About
Kirkleatham Museum is a hidden gem of the North East — a fascinating local history and natural history museum housed within the former Free School building (1709) of the remarkable Kirkleatham village, one of the best-preserved Georgian estate villages in England. Set in the quiet countryside west of Redcar, a world away from the industrial Teesside that surrounds it, Kirkleatham offers an unexpected encounter with Georgian architecture, natural history and the stories of the people who lived in this part of north-east England.
Kirkleatham village was the creation of Cholmley Turner, a wealthy local landowner who rebuilt and expanded the estate in the early 18th century to create an impressive ensemble of Georgian buildings arranged around the church of St Cuthbert. The Free School (now housing the museum), the Turner Mausoleum, the almshouses and the walled garden together form one of the most complete and least-visited Georgian estate villages in England — a remarkably intact survival that feels genuinely remote from the modern world.
The museum itself, housed in the former charity school founded in 1709 by Cholmley Turner, occupies a building of considerable architectural dignity and historical significance. The collections cover the natural history of the Cleveland coast and countryside, including geology, flora and fauna of the local area; the social and industrial history of Redcar and the surrounding district; and the history of Kirkleatham village and the Turner family who created it.
The natural history collections are strong, reflecting the rich biodiversity of the Cleveland coast — one of the most significant areas for birdwatching and coastal wildlife in the North East. Local geological specimens, fossils from the Yorkshire coast and Teesside, and taxidermy representing the region's wildlife provide a comprehensive picture of the natural environment.
The local history galleries explore the transformation of this corner of north Yorkshire and Cleveland from an agricultural landscape to an industrial one — the ironmasters, the fishermen, the farming families and the industrial workers who made Teesside what it is.
Categories:
Annual Visitors (2019)
30,000
Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
Quietest: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Busiest: Saturday, Sunday
💡 Weekday mornings; combine with Redcar seafront for a full day
💡 Visitor Tips
- Free entry — one of Teesside's best free cultural attractions.
- Allow time to walk around the village — the Turner Mausoleum, almshouses and church are all worth seeing.
- The museum is off the main tourist trail and can be quiet — an advantage for those who like unhurried visits.
- Kirkleatham is about 2 miles from Redcar town centre — a car is the most practical way to visit.
- The Walled Garden is adjacent to the museum and worth a short walk.
- RSPB Saltholme nature reserve is nearby — a good combination for a full day of natural history.
- Check opening hours before visiting as seasonal restrictions may apply.
- The nearby Zetland Museum in Redcar (with the world's oldest surviving lifeboat) is a natural companion visit.
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
Natural History of Cleveland
Geology, fossils, flora and fauna of the Cleveland coast and North York Moors edge.
Kirkleatham Village History
The Turner family, the estate village and its Georgian architecture.
Teesside Social History
The transformation of the Teesside area from agricultural to industrial landscape.
Redcar Fishing Heritage
The history of Redcar's fishing community and its boats and equipment.
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.