Eyam Museum

Eyam Museum is a small local museum in the village of Eyam, in the Peak District of Derbyshire, England. It stands on Hawkhill Road and is often called the Eyam Plague Museum by locals. It opened on 23 April 1994, occupies a single level and is run by volunteers.

Why visit Eyam Museum?

Eyam is known across Britain for the events of 1665, when plague reached the village. The villagers chose to cut themselves off from the outside world so the disease would not spread to neighbouring communities. The museum lets you take in that story in under an hour and makes a good starting point before you walk around the village itself.

What will you see inside?

The heart of the collection is the plague exhibition. It follows where the disease came from, how it arrived in Eyam, the quack remedies people tried, and the stories of individual families. A short introductory film adds context. The museum has relatively few original artefacts, so its strength lies in the storytelling, documents and interpretation rather than rows of display cases.

It is not only about the plague, though. The galleries also cover the history of Eyam from prehistoric times. Another strand looks at the village's later trades, including silk-making and the innovation linked to Ralph Wain. A First World War exhibition, officially opened by the Duke of Devonshire, was added in 2014.

How to plan your visit

The museum is compact, so a short visit is usually enough. Opening hours vary by season: some sources list Tuesday to Sunday, roughly from late March to early November. Check the museum's visitor information page for current times before you travel.

After your visit, it is worth walking through the village to see the places the exhibition describes. Eyam sits in the middle of the Peak District, so the museum combines easily with a walk in the surrounding countryside.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Eyam Museum? In the village of Eyam, in the Peak District, Derbyshire, on Hawkhill Road.

When did the museum open? On 23 April 1994.

What is the main exhibition about? The plague that struck the village in 1665: its origins, its course, attempted cures and the stories of families.

Is the museum large? No. It is a small, single-level museum staffed by volunteers, which makes it an easy stop during a day out in the area.

Are there topics besides the plague? Yes: the village's history since prehistory, silk-making and a First World War exhibition.

Do I need to check opening hours? Yes. Sources give slightly different hours and seasons, so confirm on the official website before you go.

For anyone interested in English history, the lives of ordinary people during an epidemic, or quiet regional museums, Eyam Museum is a natural first stop in Derbyshire. It also works well for families who want a simple way to explain to children how a small community made a hard decision in the face of disease.