Wander through Village Row to explore the general store, forge, seed merchants, and Cherry Tree Cottage, all filled with goods from a bygone era. See Norfolk’s oldest working car, a rare 1899 Panhard et Levassor, once owned by Charles Rolls.
Follow the story of farming from its Neolithic roots to the Women’s Land Army, and meet the rare Suffolk Punch horses, cattle, pigs, and Norfolk Horn sheep on the working farm.
Explore the peaceful countryside setting, teeming with wildlife, or let the little ones run wild in the adventure playground. With special event days throughout the year and family activity-packed school holidays, Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse offers an unforgettable day out for all ages, whatever the weather.
Visit WebsiteOpening Times
17 March - 25 October
Open daily
10.00 - 17.00
The site closes each November and reopens in March.
26 October - 2 November
Open daily
10.00 - 16.00
Prices
Adult
£17.00
Child (age 4-18)
£14.50
Adult in a Family Group (available with a paid child ticket)
£15.50
Child under 4
FREE
Free admission with a Norfolk Museums Pass
Gressenhall offers free admission to:
People who get means-tested benefits including Universal Credit and Pension Credit
All children in households receiving means-tested benefits
Facilities
Café
Car Parking
Picnic Site
Baby Changing
Disabled Access
Toilets
Other things to do nearby
Play this May at BeWILDerwood Norfolk, where May-hem and magic await around every corner! 🌳✨
Get ready for a full day of magical adventures and PLAY this May half term as you swing, slide and scramble your way through the magical woods.
View event
Super Stock Car Saturday F1 Stock Cars WQR & F2 Stock Car English Open at Adrian Flux
Super Stock Car Saturday – the BriSCA F1 Stock Cars are back in town.
View event
Cabaret Mechanical Marvels at Time and Tide Museum
Cabaret Mechanical Marvels is an interactive journey into the wild and wonderful world of automata.
View event
Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
A vibrant community history museum exploring the city’s fascinating past.
View attraction
Time and Tide Museum
A captivating journey through the rich maritime heritage of this vibrant coastal town.
View attraction
The Tolhouse Gaol
Discover the darker side of England’s history through crime and punishment.
View attraction
Strangers’ Hall
A hidden gem in the heart of Norwich – one of the city’s oldest and most exquisite buildings.
View attraction
Lynn Museum
A treasure trove celebrating West Norfolk’s heritage, and the home of Seahenge – the extraordinary Bronze Age timber circle, discovered on Holme beach.
View attraction
Elizabethan House Museum
Experience the lives of those who lived in this splendid quayside house, from Tudor times to the Victorian era.
View attractionLatest News
Top 5 places in the UK to birdwatch
The UK is home to some fantastically colourful, elusive and rare species. To celebrate their numerous species, we have put together a list of top 5 places in the UK to birdwatch.