Swaffham Museum

We are a small, independent social history museum for Swaffham and the surrounding villages in Norfolk from the Stone Age to the modern. Explore our history both by visiting the Museum and walking the circular trail.Home of the Symonds collection of figures based on characters from literature and history. Local heroes include Howard Carter the archaeologist, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Knyvet Wilson VC, Jem Mace prize fighter, W E Johns author of the Biggles books and the Swaffham Pedlar.In 2022 we celebrate Howard Carter who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. The Carter Gallery has been updated and refurbished for this.In 2019 we opened the new Conflict and Consequences gallery, full of information about Swaffham's involvement in wars and conflicts.

The museum is easy to find in the centre of Swaffham with ample parking very nearby.Swaffham is a market town in the Breckland District and English county of Norfolk. It is situated 12 miles (19 kilometres) east of King's Lynn and 31 miles (50 kilometres) west of Norwich with regular buses running from Swaffham to King’s Lynn and Norwich where there are railway stations.

Up to one hour

Tickets on the door are available

PEDLAR OF SWAFFHAM: On our stairway is a stained glass window featuring the Pedlar of Swaffham.The tale of John Chapman, the Pedlar of Swaffham is a well-loved story based on historical fact. Is it all true?The story is available as a YouTube video on our website, which you can read to your children or grandchildren.

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES: Some of our galleries have activities for children. Please read the reviews on our website.FOR SCHOOLSActivity Day for Primary Schools - Carter meets TutankhamunWe offer a 10am to 2pm day of activities based around ancient Egypt and Howard Carter’s discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun. Learn to be an excavator with our archaeological sand trays Explore the Carter Gallery and the journey from Life to the Afterlife Story Time! Howard Carter and his discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb A choice between craftwork and ancient Egyptian Maths Up to 30 children No admission charge Contact the Museum Curatorial Manager to arrange.School or Group Loan Boxes We have a variety of loan boxes from Saxons to World War II. Plus “Grandma’s toys” and Stone Age tools. £10 a week Contact the Museum Curatorial Manager for details.