Nottingham / Places / Framework Knitters Museum
Framework Knitters Museum
Chapel St, Ruddington, Ruddington
ENTRY
Free
WHERE
Ruddington
WHAT IT’S LIKE
Real Victorian knitting frames still in action, a hands-on knitting machine for kids, and a free-to-enter café/shop even on museum closed days.
This is a small working museum in the middle of Ruddington built around a genuine 19th-century framework knitters' yard, so kids can see real Victorian knitting frames still being demonstrated in the preserved frame shop rather than just reading about them behind glass. There's a hands-on element too, you can knit your own souvenir on a vintage Griswold circular knitting machine, and the restored cottages let families picture how framework knitting families actually lived and worked together on site. The collections include curiosities like a genuine pair of Queen Victoria's stockings, and the story stretches from the Industrial Revolution through the Luddite riots to the birth of Nottingham's lace industry. It suits a mixed-age family day out and works well alongside Parker's Yard, the on-site café and shop, which is free to enter even if you don't pay for the museum, plus a community garden for a breather on sunny days. The Chapel Gallery hosts changing exhibitions (often with work for sale) and is also available for private hire. School holidays bring extra family workshops and free activities included with admission, such as lawn games, dressing up in Victorian clothing, and a stamp trail. Note the museum itself only opens Wednesday to Sunday (shorter hours than the café/shop), and allow at least two hours if you want to see everything.
GOOD TO KNOW
Areas to explore
Chapel Gallery
indoorsGallery space hosting rotating exhibitions, often with works available for sale; also available for private hire.
Community Garden
outdoorsPeaceful garden area at Parker's Yard for relaxing during a visit.
Frame Shop
indoorsPreserved frame shop where original knitting frames are demonstrated in action.
Restored Cottages
indoorsRestored cottages showing how framework knitting families lived and worked.
Textile Collection
indoorsCollection of hosiery and related textile items, including a pair of Queen Victoria's stockings.
Facilities
Parker's Yard Café
outdoorsOn-site café serving coffee, cake and light lunches, with a community garden.
Parker's Yard Shop
indoorsMuseum gift shop selling locally made gifts, cards, crafts and textiles.
Experiences
Vintage Griswold Knitting Machine
indoorsVisitors can knit their own souvenir on a vintage circular knitting machine.
What's on
'From Ruddington to Cromford' Book Talk
Author Deborah Elliott presents a talk about her framework knitting ancestors, the Price family.
Cricketer & Stockinger: Exploring the Relationship Between Cricket & Framework Knitting
Free exhibition exploring the link between Nottinghamshire cricket and framework knitting.
Elf & Fairy Peg Doll Workshop
Children's storytelling and craft workshop making a peg doll character.
FWK Summer Programme
Family workshops, craft sessions and hands-on museum activities running throughout the summer holidays.
FWK Team Annual Exhibition
Free exhibition in the Chapel Gallery showcasing artwork by museum staff, volunteers and trustees.
Free Valuation from Hansons Auctioneers
Free valuation day for antiques, jewellery, watches, fine art, coins, collectibles and military items.
Free Valuation from Hansons Auctioneers
Free valuation day for antiques, jewellery, watches, fine art, coins, collectibles and military items.
Gee & Gee's – Summer Small Plates Evening @ Parker's Yard
Evening event at Parker's Yard Café with seasonal small plates for sharing.
Leaf Printing with Inks
Workshop using leaves, inks and printmaking to create nature-inspired artwork.
NEW for Summer – Illustrated Stamp Trail
A trail around the museum collecting unique stamps at stamp stations.
Summer Museum Activities
Family-friendly activities included with museum admission, such as lawn games and Victorian dress-up.
The Summer House Knitting & Creative Group
Monthly gathering to knit, crochet and be creative with others.