Ragged School Museum image

Ragged School Museum

Tourist attraction Museum

Victorian school museum in converted warehouse with replica classroom and interactive activities. People often mention children, museum, school, Victorian, experience, great, visit, history, Great, class,


Address

46-50 Copperfield Rd, London E3 4RR, United Kingdom

Website

www.raggedschoolmuseum.org.uk

Contact

+44 20 8980 6405

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (262 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: children (16) museum (15) school (10) Victorian (10) experience (9) great (9) visit (9) history (8) Great (8) class (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Diana J. 1 year ago on Google • 294 reviews
    Amazing experience, for all school age children, but even for parents who came from abroad. History is very important!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Hilary J. 7 months ago on Google • 21 reviews
    Visited with a five-year-old who very much didn't want to go in, and an eight-year-old who did. A very warm welcome from Romy on the front desk got them both interested from the start. Entrance fee £5 adults, children/concessions £2.50. Would be particularly good if you have a child studying the Victorians (year 2 and year 5 I think) - lots of starting-off points for conversations about poverty, gender and racial equality, social justice and class, access to education, healthcare and food. Or just do the fun quiz sheet and find all the crowns hidden around the spacious and atmospheric museum. Lots for grown-ups to look at and think about in the info panels (which I was dragged past at speed by my children). Interesting and empathetic artwork, too, by Clarisse d'Arcimoles, in one of the rooms. Some parts of the museum felt a little unfinished (looking in the desks in the classrooms there were some random bits of paper and train track) and it felt like further investment (maybe with audio interactives, as well as more explainers in the room) could have a massive impact, but as a 30-45min educational diversion (plus nice cafe open at the same hours as the museum), it was really good. You'd definitely be able to stay for longer than that if unaccompanied by children. They also offer immersive half-day school visits, which sounded good value to me (not a teacher).
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kwok L. 5 months ago on Google • 288 reviews
    The Ragged School Museum is a fascinating and educational museum that tells the story of the ragged schools that were established in Victorian England to provide education and support to poor children. The museum is housed in a former ragged school building, and it has been carefully restored to reflect the conditions that would have been experienced by the children who attended the school. The museum also has a number of displays that provide information about the history of ragged schools and the social and economic conditions that led to their establishment. The Ragged School Museum is a great place to learn about Victorian England and the lives of the poor children who lived there.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Cheryl B. 7 months ago on Google • 43 reviews
    Really cool experience of Victorian school on every first Sunday of the month. The "teacher" was interactive and fun. The museum was small but enjoyable and the cafe looked adorable with a nice view of the canal.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert A. 10 months ago on Google • 66 reviews
    Excellent Ragged School cafe alongside the canal and below the museum. Had a very tasty lunch and beer at a reasonable price with great service. Would highly recommend.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Philip W. 6 months ago on Google • 40 reviews
    Amazing place and I keep returning to it as it tells such an important and relevant story. Big shout out to Tracey for making us so welcome.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Panagiotis A. 9 months ago on Google • 180 reviews
    Restoration of an old tenement / school showcasing local history around children's education and work. One floor is set up as an old classroom and another has an old bedding / work area. Aside from the museum, there is a lovely new cafe (direct access from the canal) offering coffee, snacks and food, greatly complimenting the area and worth a visit on its own right.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lee M. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful experience for 10 yr olds who are studying the Victorian era in school. The museum, itself, isn't much more than a classroom and a small replica of a kitchen. It is the volunteers, however, who bring the place to life. I wish I could remember his name...I want to say 'Ray', who not only described the school and Dr Barnardo, but talked about his own childhood. The girls were rivetted. And these girls rarely put down their iPads. They're still using the slates we bought. The cafe is rudimentary but they do a decent cuppa.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kamal A. 4 years ago on Google
    The history of Eastminster London comes alive... Shame they don't get the support they need. Kids loved it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bibi di A. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic experience for children to understand Victorian times. The classroom immersion is amazing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Syed A. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mark L. 4 years ago on Google
    We were here running a paranormal event. Easy to find, friendly and helpful staff, parking is limited during the day but after hours and weekends is fine, the building itself is full of local history. All in all not a bad venue.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shajeda “Shaz” H. 6 years ago on Google
    Great little trip for the young ones and mrs.perkins class is a great experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kiptieu S. 4 years ago on Google
    Love it hear, I couldn't keep a straight face during the classroom session. The children loved it and were fascinated by the differences there is to today's learning. The household session was an eye opener for us all not only the children but for us the adult as well. Will visit again soon loved it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Juliet cannot t. 4 years ago on Google
    There are lots of cool places here, and the workshops for schools are amazing! There are very insresting things, including what the Victorian houses were like. The people are lovely and funny and the rooms look very realistic. Great museum!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tokyo M. 1 year ago on Google
    Fascinating look at schooling in Victorian-era London. Great place to bring young kids as they can take part in 'lessons'.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Елена �. 3 years ago on Google
    Victorian lesson - very interesting and funny, not only for kids
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shu S. 5 months ago on Google • 112 reviews
    The kids enjoyed the museum especially the lesson in the old classroom where they learned to write in cursive letter and alot more.

  • 5/5 neil e. 8 months ago on Google • 67 reviews
    Veli good.. Interesting facts to learn about. Café and toilets downstairs. Check for opening times as different websites say different things. 👍👍

  • 5/5 Megan F. 1 month ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    What truly sets the Ragged School Museum apart is its commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of the past in a way that is engaging, informative, and accessible to all. The museum's passionate staff and volunteers are dedicated to bringing history to life through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and engaging storytelling, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a deeper understanding of London's rich heritage.

  • 5/5 Adrian B. 4 years ago on Google
    Must to visit and see. Part of history is on display.

  • 5/5 Stagecoach Stoke N. 4 years ago on Google
    Great to visit, they are first class in what they are doing

  • 5/5 Carlos C. 4 years ago on Google
    Soon did a home ed day here and came home brimming with details about Victor schooling.

  • 5/5 Kim P. 4 years ago on Google
    Staff very enthusiastic and informative

  • 5/5 A S. 4 years ago on Google
    Extremely friendly volunteers!

  • 4/5 Tahira A. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent place to learn how life was like for the children of East End during Victoria times. Especially in regards to education.

  • 5/5 Julia K. 4 years ago on Google
    Classroom experience with class teacher was the best!!! Kids learnt n loved It!!!

  • 5/5 lee c. 2 years ago on Google
    I visited the museum and was pleasantly surprised, what a wonderful time we had. I took well known sports personality Claire Balding and her partner Millie with me, they had a great time, a huge slice of nostalgia. We spent half an hour chatting to curator Otis Magnolia who was incredibly informative. Thanks to all.

  • 4/5 Rex M. 2 years ago on Google
    A simple and even shabby set of rooms which transform themselves into musical magic. The magical soft acoustic in the performing space upstairs allowed us to hear every note like a raindrop. So make sure you attend a concert here, like in their annual Festival. You'll get to thank the peeling, mildewed walls!

  • 5/5 A R. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing to find out how a man's dream to bring education to all children in a time of darkness, shows that limitations are just in one's own mind.

  • 3/5 Paul S. 4 years ago on Google
    Short and sweet, people who were working there are very knowledgeable, volunteer youth seemed more interested in their phones!

  • 5/5 Tadej S. 4 years ago on Google
    victorian classroom rules

  • 5/5 Thomas B. 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting historical location. Nicely presented. Good place to visit.

  • 4/5 Maria A. 4 years ago on Google
    A great place with a lot of history with activities for children.

  • 4/5 Ilarion A. 4 years ago on Google
    The exhibition is informative and well-designed. The interactive and intriguing victorian lesson is definitely the highlight. It's a great learning experience for both parents and children.

  • 4/5 ssg 4 years ago on Google
    The Ragged School Museum is a nice place to visit as you get to see how schools were in the Victorian times. There are clothes at the near the stairs which you can try and there is a tea bar at the basement but there wasn't anyone around to serve drinks.

  • 4/5 Max R. 4 years ago on Google
    Great staff but displays could be better

  • 5/5 silvester a. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent show.

  • 4/5 Gurii A. 4 years ago on Google
    It is wonderfully located, sandwiched between the Regents Canal and Mile End Park and is only a short walk from mile end station.

  • 1/5 J-bird 4 years ago on Google
    Awful experience. Dont trust this place with your children.

  • 1/5 Jack 4 years ago on Google
    I WAS SCARED OUT OF MY SKIN I HAD A BAD EXPIRENECE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • 5/5 Martha S. 4 years ago on Google
    It brought memories back and was nice to see discipline brought back but easier then in the past

  • 4/5 Asli D. 4 years ago on Google
    Understandably the building was freezing. The children were shivering however the acts are outstanding! The class experience was the best. Thank you

  • 3/5 Mati _. 4 years ago on Google
    It was ok

  • 5/5 Gillian M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great ghost hunting night if you fancy something different. Prepare to have an open mind. I am no longer a sceptic

  • 5/5 Andy E. 4 years ago on Google
    Great museum

  • 5/5 Daniel h. 4 years ago on Google
    GOOD PLACE TO TAKE YOUR CHILDREN TO KNOW HOW IN THE PAST SCHOOLS WAS LIKE

  • 5/5 Dave C. 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting place nice staff they even make a decent cup of coffee in the basement

  • 5/5 Charlie H. 4 years ago on Google
    now i know where Dr Barnadoes started

  • 5/5 Roger E. 4 years ago on Google
    It's all about history going way back

  • 5/5 Save the M. 4 years ago on Google
    Loved it

  • 4/5 rose p. 4 years ago on Google
    great to look back in time.

  • 4/5 Shafiul I. 4 years ago on Google
    Very informative

  • 4/5 Honicia M. 4 years ago on Google
    The kids had an amazing time. There is lots of activities for the kids to do that will keep them occupied!

  • 5/5 john n. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit and show the kids today how easy they have it.

  • 5/5 Rod P. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting and well worth a visit. Even if it's pouring with rain. Short on places to eat in the area.

  • 5/5 Chris B. 4 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    A great place to take a year 6 class. The Victorian lesson was a particular highlight… All the staff were very helpful and friendly. The building is clean and all the facilities needed for a school trip… and the building really was an original Victorian ragged school. I hope you visit and support a great local museum and its staff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


Call +44 20 8980 6405 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom

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