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julz56a
Having lived in Newark since the age of 5 I had never visited this National Trust attraction before, even though its only about 8 miles away. entry cost was 8.50 per person this was gift aided. If you are a member of the National Trust obviously it would be free, they asked us if we wanted to join that day and they would refund the entrance fee .First part was a quick video showing how life used to be in the workhouse in the 1800's, you could then either walk around the site with a audio guide or use a book guide. time taken was approx 1-1.1/2 hours there was also a shop with gifts.All in all it was a very interesting in-site into the past and well worth a visit Do check the website to make sure its open as times/days vary.
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915johns
Visited here before, Format changed a little this time,a Thought provoking experience, even more so as most of the Rooms empty of furnishings.Good Audio Guide, Good Toilet facilities & small Coffee/cake shop & Gift shop. Local authority run children's live in estbalishments still in operation in the adjacent site buildings.
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bethe606
We went early to join the outside tour, the guide was full of stories of the workhouse and the hour long tour passed so quickly despite the cold wind. Then back inside for a warming drink before following the tour round. Well designed tour I liked the audio tour of a visitor touring the workhouse.
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michaelc325
We arrived early enough to take the guided tour around the grounds and buildings (recommended) our guide was very knowledgeable and we were able to ask questions which were well answered.The building was purpose built to deal with the flotsam and jetsam of local communities who couldn't find work or shelter in their villages and were a drain on local taxes. The workhouses were a solution to the problem.Very basic, families segregated, harsh conditions. Amazingly, establishments like this were still in use in living memory. We were very encouraged to see parties of young schoolchildren dressed as inmates being given lessons in life in the Workhouse by the "Govener and his Staff".
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Satisco
Beautifully cared for slice if history. From the audio introduction, to the detailed model in the wash house, to the audio guide and the room staff - could not have been improved. Full and fascinating history of the workhouse and its rationale.
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chezan
As we were in the area for a few days, Southwell Workhouse was on our "to do" list. We've visited the Workhouse at Ripon in Yorkshire twice and were impressed at the lay out of the cells and the other rooms, and the information on life in general for the staff and inmates. Approaching Southwell must have been terrifying for any potential inmates arriving there, walking that long path towards the vast austere building must have filled them with dread...the Workhouse experience starts there! However, once inside we were disappointed to find so many empty rooms and very little information within them, as to their purpose etc. I realise that there is an audio guide but I prefer to see information boards in the rooms and walk through at my leisure, rather than be guided by a disembodied voice and encumbered with headphones etc! We saw no information about a guided tour, and saw no one giving a guided tour as we looked round. The garden was vast, but lacking in labels and information, I learnt much more about the food they grew, to use as part of their diet, in the small allotment garden at Ripon Workhouse. Perhaps some of the empty rooms could be closed to the public and the remaining ones could then be furnished as they were in the day. And...finally yes, the tea room was very disappointing, the workhouse atmosphere was captured well with the tables and benches, but consideration must also be made for visitors who need a backrest. Perhaps an old menu on the wall, with old kitchen implements would have added to the tea room ambiance. And...some scones would have been nice with the cuppa. Sorry to be so negative but Ripon Workhouse has more to offer in a much smaller property and I felt that I learnt a lot more in my visit there, although, as NT members, the visit to Southwell was included in my membership, and we had to pay at Ripon, I still know which I prefer as an educational visit.
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K9361JObrianh
Being a member of the National Trust & this attraction was within a 20 minute drive i'm surprised I haven't visited before now. The Workhouse itself opened at midday on the day of our visit, but found out via the website that if we arrived before 11am there is a guided tour of the exterior of the building. We plumped for the 11am tour even though it was raining. Glad we chose the tour as the guide 'Phil' made it very interesting explaining the history of the place & the everyday lives of what can only be described as 'inmates', even though most of them could leave whenever they wanted. After the guided tour there is a 10 minute video about the Workhouse to watch if you should wish to do so. I suggest you watch the video to get an insight into the history of the Workhouse. It's only 10 mins so won't keep you away from the visit for long. In the Ladies courtyard there's the wash house where you can pick up your Audio guides. The guides are well worth using & are free so why not take advantage of the information they will provide. Inside the Workhouse, there's actually not an awful lot to see, but the Audio guide will keep you interested as you travel from room to room. You actually finish up in a room which was used right up to the late 1970's, which surprised me. The refreshments provided are very basic, but I was informed that the National Trust are working on this. I got my cup of Tea but no NT Victoria Sponge or Lemon Drizzle Cake I've come to expect & thoroughly enjoy at other NT properties. The Staff on site are very friendly, welcoming & helpful. I believe this does go some way to making the visit enjoyable. You could probably complete a visit to the Workhouse in a couple of hours though we spent 3.5 hours looking around plus 1 hour for the exterior tour. Well worth a visit especially for English History buffs. Glad we visited.
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davev68
An excellent opportunity to take a step back and learn more about the lives of our ancestors. A real education and suitable for all ages. Take advantage of a guided tour if available - that also have a superb group of visiting players
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M7335CBpeterr
What a great visit - not the grandeur of some NT buildings but use your imagination with the excellent commentary and you will be reminded of a time not long ago before the welfare state when these buildings existed across the country.Thoroughly recommend to all - don't rush this visit explore the difficult times experienced within these walls.
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brianhC3512RX
The history and workings of workhouses was well explained. We were presented with many of the details which paint the human stories. I'm glad I've seen it and thought about it. My only criticism that having seen a well-produced video, we then went through and were told many of the same things again by a volunteer. After that we chose not to use the audio guide, but rather to go round at our own pace. Overall it is a thoughtfully and carefully prepared attraction, and well worth taking the trouble to go.
