About The Museum

The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum is where this literary legend was born on 11 September 1885. Only 30 minutes from Nottingham city centre, the Museum is a must see for fans of literature, and for those wanting to delve deeper into Nottingham’s literary heritage.

Growing up in late Victorian industrial England, in the mining community of Eastwood, Lawrence surpassed all expectations of a miner’s son and went on to become one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.

To some he is simply the infamous author of Lady Chatterley’s Lover, but to many others he is a powerful and challenging creative voice, from the changing world of the early 20th century.

The Museum was founded in 1976 by local enthusiasts and has grown into a high quality tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Owned and managed by Broxtowe Borough Council, the museum is open to the public via guided and self-guided tours to discover the stories of this not-so-average son of a miner, as well as the wider local history of the area.

Inside the museum

Step back in time to experience the traditional Victorian wash house, see the parlour; a room only for special guests and have a wander around the parental and other bedrooms. The museum’s permanent exhibition features items from Lawrence’s family and even paintings created by the author himself.

Gift shop

The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum probably isn’t the first place you’d think of when it comes to buying gifts but our museum shop is its own "hidden gem" with a wide array gifts, jewellery, homewares and children’s toys that changes through the seasons. There is also the selection of  D.H. Lawrence and literature themed items that you would expect to see. 

You can enjoy a unique shopping experience, picking a perfect gift for a loved one. What’s more, by supporting the museum gift shop, you’re supporting the Museum, an important tool in preserving Broxtowe's heritage. 

Local heritage

In the wider local area, take a walk on the Blue Line Trail through Eastwood, where you will see the other homes that the Lawrence family lived in and significant buildings such as Durban House and the Mechanics Institute relating to Lawrence’s life in the area.

The Museum has strong connections with the D.H Lawrence society (Opens in a new window) and The Haggs Farm Preservation Society (Opens in a new window).

Nottingham is a recognised UNESCO City of Literature (Opens in a new window).

Accessing the museum

Public transport

You don’t need a car to visit us! For bus journeys to Eastwood high street, jump on the Rainbow One (Opens in a new window) from Nottingham or the Black Cat (Opens in a new window) from Derby.  Langley Mill train station is only 1.5 miles away.

Parking

There are a number of pay and display car parks in Eastwood, the nearest Car Parks being Scargill Walk (Short Stay), Victoria Street (Long Stay) and Sun Inn (Long Term). Tickets start from £1 for two hours parking, please consider bringing some loose change and please check all parking signs. View all Eastwood car parks.

Disabled access

Our lovely historic building does have some access limitations. Due to the restrictions of the Grade II listed building there is no lift and no wheelchair access to the upper floors. If you are unable to use the stairs we can offer digital access tours on the ground floor.

There is also low level (gas) lighting in the historic rooms and the rooms themselves are small.

Please do contact us with any questions and we will do our best to help.