About

On the site of the former Abbey Farm, visitors to the Somerset Rural Life Museum can explore rural life from the 1800s onwards and discover more about the county’s heritage including its landscape, food and farming, working life and rural crafts. The farmhouse and cowsheds are now home to a series of galleries and exhibition spaces, including both permanent displays and temporary exhibitions.

As well as the indoor galleries, the museum site has plenty of outdoor space to explore, including the beautiful 14th-century Abbey Barn in the museum courtyard, which forms the centrepiece for the site. Just off the courtyard, visitors can discover a cider orchard which includes a World War 1-style allotment, exploring Somerset on the home front. The Orchard also has an picnic area. 

Visit during the school holidays and you’ll be sure to find plenty of family-friendly activities, from visiting farm animals to arts and crafts. There is a changing programme of exhibitions that further explore the county’s rural heritage. The museum also welcomes Somerset’s wonderful makers and craftspeople to run workshops, from basket making to pottery.

The Grain Store Café offers a freshly prepared seasonal menu throughout the year. Even if you just happen to be passing by, the café is free to enter and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Hot and cold drinks, cakes and light snacks are available through the day, as well as light lunches and ice creams.

With the Museum Unlimited Annual Pass, you pay just once then visit for a whole year free of charge, including many daytime events. The museum gift shop is free to enter and offers the chance to browse a wide range of souvenirs and gifts, including locally produced arts and crafts. Dogs are allowed in the yard and cafe, but not in the galleries.

The museum has a free car park on site for up to 40 cars, with disabled spaces also available. There is a lift on site to enable access to all floors of the museum and there is an accessible entrance as well as steps into the orchard. 

Situated just beneath the Tor on the edge of Glastonbury, the museum is a family-friendly destination that appeals to visitors of all ages, telling the story of Somerset’s rich rural and social history.

Tickets

Adult: £10.00
Concessions*: £8.00
Child (under 5): FREE
Child (aged 5-17) £4.75
Family (2 adults and up to four children aged 5 – 17) £23.50
Family (1 adult and up to four children aged 5 – 17) £14.50

* Students aged 18-25, those receiving Pension Credit, those receiving benefits (income support, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit.) Carers are not required to purchase an admission ticket.