The Workhouse & Infirmary (National Trust)

Built in 1824 as a last resort for many people, this rural workhouse in Nottinghamshire is one of the best preserved and most complete in England.

Charles Dickens's Oliver Twist painted a bleak picture of life in the workhouse. However, the focus here is to show that although harsh and monotonous, aspects such as education, medical care or diet may have been better for the poor than in their own homes.

The Workhouse not only tells a powerful and enlightening story of how it provided for the poorest in society but how it was pivotal in the development of our national health and welfare system.

Personal objects and the stories of those who lived and worked there help to bring the history of The Workhouse to life. Younger visitors will find plenty of hands-on activities to enjoy like weighing ingredients in the kitchen, writing on slate in the school room, and experiencing the jobs of the paupers, as well as handling items, sitting on the beds, and dressing up.

There are a variety of walks, tours, events and exhibitions throughout the year.

The Workhouse is open Wednesday – Sunday (from mid February - November), and every day during the Nottinghamshire school holidays. The property is closed in December. Please see the website for full details.