The new museum features 16 different galleries and film shows all housed within Lancaster Castle’s prison cells. The galleries cover the history of Lancashire Constabulary, Police training, forensic development – including how some infamous local cases were solved – and an overview of some of the different police departments including the mounted branch, dog unit, underwater search unit and firearms.
Included in the exhibits is a mock custody suite with interactive exhibits and an area dedicated to modern day policing with information about opportunities to join the police either as a cadet, volunteer, police staff member or police officer.
What can be found at the venue?
Collection of artifacts, Historic building or site
Related crime and punishment profession / organisation
Police, Prison
Significant collections relating to regional crime and punishment organisation or to a particular individual
Police uniforms, radios, handcuffs, saddles and other evocative objects. We also commemorate those that lost their lives in the line of duty through a Memorial Wall and Remembrance Room; exhibit relating the Buck Ruxton murders.
Does the venue have an online collections catalogue?
No
Details of opening for public access and / or research services
The museum is open Thursday and Friday from 10.30am to 4.00pm. We are closed between 12.30pm – 1.30pm.
Admission is free
Available services or facilities
Toilets
Accessibility and disability arrangements / Covid requirements
Visitors are advised that Lancaster Castle is located on top of a hill and that approaches from all directions are steep. The visitor entrance is the main gateway to the castle at the front of the building (the John O’Gaunt gate). Access to the Lancashire Police Museum is by stairs. We are sorry that there is no lift access at present for those less mobile, in a wheelchair or with a buggy. Assistance dogs are welcome inside the museum but no other dogs are allowed inside the building.
Other connected heritage sites, museums or archives