The Black and White House Museum

Black and white houseThe Black and White House is a remarkably well preserved example of a 17th Century timber-framed building and is situated in the heart of Hereford, surrounded by the commercial centre of the city. It is a startling sight, standing as the sole reminder of times-gone-by in the middle of a modern shopping precinct.

Built in 1621, the house has been used for many purposes over the years, starting life as a butcher's home and shop and finishing its commercial life in the hands of Lloyds Bank in the late 1920s. Since 1929 it has been a fascinating museum giving an insight into daily life in Jacobean times. It is furnished in period style with an internationally important collection of English oak furniture and there are interesting pieces in every room. Of particular interest to many visitors are the rare wall-paintings, the four-poster bed and the baby-walkers.

There are hands-on activities for children including replica clothing and puzzles.

For those unable to climb the stairs, a virtual tour is situated on the fully-accessible ground floor. There are also Braille and tactile images for the blind and visually impaired.

Please note parking is available close by. Take a look at the council car parks page. There are public toilet facilities nearby, but not on site.

Opening times

We are open on Monday 12 February, Monday 25 March and Monday 1 April 2024, 12pm - 3pm.

  • Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 4pm
  • Sunday 12 noon - 3pm
  • Bank holidays 12pm - 3pm

Museum shop

Our small museum shop sells postcards, gifts and greetings cards including unique gifts created by local craftspeople.

Admission charges

Special Offer: 2 adults and a guide book £10

  • Adults - £3.50
  • Children - free*
  • Students with ID - free
  • Access to ground floor only - £1.50
  • Adult annual pass - £10

*Children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Telephone: 01432 260694

Tours of the Black and White House

We offer tours of the house which will bring to life the history of the house and the objects it contains. Tours are free as part of the entrance fee. They are delivered by our volunteers and are sometimes subject to cancellation and change. Please call us on the day to check that there are no changes. Please note the tour involves moving around the building including using stairs. 

Daily house tour

  • Make your visit to the Black and White House more memorable by joining one of our amazing volunteer-led tours. 
  • The tours run on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11am and 3pm. and on Fridays at 11am.
  • The tour lasts around 30 minutes. It starts in the History Room on the ground floor of the house.  

Weekly Civil War tour

  • Come and join us for our weekly Civil War tour of the Black and White House and hear about Hereford’s role in the Civil War.  
  • Tours run on Tuesdays at 11am.
  • The tour lasts around 30 minutes. It starts in the History Room on the ground floor of the house. 

School visits

School workshops are available on Mondays, by appointment, during school term time. View the workshops below for more information and to book:

School visits by appointment only please.