• Language
    Language

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

Already saved an Itinerary?

The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery

Type:Museum

Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, Rossendale, Lancashire, BB4 6RE

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 164 reviews164 reviews

Tel: 01706 260 785

Add The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery to your Itinerary

Check availability for The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery (opens in a new window)

The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery

The Whitaker Museum has been part of the cultural life of the Rossendale Valley for over one hundred years.  Set in the beautiful Whitaker Park in Rawtenstall, it’s a great day out for all.  A traditional and contemporary a museum, but with a modern twist.
​​​​
The Whitaker has redeveloped all of its existing galleries, and created new opportunities for people to connect with art, culture, and one another.  With current contemporary artists from up and down the country exhibiting in the galleries.  From artist events to museum tours to workshops to film nights, explore what the Whitaker has coming up by downloading the latest what’s on guide.

With diverse spaces to encourage curiosity and inspire imaginations, great school packages for KS1 and KS2 pupils are available.  The two hour workshop includes local history, object handling, activities around the museum spaces and a tour of the cabinet of curiosities. The curious collectors case loan boxes.  Aimed at KS2, you can either pick and choose activities within or you can follow the entire learning programme.  The boxes link to curriculum topics within history, geography, science, english and art, with additional links to PHSE.

The Whitaker has a growing friendly team of volunteers who are the heartbeat of all they do.  The volunteers share the passion to provide a unique, quirky, space rich in heritage and culture.  The contribution and dedication of the volunteers enables the Whitaker to provide a sustainable museum that is freely available to everyone.  The Whitaker offer a wide range of roles at the museum, bringing together a wealth of knowledge, skills and experiences.

Make a full day at the museum and book a table at the bar and kitchen.  The perfect place to eat in Rossendale.  A great relaxed environment to enjoy some locally sourced food and drink, with a delicious menu perfect for a weekend brunch, afternoon tea, cocktails, coffee and a fantastic Sunday roast.

What was once the stable block for the original house has been redeveloped into a cultural venue for special cultural events and weddings, attached to the bar and kitchen.  With diverse venue hire the old stables is a great unique venue for any event. 

Book Tickets

Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Free admissionFree

Additional cost for workshops and some events.

Opening Times

Season (1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - TuesdayClosed*
Wednesday10:00 - 16:00*
Thursday10:00 - 20:00*
Friday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00*
Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

Events

Thursday, 14th March 2024 - Sunday, 26th May 2024

Caroline Johnson – A Life Drawing: An Artist's Narrative
more info

Thursday, 14th March 2024 - Sunday, 26th May 2024

Liane Lang – Touch Stone
more info

Thursday, 21st March 2024 - Thursday, 21st March 2024

SKINT Festival: Scrapper
more info

Saturday, 23rd March 2024 - Saturday, 23rd March 2024

Wreath Making Workshop and Afternoon Tea – Mother's Day Experience
more info

Sunday, 24th March 2024 - Sunday, 24th March 2024

The Sunday Boys Choir return to The Whitaker!
more info

Thursday, 4th April 2024 - Thursday, 4th April 2024

Films at The Whitaker - Passages
more info

Saturday, 6th April 2024 - Saturday, 6th April 2024

Family Easter Antics at the MuseumJoin April antics and expect the un-'egg'-spected with some Easter themed crafts and activities.
more info

Friday, 12th April 2024 - Friday, 12th April 2024

Create with Caroline: Ink drawing & mark making
more info

Thursday, 18th April 2024 - Thursday, 18th April 2024

Films at The Whitaker - The Wicker Man (Director's Cut)
more info

Thursday, 18th April 2024 - Thursday, 18th April 2024

Liane Lang – Artist Talk
more info

Friday, 19th April 2024 - Friday, 19th April 2024

Liane Lang – Artist Workshop
more info

Awards

  • Sub-Regional AwardsPartner of Visit Lancashire Partner of Visit Lancashire 2018
  • Sub-Regional AwardsCultural Venue/Organisation Award Cultural Venue/Organisation Award 2015
  • Sub-Regional AwardsLancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2018 - Cultural Venue/Organisation Award Lancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2018 - Cultural Venue/Organisation Award 2018
  • Sub-Regional Awards2021 Lancashire Tourism Awards Finalist Cultural Venue  Award 2021 Lancashire Tourism Awards Finalist Cultural Venue Award 2021
  • Sub-Regional AwardsLancashire Tourism Awards Winner 2021 - Cultural Venue Lancashire Tourism Awards Winner 2021 - Cultural Venue 2022

Directions

Road Directions

Situated on the A681 Haslingden to Rawtenstall Road, close to Rawtenstall centre and the East Lancashire Railway station. 

Public Transport Directions

The East Lancashire Railway line from Bury via Ramsbottom runs at weekends, and Whitaker Park and The Whitaker is just five minutes walk from the station.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4 of 5 stars
    • Service
      4 of 5 stars
    • Value
      4 of 5 stars
    • Food
      4 of 5 stars
    • Atmosphere
      4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      82
    • Very Good
      30
    • Average
      26
    • Poor
      12
    • Terrible
      14

    Recent Reviews:

      Follow Us

      What's Nearby

      What's Nearby

      What's Nearby

      1. Whitaker Park

        Whitaker Park is a large park on the outskirts of Rawtenstall. The facilities available…

        0.07 miles away
      2. The Hill: Home of Ski Rossendale

        Set in the picturesque valley, it is the premier outdoor ski and snowboarding centre in…

        0.38 miles away
      3. Rawtenstall Market

        You will find fresh produce, butchers, fishmongers, traditional deli, Italian deli, fresh…

        0.65 miles away
      1. Marl Pits Leisure Centre

        Marl Pits Leisure Centre is home to a main swimming pool, smaller teaching pool, a gym…

        1.03 miles away
      2. Halo - Panopticon

        Rossendale's Panopticon, 'Halo', is an 18m-diameter steel lattice structure supported on…

        1.04 miles away
      3. The Squirrel’s Lair Adventure Golf Course

        Step into The Squirrel’s Lair.  A new 18 hole, woodland themed adventure golf course set…

        1.07 miles away
      4. Golf Kingdom Rossendale

        If you are serious about golf, or a family looking for a great day out, there's something…

        1.07 miles away
      5. Rossendale Golf Club

        Recently renovated meadowland course, offering a real test and plenty of variety; from…

        1.11 miles away
      6. Haslingden Market

        Haslingden Market is not trading regularly at present due to undergoing renovation works.…

        1.29 miles away
      7. Grip and Go

        Challenge yourself and conquer new heights at the state-of-the-art indoor climbing…

        1.34 miles away
      8. Skate & Scoot at Adrenaline Centre

        If you’re looking for exciting skate action with a rocking music mix and vivid party…

        1.35 miles away
      9. District A Laser Tag Arena at Adrenaline

        Charge through the custom-built District A Laser Tag Arena at Adrenaline, unearthing…

        1.35 miles away
      10. Horse + Bamboo

        Horse + Bamboo is a multi-arts community venue, situated in the heart of Waterfoot,…

        1.74 miles away
      11. Helmshore Mills Textile Museum

        Visit a place where Lancashire’s industrial past is brought to life through a…

        1.77 miles away
      12. Holden Wood Antiques and Decorative Arts Centre

        In the old St Stephens Church, surrounded by beautiful countryside, are over 30 antique…

        1.92 miles away
      13. Cronkshaw Fold Farm

        A traditional West Pennine working hill farm with 16 hectares of land above Helmshore.…

        2.32 miles away
      Previous Next

      Related

      The Hill: Home of Ski RossendaleThe Hill: Home of Ski Rossendale, RawtenstallSet in the picturesque valley, it is the premier outdoor ski and snowboarding centre in the UK.

      Rawtenstall, Rossendale

      Whitaker ParkWhitaker Park, RawtenstallWhitaker Park is a large park on the outskirts of Rawtenstall. The facilities available include gardens, Bowling Green, small animal area, BMX track, Skateboard Park, multi use games area, football pitch and children’s play area.

      Bar & Kitchen at The WhitakerBar & Kitchen at The Whitaker, RawtenstallThe perfect place to eat in Rossendale.  A great relaxed environment to enjoy some locally sourced food and drink with a delicious menu perfect for a brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, cocktails, coffee and a mouth-watering Sunday roast.

      The WhitakerThe Whitaker, RawtenstallFlooded with natural daylight and views across the Rossendale Valley, the space is well suited to working closely with colleagues or clients, offering an inspiring space to help fuel new ideas and creative thinking.

      Sign up for e-newsletter

      Don't Miss

      Don't Miss

      Don't Miss

      Don't Miss

      Don't Miss