Museum Of Gloucester

Very interesting and well stocked Museum. The exhibits covered pre-historic times to more recent history and had a lot of hidden gems throughout. The Museum had a good mix between appealing towards adults and children. Most items were labled clearly, were concise, and informative. There were interactive elements dotted throughout, mainly aimed for children such as an electronic quiz about dinosaurs, an ancient tree that can be touched, buttons to press that explain some of the items on display, a boardgame section, dress up sections etc. The collection had some interesting pieces including; coins dating from Roman period onwards; a burial and original Roman wall; armour from Cromwell era; Stuffed animals; victorian clothing and furniture; and items from early human activity in the area. It was just a really well thoughout layout. The items all came from the local area and was just amazing to see all the different historical moments Gloucester has been a part of. I visited with two wheelchair users and there was sufficient space for both chairs to move around comfortably. There was a wheelchair lift available that could be operated independently to reach the 1st floor of the Museum. The road outside into the building was slightly on an incline and one wheelchair struggled slightly to make the turn in through the doors, but with guidance made it into the building, staff were helpful and one held one of the doors open to allow the wheelchair easier entry. There were bathrooms on ground level near to the reception which were clean and accesible. The disabled toilet was a little bit tight to get into with the wheelchair but was otherwise fine. The ladies toilet was a single toilet which again was clean, and spacious. There is a cafe on site which is again fully accesible, accessed through the gift shop. They don't service meals or sandwiches but have more of a snack menu which staff had informed us about when we first arrived at the Museum. There is a simple menu of tea, coffe, hot chocolate, variety of cold drinks, peacan pie (which was a prepackaged grab at the counter one) and another mini cake similar. There was also icecream on the menu with about three flavours, and some other snack items. We ordered the peacan pie which was very tasty (gluten free and vegan). We ordered at the window/counter and were served by a friendly member of staff most of the items I picked up myself from the open chill unit but others I collected and carried over to the table. If needed staff would have helped to bring it over the table for the wheelchair users. When we visited it wasn't very busy, it was on a Sunday at about 1pm. It was free to enter, however donation stations are dotted around the Museum. One of the best museums we've ever visited, well worth a visit if you're interested in history.