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    Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol

    A fascinating, accessible and interactive museum of Looe's past

    Description

    A wonderful, inclusive museum, set in a 15th Century building which has at times been the town gaol, the magistrates court and the guildhall. There are exhibits relating to all aspects of the building's past, including the opportunity to dress up and act out court cases, 'meet' the ghost said to haunt the building.

    There are a wide range of exhibits in a variety of different formats, and care has been taken to ensure that those with vision, hearing and mobility impairment, and learning differences can enjoy and learn a great deal in the museum.

    For those who can't make it up the stairs, there is a visual display downstairs where you can see and hear some of the stories, exhibits and displays which are upstairs.

    Location

    The Quay, Looe PL13 1AA, UK

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    Detailed description

    Despite being a 15th century listed building, the team at East Looe Town Trust which run this lovely centre, with a team of volunteers has made it incredible inclusive and accessible. There is a ground floor entrance which can be accessed via a portable ramp and there is information on the website so visitors can call the team and have the door opened, and get support accessing the museum. For those who cannot access the upstairs gallery, the team have added a visual display downstairs where you can see and hear some of the stories, exhibits and displays which are upstairs.

    It is a wonderful  place to explore, filled with intriguing stories of smugglers and the old court room and a mysterious missing maiden who is rumoured to haunt the museum to this day. There are a wide range of exhibits in a variety of different formats, and care has been taken to ensure that those with vision, hearing and mobility impairment, and learning differences can enjoy and learn a great deal in the museum.

    There is a wonderful array of important items in the town’s history such as the old magistrates bench. You can learn about the Looe Valley Railway, and hear stories from WWII and much more. You can also visit the old Gaol, in the downstairs area and see the cells, and discover the story of Jennifer, a young woman who caught the eye of a town burgess, who put her in a cell overnight - but she was never seen again. Some of the volunteers feel she’s still very present, however, and they’re often aware of her on dark nights when they lock up for the day!

    The museum is closed between the end of October and the end of March, and opening times are posted on the website. Because the museum is run by volunteers, sometimes illness means that it is unexpectedly closed, so keep an eye on social media or call ahead, if it is important for you to visit.

    Parking

    For parking information in Looe see our guide: https://accesscornwall.org.uk/accessible-guide-to-looe/

    Toilet facilities

    For information on the accessible toilets in Looe please see our guide: https://accesscornwall.org.uk/accessible-guide-to-looe/

    Accessibiliy Guide

    From the website:

    There is disabled access into our museum via the back door using a ramp. If you need this service please ring 01503 263709 and the volunteers and our maintenance manager will be informed immediately and the ramp will be put down for you. If you have someone with you who is able to come up the front steps they can ask the volunteers to put the ramp down, but please note that some of our volunteers are elderly and might have to wait for help from our maintenance team as the ramp is quite heavy. There is a film guide on our downstairs television which shows you the upstairs of the museum with a spoken commentary. Everyone is welcome to our museum and we make every effort to make access possible.

    Useful Contacts

    Email info@eastlooetowntrust.co.uk or call 01503 263709

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    Mobility / Wheelchair Support

    Some of the upstairs exhibits are shown downstairs, to allow those who cannot use the stairs to participate. There is a ramp available for those who wish to enter via the ground floor entrance (on the opposite side of the building) Call the main number or ask a companion to go to the main entrance desk to ask a volunteer to come and put the ramp out for you. The ground floor has lots of exhibits too.

    Vision Impairment Support

    Various exhibits hav audio descriptions ensure that people with a variety of disabilities can take part in the activities and learn about the contents of the museum. The museum volunteers are also on hand to describe exhibits and share information verbally.

    Dogs are welcome.

    Hearing Impairment Support

    Various exhibits are arranged to ensure that people with a variety of disabilities can take part in the activities and learn about the contents of the museum. There is good written information and staff have some training on how to ensure those with hearing impairment can see them while talking.

    Dogs are welcome.

    Learning Support

    There are audio and tactile displays as well as volunteers who can give verbal descriptions and information about exhibits.

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