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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 Website

Opening 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

18th Jul - 31st Aug

Norwich City of Stories Summer Trail

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5th Jul 4:30pm - 8:00pm

Tutored Photography Experience with Helen Black at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

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6th Aug - 6th Sep

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Matilda The Musical, the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company is returning to Norwich!

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Norwich Theatre Royal

Opened for the first time in 1758, Theatre Royal has been a staple of the arts and culture of Norwich for centuries.

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