The Thursford Collection

Located in the small village of Thursford, Norfolk, England, the Thursford Collection Museum is an interesting attraction that, amongst other things, simulates an old-fashioned fairground.  Amusement park rides, such as carousels, occupy the same large space as the steam engine collection and visitors will be amazed at the variety of mechanical organs that are exhibited there.  These organs range in size from the smallest street organ to the huge dance and fairground organs that were once found all over the United Kingdom.

There is a daily musical show with the resident organist (currently Robert Wolfe) at the Wurlitzer Cinema organ and he entertains fans of all ages. The music from today is played along with some stretching back to the silent movie days.  The entire attraction is housed in old farm buildings that have been renovated specifically for this use.  In November and December the entire establishment is prepared for the huge Christmas show which visitors from all over England travel to see.  Gift, tea and Christmas shops are also available and are decorated as if sets in a Charles Dickens novel.

The Thursford Collection is open from Good Friday through September 28th from noon to 5pm daily.  They are closed on Saturdays.  All of the fairground rides are included in the admission price and there is a children’s play area and picnic grounds outside.  Admission is £7.50 for adults, £7.00 for senior citizens, £7.00 for students, £3.50 for children 4 through 14 and under 4’s are free.  Christmas events are heavily pre-booked so contact the Thursford Collection for more information if you wish to attend an event.