New Walk Museum Highlights Tour

A volunteer-led tour of one of the Midlands' largest free museums, covering three distinct collections in one hour. The route includes Egyptian mummies and artefacts, a dinosaur gallery with fossils, and German Expressionist paintings from the early 1900s. Volunteers offer accessible commentary suitable for first-time visitors and families, with time to ask questions. The museum building itself, opened in 1885, sits on New Walk - a historic tree-lined promenade. Best for families and first-time museum visitors. This is a easy activity lasting 1 hour. Group size: 5-30. You meet at Museum main entrance, New Walk. Key highlights: Free guided tour every Sunday at 2pm, Egyptian mummies and ancient artefacts on display, Dinosaur fossils from Leicestershire and beyond.

Price: Free

Duration: 1 hour

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 5-30

Minimum age: all ages

Best for: families and first-time museum visitors

Best time: Sunday 2pm tours run year-round. Arrive early on bank holidays (groups fill quickly). Weekday mornings are quieter for self-guided browsing after the tour.

Meeting point: Museum main entrance, New Walk

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

2:00pm Gather at main entrance and introduction - Volunteer introduces the museum layout and tour route. Basic information about the building's 1885 opening.

2:05-2:20pm Egyptian gallery - Viewing mummies, canopic jars, and hieroglyphic artefacts. Volunteer explains burial practices and daily life in ancient Egypt.

2:20-2:35pm Dinosaur gallery - Fossils and skeletons of local and international specimens. Discussion of Leicestershire's geological past and fossil discoveries.

2:35-2:50pm German Expressionist paintings - Works from early 20th-century art movements. Volunteer discusses style, historical context, and key artists.

2:50-3:00pm Questions and closing remarks - Final opportunity to ask the volunteer about collections or the museum's history.

The whole experience takes 1 hour. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Museum main entrance, New Walk.

• Free guided tour every Sunday at 2pm
• Egyptian mummies and ancient artefacts on display
• Dinosaur fossils from Leicestershire and beyond
• German Expressionist paintings from the 1900s
• Access to remaining galleries after the tour
• Accessibility: Step-free access to ground floor. Accessible toilets available. Lifts to upper floors. Volunteers can arrange quieter times for autistic visitors - contact the museum in advance.

What is included: Guided tour with volunteer interpreter, Full museum access during opening hours, Exhibition labels and floor maps.

Not included: Photography permissions (check with volunteer), Cafe beverages or food, Souvenir guide books. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable shoes for walking galleries, Notebook if you want to record details, Cash if you want to use the donation box. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Sunday 2pm tours run year-round. Arrive early on bank holidays (groups fill quickly). Weekday mornings are quieter for self-guided browsing after the tour..

Tip: Tours run Sundays at 2pm

Tip: Donation box available

Accessibility: Step-free access to ground floor. Accessible toilets available. Lifts to upper floors. Volunteers can arrange quieter times for autistic visitors - contact the museum in advance..

Operator: Leicester Museums Service | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 116 225 4900

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre (4 min walk)
• Leicester Cathedral (10 min walk)
• Clarendon Park (12 min walk)

This activity is run by Leicester Museums Service.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Walk-up tours only. No advance booking needed. Arrive 5-10 minutes early..

Accessibility: Step-free access to ground floor. Accessible toilets available. Lifts to upper floors. Volunteers can arrange quieter times for autistic visitors - contact the museum in advance..

Best time to go: Sunday 2pm tours run year-round. Arrive early on bank holidays (groups fill quickly). Weekday mornings are quieter for self-guided browsing after the tour..

When do the New Walk Museum tours run?

Guided highlights tours run every Sunday at 2pm. The tour is free and takes one hour. No advance booking is required - just arrive at the main entrance on New Walk. Tours may be cancelled on rare occasions for staffing reasons, so contact the museum before travelling if weather is severe.

Is the New Walk Museum tour suitable for children?

Yes, the volunteer tour is designed for families and children of all ages. The Egyptian mummies and dinosaurs are particularly popular with younger visitors. The pace is relaxed with time for questions. Very young children may find one hour long - consider self-guiding through sections of interest instead.

Can I visit the museum at other times without a guide?

Yes. The New Walk Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm (closed Mondays). You can explore at your own pace using the exhibition labels and maps. Permanent collections include Egyptian, dinosaurs, art, and natural history. Special exhibitions rotate seasonally.