This page contains information about safety during your visit, frequently asked questions and the terms and conditions of your booking. Please read these carefully before visiting us.
Caring about your safety
To help you feel safer visiting us, we have:
- Undertaken full risk assessments in line with national Covid-19 guidance.
- Contactless card payment is preferred but cash will be accepted.
- Safety screens at till and information points to increase protection.
- Hand sanitising points through out the museum and an increased cleaning regime.
In return, we ask that you help us by:
- Although social distancing is no longer mandatory, with cases still rising we encourage maintaining 2m social distancing from other visitors, staff and volunteers where possible.
- Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds or more and particularly after contacting surfaces in public areas.
- Use the hand sanitiser provided at every opportunity.
- Wear a face covering during your visit, including inside public areas of The Symington Building.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I allow for my visit?
We anticipate you will need around 45 – 60 minutes to enjoy the museum.
Can I visit the Special Exhibition Gallery or Local Studies as part of my visit?
Yes the Special Exhibition Gallery and Local Studies are open to you during your visit
Can I turn up on the day to visit?
Yes, the pre-booking system is not longer being used, so you can just turn up and enjoy the Museum.
Can I go into the museum at any time?
Yes you can – within our opening hours of course!
Will all of the museum be open?
Yes all of the Museum is open now, including Local Studies and the Temporary Exhibition gallery.
Are you following 1m or 2m social distancing?
While the Government’s easing of restrictions does not insist on social distancing inside buildings, we encourage visitors to respect the space around other users of the museum space, so please be considerate to others.
Are your customer toilet facilities open?
Public toilets in The Symington Building, which is home to Harborough Museum, are now open.
Will I be able to touch audio visual displays and other objects?
All non-essential objects have been removed from our exhibition spaces, so we are limiting the number of objects that can be touched. To access touch screens and any interactive, ‘hands-on’ elements of displays you are welcome to borrow a stylus as you arrive. This can be used to activate touch screens and lift interactive gallery elements , without making physical contact. Styluses should be returned at the end of your visit. Regular use of hand sanitiser and hand washing for at least 20 seconds is encouraged where possible. Sanitisation stations are available at key locations in the exhibition, should you not have your own hand sanitiser.
Can I bring in something to donate it to the museum?
We are accepting donations of objects. You can complete a contact form with information about the object on our Add to the collections page. We will do our best to let you know if we would like to accept it into the collections.
Will there be catering facilities available?
Yes, the ground floor Insomnia Café in The Symington Building is open for take away and limited sit-in seating.
Do I need to wear a face covering?
No, but we advise visitors to wear a face covering while inside museum, and The Symington Building.
Will you be undertaking additional cleaning of the public spaces?
As well as our normal programme of keeping the museum clean, additional sanitisation of key areas such as interactive elements, handrails and seats will be undertaken before opening, at intervals during the day and after closing.
What if I need first aid, or there is an emergency?
In these uncommon circumstances, we have revised our procedures and are following guidance on the use of Personal Protective Equipment. Our Front of House staff are aware of these new procedures and will issue appropriate instructions to visitors if required.
Can I visit if I have been in contact with someone with suspected symptoms of Covid-19, or have the symptoms myself?
In line with Government advice you should not visit if you believe you may have come into contact with someone with suspected symptoms of Covid-19, or you believe you have the symptoms yourself. You should stay at home and isolate yourself, seeking advice from the NHS 111 service.
What should I do if I develop symptoms within 14 days of my visit?
Please contact us to let us know so that we can manage this with the national test & trace process.
In addition you will be asked to provide a name and contact number for all over 16 year old tickets. We also operate the NHS Track & Trace QR code on site and encourage all customers to register with the app when arriving on site.
1. Adults must accompany all children under the age of 14.
2. Leicestershire County Council reserves the right to refuse entry to the site.
3. Customers displaying anti-social behaviour will be asked to leave and could be subject to prosecution.
4. With the exception of assistance dogs, no animals are permitted onto the site.
5. Whilst we welcome recreational photography and recording, no professional cameras, video recorders or any form of audio-visual recording equipment allowed in the site without prior written permission from the site manager.
6. Visitors are reminded that for technical or operational reasons, some facilities may be removed or closed or entertainment cancelled and/or altered at any time. Leicestershire County Council reserves the right to change the programme of attractions and entertainment if at any time it is deemed necessary or appropriate to do so.
7. Leicestershire County Council accept no responsibility for any personal property.
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