Our museums host regular talks by local societies, as well as our own programme of Story Tours and Talks.

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A compelling programme brimming with tales of joy and resilience, along with themes of murder, scandal, crime, and punishment. These guided walks and museum talks highlight the individuals and locations that have uniquely influenced, and been influenced by, our city.

Designed for adults but suitable for ages 12+.

UPDATE - October 2026: this year's programme of walking tours has come to an end, but there will be several indoor talks in November & December - including a repeat of Jeremy Craddock's popular Jigsaw Murders talk & book signing which sold out so quickly in July!  

• All remaining talks take place at Lancaster City Museum.
• Talks last about 1 hour, plus 30 minutes of relaxed Q&A.
• Ticket price includes refreshments.

Literary Lancaster, with Penny Bradshaw

Saturday 14 November  -  11am  -  City Museum

'The stones of Lancaster do sometimes whisper' (Dickens). Explore writing inspired by this ancient city, featuring authors like William Wordsworth, Charles Dickens, and Carol Ann Duffy. Discover the dark, Gothic side of Lancaster’s literary heritage, shaped by its past as a site of execution and a slave port.

Tickets £10 - BOOK NOW

Historical Women of Lancaster 3 - Changing Times, with Eleanor Levin

Tuesday 24 November  -  11am  -  City Museum

A botanical illustrator, a prison reformer, a murder suspect, a cotton spinner, and a music hall star! Each woman's story is a window onto the changing times in which she lived.

Tickets £10 - BOOK NOW

The Jigsaw Murders: Lancaster and the Crimes of Dr Buck Ruxton, with author Jeremy Craddock

Friday 4 December  -  4pm & 7pm  -  City Museum

Using archive photographs and documents, Jeremy Craddock, author of The Jigsaw Murders, tells the shocking true story of Dr Ruxton's murders, the landmark police and forensic investigation and the impact on the Lancaster community.

Two ticket options are available for this talk:

Talk only  -  £10  -   BOOK NOW
Talk & signed copy of the book  -  £24  -   BOOK NOW

This talk runs twice so please let us know your preferred start time during online booking: 4pm or 7pm.

Questions?   Email historydetectives@lancaster.gov.uk 

Everyone is welcome at these talks, but Friends group members get in FREE!   -   Join the FOLCM now.

UPCOMING TALKS

All talks are listed on our Events Calendar.

TICKETS

• £3 guest ticket (cash only please). Pay on the day - no need to book.
• Free to Friends group members  -  Join now.

LOCATION

• Education Room, Lancaster City Museum. Separate entrance at the back of the museum on New Street, opposite Journey Social cafe. View on Google Maps.

FOLCM website   |   FOLCM Facebook Page

Drop into the Maritime Museum on the second Wednesday of every month for public talks from the Marine Conservation Society - all welcome!

UPCOMING TALKS

All talks are listed on our Events Calendar.

TICKETS

• £4 donation to the Society (cash only please*). Pay on the day - no need to book.

*You can make card purchases in the museum shop, but the £4 donation goes directly to the MCS, who can only take cash.

LOCATION

• Lancaster Maritime Museum, St George's Quay, LA1 1RB 

 MCS Lancashire website   |   MCS Lancashire Facebook Page

If you'd like to hold your own talk, meeting, or event in one of our museums, visit our Room Hire page to see how we can help.