How to Visit London’s Secret Victorian Ragged School Museum

A local’s guide to visiting the secret Ragged School Museum in Mile End – one of the still-standing Victorian places filled with history in East London!

Back when I lived in Mile End, I would often pass by the Ragged School Museum – especially as I would go to the dentist’s down the road.

One of the only remaining Victorian places in London, the Ragged School Museum is a spot I ended up visiting only last year when I flew back to London for a bit.

Whether you’re visiting London on a budget, looking for really off-the-beaten-path, secret museums or just happen to find yourself in Mile End, this museum is at the top of my list.

Maybe not if you’re spending only one day in London, two days or three days, but definitely if you’re spending a week or ten days here!

How to Visit London’s Secret Victorian Ragged School Museum

The Ragged School Museum is located on Copperfield Road, in Mile End, East London.

It’s just a few stops away from Bethnal Green and Liverpool Street on the Central Line, and the Shoreditch area.

The building was originally part of a school established in the 19th century, dating from the Victorian era – a ragged school, which used to be a free school for poor children.

The Ragged School we’re seeing today was a free school for kids from the impoverished families of Mile End, and shows how education, poverty and social conditions were in the Victorian East End.

The name ‘ragged’ refers to the children’s poverty and tattered clothes.

At ragged schools, kids would learn about reading, writing, moral instruction and religion, managed by volunteers, but also work and live there.

As you enter, you’ll be directed upstairs to see Victorian classrooms with blackboard, benches, slates and old desks – you also have a straight view on Regent’s Canal, which runs right below the museum.

We’re here in one of the smallest, most secret museums in London; do check the official website to confirm opening days/hours and whether there is a classroom visiting at the time you want to come.

It takes about one to two hours to really take in the vibes and information about the Ragged School Museum in detail, read the historical documents and exhibits about Victorian children and social conditions.

It could take even more time, though, when you take the time to sit down at the old, low benches and try and imagine what it would have been like to live and study at the ragged school.

Ragged School Museum, East London Photo Gallery

Victorian Classroom, Ragged School Museum

Second Victorian Classroom, Ragged School Museum

Room at the Ragged School Museum, London

Ragged School Museum Exhibition and Victorian London

How to Visit London’s Secret Victorian Ragged School Museum

When you’re done visiting the Ragged School Museum, you will find a secret cafe at street level with a straight view of Regent’s Canal.

It’s great for fresh cakes and some coffee, and one of the only cafes with a view to stop at before you keep visiting East London.

You’ll actually find lots of amazing places to visit in the East End.

Neighborhoods like Spitalfields and Shoreditch are some of the most famous, but you’ll also find more secret areas like Walthamstow and Leytonstone when riding the Tube a little longer.

Or, if you’d like to keep visiting museums, do check out some of my favorites:

• The Young V&A Museum in Bethnal Green nearby
• The Museum of the Home in Hoxton, also located in East London
• The Horniman Museum and Gardens, located further out in South East London