The Workhouse, Southwell

The Workhouse at Southwell was built in 1824 to the design of the Reverend John T. Becher, who declared that "an empty workhouse is a successful one", and its strict, segregated regime for around 160 inmates became the model for the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act. It is now the best-preserved workhouse in England, joined by the Infirmary of 1871, which went on caring for the ill until the 1980s. Interactive displays, personal objects and first-come guided tours tell the inmates' stories, children can dress up and follow trails, and the recreated kitchen garden grows heritage vegetables sold to visitors. Dogs are welcome anywhere outside but not inside the historic buildings. Reviewers single out the knowledgeable staff and volunteers, the clear displays and the activities for children; most of the visit is indoors, so it suits a wet day. Tips from visitors: satnavs often miss the entrance, so use the Upton Road postcode the Trust gives, and the upper floors are stairs only.