Grosvenor Museum achieves high marks in Visit England assessment

Chester’s Grosvenor Museum has retained its accredited status as a Visit England attraction, with assessors calling it a “hidden gem” following an inspection in July. The museum scored 83% overall, improving from its previous 79% rating in 2019. The highest marks were awarded for the friendliness and knowledge of staff (97%) and the cleanliness of the museum (90%).

The assessment looked at various aspects of the visitor experience, including pre-arrival, arrival, attraction quality, cleanliness, toilet facilities, retail, and staff. To maintain its accredited status, a combined score of at least 60% was required, which the museum comfortably exceeded.

The Visit England report praised the museum’s staff for their dedication to enhancing the visitor experience. The report stated: “All staff members are exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable, significantly enhancing the visitor experience. Their enthusiasm for the museum’s mission and passion for Chester’s history make them a standout feature of the visit.”

Cleanliness also received high marks, with the report commending the museum’s maintenance. “The cleanliness across all assessed areas is commendable, contributing to a pleasant and comfortable visitor experience. The museum is well-maintained, with litter-free floors, dust-free exhibits, and clean, well-kept toilet facilities,” the assessment noted.

Councillor Lisa Denson, Cabinet Member for a Fairer Future, applauded the museum team for their hard work: “The assessor summed up his visit as – ‘The Grosvenor Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Chester’s past.’ He even brought along his 12-year-old son, who was equally enthusiastic, particularly about the Changing Landscape of Snowdon exhibition.”

The recent Visit England survey also placed Grosvenor Museum among the top 20 most visited free attractions in the North West. In addition to recent upgrades, including new lifts and refurbished toilet facilities, the museum continues to attract visitors with its blend of historical, cultural, and artistic exhibits.

The museum is currently accepting entries for its 15th Grosvenor Museum Open Art Exhibition, inviting artists to showcase their work. For more details, visit the West Cheshire Museums website.

Grosvenor Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Entry is free, though donations are welcomed to support the museum’s continued efforts to provide a memorable visitor experience.