Temporary special and touring exhibitions are regularly shown in a renovated stable block and coach house. The museum features mainly British toys from 1900 to the present-day. The museum was winner of the 1995 National Heritage Shoe String Awards for achieving the best results with limited resources. This Listed Georgian house and garden, built 1739, opposite the entrance to Cockermouth Castle, contains original paintings, ceramics, sculptures and glass. As it is the home of the owner, the atmosphere is one of friendliness and warmth.
Exhibitions change monthly.
Specialises in Northern and Scottish artists. See one of the 2 remaining headgears in Cumbria and centuries of mining interpreted through displays, mining memorabilia and mining machinery. Details of major disasters at Wellington, William and Haig pit. Hands on' geology displays from sources around West Cumbria. Future developments include underground mine experience.