Free UK museums & galleries
Whether it's something different to do at the weekend or something to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays, we've got a region by region rundown of 200+ FREE museums and galleries.
Where in the UK do you want to look?
The list for each region is quite long, so pick the region you're interested in to see the free museums. Or, you can use this Free museums & galleries map we've created, which has them all by location.
www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum
Where: City of London (view map)
Open: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Open until 8pm every third Thursday of the month.
Description: Shows objects from the Bank of England's 300+ years of existence, from cartoons to banknotes to furniture. You can even try to lift a real gold bar!
Reviews: MSE user Jo reviewed this museum: "Good informative museum with related worksheets for children, as well as fun things like holding a gold bar. My 10-year-old especially enjoyed the experience. It took about 1.5 hours to cover it all."
Where: Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Saturday, 9.30am-5pm
Description: This museum records the lives and experiences of people with mental health problems, and aims to provide people with a better understanding of mental health.
Where: Bloomsbury (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm, but open until 8.30pm on Fridays.
Description: A fascinating collection of over eight million objects. Themes include ancient history touring exhibitions, 'Around the world in 90 minutes', and the relationship between humans and the natural world.
Where: Hoxton (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Reveal and rethink the ways we live, in order to live better together, through furniture and interiors, diverse and thought-provoking personal stories and rethinking the concept of home.
www.ucl.ac.uk/culture/grant-museum-zoology
Where: Euston (view map)
Open: Monday-Friday, 1pm-5pm. Saturday 11am-5pm.
Description: The museum's 68,000 specimens cover the entire animal kingdom, making this one giant animal graveyard!
Where: Gunnersbury Park, Acton (map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4.30pm.
Description: This museum has local artefacts from all over West London.
Where: Forest Hill (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5.30pm. The Natural History Gallery section is closed until 2026 for refurbishment.
Description: Museum packed with a range of different things to see, including musical instruments, natural history artefacts, gardens, and cultural curiosities.
Where: Lincoln's Inn Fields (view map).
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Museum of anatomy, natural history, osteology and pathology, based on John Hunter's collection of 15,000 specimens and preparations.
Where: Lambeth (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-6pm.
Description: Permanent displays include the Holocaust Exhibition and Peace and Security from 1945. Some other exhibitions may charge a small fee.
Reviews: Jane Fergusson reviewed this museum. She says: "Absolutely amazing! Better for ages 7 and upwards, although there are free activities for younger children. Very interesting throughout, seeing part of the Twin Towers meant that the history was right up until modern times. Recommended highly."
MSE user Helen Cobley tells us: "I could have spent days here, the amount of things to see is vast. From planes and uniforms to everyday things like ration books and personal letters. The Holocaust museum is harrowing and people were moved to tears, but it's important something so awful is documented for future generations to learn from."
Where: Croydon (view map)
Open: Wednesday and Friday, 11am-4pm.
Description: Housed in Croydon Clocktower, it shows the history of Croydon through different themes such as My Home is My Island, Roots & Branches, QUEER + Croydon and Hospitality.
www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands
Where: West India Quay (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Narrating London's history as a port, from the Roman settlement up to the regeneration of the docklands.
Where: Chelsea (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5.30pm
Description: Five galleries exploring the history and impact of the British Army, including tanks, uniforms and the skeleton of Napoleon’s horse. There’s also a play base and activity packs for kids.
Where: Greenwich (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Dedicated to all things nautical. Includes the Maritime Galleries and the Queen's House.
Where: Just off Trafalgar Square (view map)
Open: Sunday-Monday, 10.30am-6pm. Friday-Saturday, 10.30am-9pm
Description: Founded in 1856, it has over 200,000 portraits, from modern subjects to paintings from the 16th century.
Reviews: MSE user Kate Haywood says: "This was really great. They have 3 free booklets for children - one is a fantastic workbook, one is a portrait trail and the other is a museum trail. All captured the interest of our 4 year old."
Where: South Kensington (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5.50pm
Description: The museum features life and earth science specimens. Collections include Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Paleontology and Zoology. Popular with visitors are the earthquake room and the dinosaur gallery.
www.ucl.ac.uk/culture/petrie-museum
Where: Euston (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Friday, 1pm-5pm. Saturday 11am-5pm
Description: An estimated 80,000 archaeological finds help take you on a journey through the history of Egypt.
Where: Hendon (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm
Description: Make your way around five huge buildings crammed with aircrafts, artefacts, aviation memorabilia, fine art and photographs covering the history of aviation.
Reviews: MSE user J McEntee says: "This is a fantastic museum. It is very child-friendly with lots of interactive things for children to do. There are picnic areas both inside and outside the museum if you want to bring your own food and snacks. My favourite aeroplane is the Lancaster bomber which is huge! Great for families and all ages."
Judy Knight adds: "It was great to get so close to this huge collection of aircraft. I found it both inspiring and very moving to find out about events in history."
Where: Near Oxford Street (view map)
Open: Monday-Friday, 10am-7pm. Open Saturdays, 10am-5pm except August.
Description: The RCN’s museum offers exhibitions, curated in collaboration with nurses, which showcase compelling narratives and artefacts that bring the history of nursing to life.
Where: Sloane Square (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-6pm
Description: Contemporary art from both young unknowns and international artists including Richard Wilson's popular 20:50 oil installation.
Where: South Kensington (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-6pm
Description: Vast museum of advancements in science, medicine, technology and industry. Suitable for young and old alike.
Reviews: MSE user Sult sent us this review: "A great family day out with plenty of things to do for under 5s. Good innovative day and the 4D cinema was mind blowing."
Where: Lincoln's Inn Fields (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Over 45,000 historical objects including antiquities, paintings and architectural models in a house built by Sir John Soane to store his collections.
https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain
Where: Pimlico (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-6pm.
Description: One of four Tate galleries, Tate Britain has a vast range of British and international art from 1500 onwards.
https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
Where: Bankside (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-6pm.
Description: Large, striking, modern art gallery featuring international works from 1900 onwards. Set in a former power station.
Where: Trafalgar Square (view map)
Open: Every day 10am–6pm. Open till 9pm Friday.
Description: Over 2,300 paintings, including works like Claude Monet's The Water Garden at Giverny and Vincent van Gough's Sunflowers.
Where: Off Oxford Street (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm. Closed 24, 25 and 26 December.
Description: Impressive art collection featuring works by Titian, Rembrandt, Hals and Velázquez.
Where: South Kensington (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5.45pm. Open till 10pm on Friday.
Description: Large museum of art and design, with colourful collections arranged around themes including Materials & Techniques, Asia, and Europe.
Where: Euston Road (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm. Open till 8pm on Thursday.
Description: Varied attraction with lots to see and do, focusing on the history and progression of medicine around the world.
Where: Bethnal Green (view map)
Open: Every day, 10am-5.45pm
Description: Young V&A is a museum sparking creativity now and for the future, with spaces to imagine, play and design. Created with 0-14-year-olds, it is a place for young people and grownups to be inspired by the power of creativity and discover the creative possibilities of our national collections.
Reviews: Lisa Smith reviewed this museum for MSE. She says: "A building rammed with nostalgia for anybody over the age of 30. A fantastic place to visit with siblings for some serious reminiscing!"
Where: Armagh (view map)
Open: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Saturday, 10am-4pm.
Description: Features displays on the natural world, art and history.
andculture.org.uk/visit-us/north-down-museum
Where: Bangor (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. Sunday 12pm-4pm.
Description: Displays regional history from the Bronze Age onwards. Highlights include a replica Viking longhouse and monk’s cell.
Where: Belfast (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays, except most NI public and bank holidays.
Description: A vast collection of artefacts from the natural sciences, art and history, ancient relics and more.
Where: Aberdeen (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Sunday 11am-4pm.
Description: The museum houses art ranging from 18th century portraits by Raeburn, Hogarth, Ramsey and Reynolds to powerful 20th century works by Paul Nash, Ben Nicholson, Stanley Spencer and Francis Bacon.
Where: Aberdeen (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm.
Description: Displays on the North Sea gas and oil industry, shipbuilding and Aberdeen's long relationship with the sea.
Where: Dunfermline, Scotland (view map)
Open: Every day, 11am-4pm.
Description: Experience the life of Andrew Carnegie - a philanthropist, steel tycoon, writer, lecturer, entrepreneur and much-loved Scot from the 19th century.
www.leisureandculturedundee.com
Where: Dundee (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Saturday 10am-4pm. Sunday 12.30pm-4pm. Closed from late October to March.
Description: Located at the mouth of the River Tay, this castle museum houses a range of displays on local subjects.
Reviews: MSE user Lucy reviewed this museum, she said: "This chilled museum covers the history of the world from the point of view of Broughty Ferry, including woolly mammoths and some nice 19th century paintings.
"You can bird watch and look for dolphins from the top floor, and it's very handy for the clean beach and an excellent play park. No wheelchair access though, so you will need to be able to get up lots of stairs."
Where: Glasgow (view map)
Open: Monday-Thursday and Saturday, 10am-5pm. Friday and Sunday, 11am-5pm.
Description: An eclectic collection compiled by shipping magnate Sir William Burrell and later donated to the city of Glasgow. Includes works by Rodin, Degas and Cézanne.
Where: Edinburgh (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: A nine storey former warehouse with collections ranging from Egyptian and Roman objects to Star Wars costumes and artwork.
Where: Dunfermline (view map)
Open: Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 10am-5pm. Thursday, 10am-6pm. Saturday, 10am-4pm. Sunday, 12pm-4pm.
Description: Set within the Heritage Quarter of Scotland's ancient capital.
Where: Dunfermline (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Thursday, 10am-5pm. Friday-Saturday, 10am-12pm. Sunday, 11am-4pm.
Description: An art gallery, set inside an old art deco Fire Station building.
Where: Falkland, Fife (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Saturday, 10am-4pm.
Description: Independent gallery supporting local art and crafts.
Where: Glasgow (view map)
Open: Monday-Thursday and Saturday 10am-5pm, Friday and Sunday, 11am-5pm.
Description: Four galleries displaying works by contemporary artists from Glasgow and around the world.
Where: Aberdeenshire (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm.
Description: Showcasing the history of Garioch from the earliest settlement to the present day.
Where: Newtonmore (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm April-August, 10.30am-4pm September & October.
Description: Showcasing 300 years of Highland rural life.
Where: Inverness (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm April-October. Tuesday-Thursday 12pm-4pm and Friday & Saturday 11am-4pm November-March.
Description: An eclectic mix of geology, archaeology and fine arts and crafts, all made, used or collected in the Highlands.
Where: Glasgow (view map)
Open: Monday-Thursday and Saturday 10am-5pm, Friday and Sunday, 11am-5pm.
Description: Varied collection includes weapons and suits of armour, and Impressionist paintings.
Reviews: MSE user Catriona Gibson says: "This museum has undergone a major refurbishment. I have two young kids and this is the ideal place to spend a wet afternoon. There are animals, weapons, paintings and a Spitfire hanging from the ceiling. Also, on Sunday afternoons there is normally an organ recital."
Where: Bo'ness, Central Scotland (map)
Open: Wednesday-Monday, 12.30pm-4pm.
Description: Located in the 17th century stable block of Kinneil House, this museum has displays and artefacts dating back to Roman times.
Where: Dundee (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday, 12.30pm-4.30pm.
Description: Discover Dundee's history, culture and art at this museum and gallery.
Where: Forfar (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Monday, 10.30am-4pm April to October. Friday-Monday, 10.30am-4pm November to March.
Description: Museum has a reconstructed cobbled street complete with sweet shop and knockmaker’s workshop, as well as a collection of Pictish carved stones and an ever-changing gallery of work by local and national artists.
Where: Edinburgh (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Newly refurbished museum showing a huge collection of toys and games through the ages.
Where: Edinburgh (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Saturday 1pm-5pm.
Description: Explores the history of money and all themes related to it: art & design, technology, crime, trade and security. There's £1 million and Scotland's oldest banknote to see.
Where: Edinburgh (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm
Description: The history, land and culture of Scotland. Artefacts include steam engines and ornate quaichs (drinking cups).
Where: Glasgow (view map)
Open: Temporarily closed for refurbishment until 2027. Monday-Thursday and Saturday, 10am-5pm. Friday and Sunday, 11am-5pm.
Description: Museum narrating Glasgow's social heritage and the story of the city from 1750 onwards.
Where: Perth (view map)
Open: Monday, Friday and Saturday, 10am-5pm. Thursday 10am-7pm. Sunday 10am-4pm.
Description: Collections of natural history and local history as well as art and photography, with in-gallery activities for kids and families.
Where: Stromness (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10.30am–5pm.
Description: A collection of British fine art from both 20th century and contemporary artists.
Where: Glasgow (view map)
Open: Monday-Thursday and Saturday 10am-5pm, Friday and Sunday, 11am-5pm.
Description: One of the oldest buildings in Glasgow (built in 1471) is now a museum detailing life in Glasgow around 1500 and 1700.
Where: Glasgow (view map)
Open: Monday-Thursday and Saturday 10am-5pm, Friday and Sunday 11am-5pm.
Description: Dedicated to sea and land transportation.
Reviews: Angela Halsall reviewed this museums for MSE. She says: "This state of the art museum hosts a huge collection of excellent old transport, and provides extra information via touchscreen tablets. Outside is an impressive ship which is well worth a visit."
Where: Ayr (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday 10am–5pm. Sunday 12pm-5pm.
Description: Rozelle House is an 18th century mansion house set in gardens. It's currently showing the Tam O' Shanter collection by Alexander Goudie.
www.orkneymuseums.co.uk/our-museums/scapa-flow-museum
Where: Lyness, Island of Hoy (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 9.30am-4.15pm
Description: This museum charts Orkney’s military involvement in the First and Second World Wars and is home to a collection of wartime artefacts.
Where: Glasgow (view map)
Open: Temporarily closed for refurbishment.
Description: Devoted to Scotland's education history, exploring advancements in schooling and the old school's heritage.
Reviews: MSE user ScotsBob reviewed this museum: "This was originally a school and anyone who was a pupil in Glasgow will identify with the gallery building. Going round is just like a step back in time. However, it is used extensively by school trips and this restricts the areas the public can visit. Better to go in school hols and visit all the areas."
Where: Edinburgh (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Home of Scotland’s renowned collection of modern art, set in an impressive neoclassical building with a sculpture park in the grounds.
Where: Edinburgh (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Gallery holding the national collection of portraits on Scottish subjects, all housed in a striking neo-Gothic palace complete with impressive friezes and sculptures.
Where: Kirkcudbright (map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 11am-4pm.
Description: The Museum exhibits a wealth of objects relating to the area known as The Stewartry, or Kirkcudbrightshire.
www.smithartgalleryandmuseum.co.uk
Where: Stirling (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Founded in 1874 as The Smith Institute, the Stirling Smith holds historical artefacts and paintings of Stirlingshire.
Where: Glasgow (view map)
Open: Monday-Thursday and Saturday, 10am-5pm. Friday and Sunday, 11am-5pm
Description: Museum dedicated to religious life and art, promoting respect between all faiths. Four exhibition areas, spread over three floors.
Where: Coatbridge (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-4pm.
Description: Interactive museum displaying social history and working machinery, and offering guided tours of a mine shaft and miners’ row. There’s also a well-equipped playpark for kids.
Where: Edinburgh (view map)
Open: Every day, 10am-5pm.
Description: Explore how Edinburgh's people have worked and played since the 18th century.
Where: Edinburgh (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Celebrate the lives of three of Scotland's finest writers – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott & Robert Louis Stephenson.
Where: Oban, Argyll (view map)
Open: Every day, 10am-4pm.
Description: This museum explores the cultural history of the busy port town and its people. Learn about the fishing and maritime industries, the railway, road transport, local sports, and the role played by Oban during the war years.
https://arbeiaromanfort.org.uk/
Where: South Shields (view map)
Open: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm.
Description: The fort formerly guarded the entrance to the River Tyne. It now shows visitors life in Roman Britain.
Where: Gateshead (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Sunday 10am-6pm.
Description: Impressive contemporary art venue, with four galleries, a library, an archive, two restaurants and a cafe bar.
Where: Newcastle (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewellery and glass by artists from all over the world.
Where: Middlesborough (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Description: Social history museum celebrating Middlesbrough’s history and contributions, including exhibitions on influential Victorian designer Christopher Dresser and local Linthorpe Art Pottery.
https://discoverymuseum.org.uk/
Where: Newcastle (view map)
Open: Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm. Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm.
Description: Museum about the Tyneside area, including science, technology, and its maritime and military history.
https://greatnorthmuseum.org.uk/
Where: Newcastle (view map)
Open: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Saturday 10am-4pm. Sunday 11am-4pm.
Description: Features displays on the Ancient Greeks, Ancient Egypt, animals and plants, and a planetarium.
Reviews: MSE user Lisa sent us her review. She says: "This is a great museum, and I love taking my godson there. There's lots to see and do and several interactive things to keep the kids occupied."
Where: Newcastle (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.
Description: A range of contemporary and historical art exhibitions.
https://laingartgallery.org.uk/
Where: Newcastle (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am-4.30pm.
Description: Historic and contemporary art and sculpture.
Where: Co Durham (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Branch of the National Railway Museum based in one of the world's oldest railway towns. Suitable for all ages.
Where: Durham (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Displays objects from prehistoric, Roman and medieval times.
https://sunderlandculture.org.uk
Where: Sunderland (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Promotes the art, history and science of glass through exhibitions. Glass blowing demonstrations take place daily.
Where: Bamburgh (view map)
Open: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Sunday 12pm-4pm.
Description: Museum commemorating Grace Darling, a Victorian woman who risked her life to rescue nine people from a shipwreck. Includes interactive displays and the original boat.
https://shipleyartgallery.org.uk/
Where: Gateshead (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm. Saturday 10am-5pm.
Description: Museum dedicated to contemporary craft and design. Its Designs for Life gallery has over 300 artefacts.
https://southshieldsmuseum.org.uk/
Where: South Shields (view map)
Open: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Saturday 11am-4pm.
Description: Museum and gallery which tells south Tyneside's history, with exhibits, artworks and colourful displays.
https://stephensonrailwaymuseum.org.uk/
Where: North Shields (view map)
Open: Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-4pm.
Description: Museum that recreates the steam railway era. Based at the home of George Stephenson's engine Billy.
Reviews: MSE user Cheryl sent us her review. She says: "This is a small museum with a wooden train set with limited trains. It's great for younger children. The train rides don't always run so ring ahead if it's important and there's a charge for this. It's located just around the corner from the Silverlink so there's good bus links. It has indoor and outdoor picnic spots and during the summer there are special events. I would recommend spending an hour at the museum, if you're not going when there's an event. There's also a train ride for little ones."
Where: Sunderland (view map)
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9.30am-5pm. Wednesday, 9.30am-7pm. Saturday, 10am-4pm.
Description: Museum in the city centre with an art gallery, exhibition space and gardens.
https://museumsnorthumberland.org.uk
Where: Ashington, Northumberland (view map)
Open: Every day, 10am-4pm.
Description: Only free for children under 16 - adults need to pay £7 (including unlimited returns for 12 months). Shows mining history of the area, with a big focus on real people and village life. You can also research your family tree in the archive centre.
Where: Blaenavon, near Abergavenny (view map)
Open: Everyday, 9.30am-5pm.
Description: Museum devoted to all things mining-related, with plenty to see and do.
Reviews: MSE user Nicky Matcher says: "Really different, but a little difficult to find. It's right at the end of an industrial estate, but well worth finding. Genuine ex-miners are your guides to a brilliant and authentic underground tour (not for small children or those with limited mobility). There are lots of supporting displays on the surface too."
Where: Cardiff (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.
Description: A museum and gallery dedicated to telling the story of Cardiff, including how it rose from a small market town in the 14th century to one of the world's biggest ports 600 years later.
Where: Llandudno (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10.30am-4.30pm.
Description: Six galleries show the best of Wales’s contemporary art, as well as pieces from around the world.
Where: Cardiff (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Welsh history from early periods to the present day, including archaeology and geology. Suitable for all ages.
Reviews: MSE user Rebecca M says: "This fantastic museum has loads of different things to see, including a brilliant geology and dinosaur section, as well as a hands-on room where you can handle exhibits. The art collection is superb too with lots of impressionist paintings and pieces by very famous artists."
Where: Newport (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Features artefacts from Roman Caerleon, the second Augustan Legion's base.
Where: Llanberis, Gwynedd (view map)
Open: Temporarily closed. Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Located in the Victorian workshops built near Elidir mountain. Tells the history of the slate industry and its workers.
Where: Swansea (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Focuses on Welsh industry and innovation from 300 years ago to the present day.
Where: Near Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Situated in the former Cambrian Mills, it looks at this important industry in Wales. It's suitable for families and includes a 'Wooly tail trail' with interactive activities for children.
Where: Anglesey (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Expect to find local history and art galleries dedicated to Charles Tunnicliffe and Kyffin Williamshire.
Where: Conwy (view map)
Open: Thursday-Sunday, 11am-4pm
Description: Established in 1881, the Royal Cambrian Academy celebrates Welsh art. There's usually around nine exhibitions featuring a range of contemporary and historical work.
Where: Cardiff (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Located in a hundred acres of parkland, this open-air museum explores Welsh culture and history.
Reviews: MSE user Gil Rider says: "Fab day out - take a picnic as there's lots of walking and lots to see."
Where: Swansea (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4.30pm.
Description: Wales's oldest museum opened in 1841, and tells the story of Swansea and its people.
Where: Colchester (view map)
Open: Temporarily closed. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm.
Description: Focuses on the natural heritage of north-east Essex.
Where: Hertford (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Sunday, 12pm-4pm
Description: The museum dates back to 1903 and showcases local history from this market town.
Where: Colchester (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Includes the story of Hollytrees, an elegant Georgian town house dating from 1718.
Where: Cambridge (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm.
Description: House and gallery containing a rich variety of modern art, founded by HS 'Jim' Ede for visual arts and music.
Where: Cambridge (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Sunday 12pm-5pm.
Description: Artefacts spanning almost two million years of human history, with items from every continent.
Where: Tring, Hertfordshire (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Attractive Victorian museum with a wide range of natural history artefacts. Great for animal and bird enthusiasts.
Reviews: MSE user Marty says: "I love this place. I used to go to it all the time as a kid, and it's still great now. There are loads of unexpected animals on display."
Where: Cambridge (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.
Description: Small museum displaying the stories of British polar exploration, including artefacts from early Antarctic expeditions.
Where: Royston, Hertfordshire (view map)
Open: Thursday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Description: Museum and art gallery, with Royston's heritage detailed in its Royston Tapestry.
Where: Norwich, Norfolk (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Friday, 9am-6pm, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Museum and art gallery, featuring ancient, modern and ethnographic art collections.
Where: Norwich, Norfolk (view map)
Open: Temporarily closed. First Sunday of every month, 10am-4pm.
Description: The museum is a memorial to the service personnel who served in the USAAF 448th Bomb Group at Seething airfield during the Second World War. Expect to see exhibits related to aviation, weapons and war.
Where: Luton (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm.
Description: Collections include rural crafts, social history, archaeology, and the Mossman collection of carriages.
Where: Cambridge (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Sunday 12pm-5pm.
Description: Compact museum housing a range of displays, including British, Italian, Spanish and Flemish art, and Grecian, Roman and Egyptian artefacts.
Where: Cambridge (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Saturday 10am-4pm.
Description: Collection of over two million fossils, rocks and minerals. Display themes include forests and shallow seas, tropical reefs, costal plains and the ice ages.
Where: Luton (view map)
Open: Sunday-Thursday, 11am-5pm.
Description: Explores the history of Luton. Includes a collection of over 700 hats from the 1700s onwards.
Where: Cambridge (view map)
Open: Monday-Friday, 12.30pm-4.30pm. Every third Saturday of every month, 10am-4pm.
Description: Devoted to the history of science, with scientific models and instruments from the Middle Ages onwards.
Where: Malmesbury, Wilts (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Friday, 10.30am-4.30pm, Saturday, 10.30am-4pm, Sunday 11:30am-3.30pm
Description: Explores Malmesbury's history. Artefacts include paintings, drawings, engravings, photographs, coins and more.
Where: Barnstaple (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.
Description: Explores North Devon's ancient pottery, nature exhibits and historical artefacts.
Where: Exeter (view map)
Open: Every day, 10am-5pm.
Description: A must-see for all film fanatics - the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum is home to one of the largest collections of history relating to the moving image and cinema in Britain.
Where: Bristol (view map)
Open: Thursday-Sunday, 11am-4pm.
Description: Includes casts of classical and neo-classical reliefs and sculptures, a model train collection, period costumes, and the Bristol at Home galleries.
www.dorsetmuseums.co.uk/blandford-town-museum
Where: Blandford Forum, Dorset (view map)
Open: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am-4pm.
Description: A small but packed museum housing artefacts from Blandford Forum and the surrounding villages.
Where: Bristol (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Features exhibitions on Egypt and dinosaurs. Plus Victorian and European art.
Where: Bideford, Devon (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. Sunday 11am-4pm.
Description: Permanent collection includes oils and watercolours, with works by Sir John Lavery, Sir George Clausen and E Aubrey Hunt.
Where: Wiltshire (map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
Description: Housed in an 18th century townhouse, Chippenham Museum tells the story of this historic market town from its prehistoric origins to the present day.
Where: Shaftesbury, Dorset (view map)
Open: Every day, 10.30am-4.30pm.
Description: Shaftesbury and district’s local history museum.
Where: Bovey Tracey, Devon (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm. Sunday 10am-5pm.
Description: The House of Marbles is a working glass and games factory located in a historic pottery.
Reviews: We've been inundated with reviews for the House of Marbles.
Jaynice says: "House of Marbles is a shop of the past. There's lots of old toys to buy and it has a very good glass factory where you can watch things being made. You can buy marbles too. It's a good place to visit on a rainy day.
"Sotonmum adds: "Went to this not expecting very much and ended up spending way longer than anticipated with my three and six year olds. Lots of interesting things to see and glass making demonstrations. There is also a lovely outside cafe and play area including giant chess and jenga pieces which entertained the children while we adults had a yummy cream tea.
"Ruth Dearing also visited on a rainy day and enjoyed the cream tea. She says: "Went last year on a very rainy day. Quite small, lovely quirky exhibits. Good shop and excellent cafe/bistro - had best Devon cream tea there! You can order stuff in their factory (which you can also view) and have it sent to you, if it is not in their shop."
Where: Gloucester (view map)
Open: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Description: Expect to find vintage planes and guided cockpit tours of jet fighters at this museum dedicated to showcasing Gloucestershire's aviation heritage.
Where: Redruth, Cornwall (view map)
Open: Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays, 1pm-4.30pm
Description: A collection of industrial and mine locomotives, as well as plenty of rail-related equipment.
Where: Bristol (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Dockside galleries (designed to mimic the 1950s style) tell the history of Bristol through film, photography and quirky items.
Where: Taunton (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Showcases Somerset's history right back to prehistoric times.
Where: Stroud, Gloucestershire (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4.30pm. Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4.30pm.
Description: Set in Stratford Park, the museum is a 17th century former wool merchant and celebrates the history of Stroud.
Where: St Ives, Cornwall (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Formerly an old pilchard packing factory, Penwith has three public galleries, artists’ studios, a print workshop and a sculpture courtyard.
Where: Poole, Dorset (view map)
Open: Temporarily closed for refurbishment. Every day 10am-4.30pm.
Description: About Poole's history and inhabitants, with a terrace and visitor lounge with vistas over the Old Town and Poole Harbour.
Where: Exeter (view map)
Open: Tuesday 10.30am-5pm, Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: A varied collection of animals and historical artefacts.
Where: Christchurch, Dorset (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. Sunday, 12pm-4pm.
Description: A Georgian building, originally built as a workhouse in 1764, now filled with displays and exhibitions, including local social and natural history, geology and archaeology.
Where: Saltash, Cornwall (view map)
Open: Wednesday 2pm-4pm. Friday (summer only), 12pm-4pm. Saturday, 10am-2pm, 2pm-4pm.
Description: With a small, but ever-changing display, Saltash Heritage Museum charts the history and well-known characters of the town.
Where: Tavistock, Devon (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-3pm.
Description: A good place to learn about Cornwall and Devon's mining heritage landscape, with plenty of other useful local information.
Where: Plymouth (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Museum, gallery and archive. Artefacts and artworks from Ancient Egypt, archaeology, maritime and local history, fine art and decorative art collections.
Where: Bath (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10.30am-5pm.
Description: A wide variety of exhibitions overflowing with pieces from artists both past and present.
Where: Wolverhampton (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm.
Description: The museum displays Edwardian period décor with arts and crafts, as well as a range of interactive exhibitions exploring local history subjects.
Where: Bewdley, Worcs (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-4.30pm.
Description: Especially suitable for families, this museum focuses on local crafts and trades, with a brass foundry, gardens and more.
Where: Birmingham (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Houses more than 40 galleries, and located in a Grade II listed building. It also has two exhibition spaces.
Reviews: MSE user Chris Lock says: "One of those places where you never have enough time! Housed in a magnificent building, it has the Staffordshire Hoard, a wonderful collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings and many artefacts. The highlight was the fascinating display tracking the remarkable history of the city. We will visit again and again!"
Martyn Welsby adds: "What a fantastic collection of paintings, especially the Pre-Raphaelite pictures. There's something for everyone."
Where: Weston Park, Shropshire (view map)
Open: Every day 11am-4pm.
Description: Features contemporary art exhibitions and exhibits from the Weston Park collection, with a children's activity area and farm shop.
Where: Hereford (view map)
Open: Temporarily closed for refurbishment. Monday-Friday, 9.45am-4pm. Saturday, 9.45am-12.30pm.
Description: Features regularly changing exhibitions with plenty on local history, and located in a Victorian gothic building.
Where: Birmingham (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm.
Description: Features a range of different media, including painting, installation, film, sound and photography.
Where: Birmingham (view map)
Open: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Saturday-Sunday, 12pm-5pm.
Description: Collections of rocks, fossils and minerals as well as geological equipment and models, with over 250,000 specimens in total.
Where: Walsall (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Take a walk thorugh this restored factory and discover Walsall's leather-making past.
Where: Shifnal, Shropshire (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Housing German, British and American aircraft, this museum explores military aviation.
Reviews: Linda Price sent us her review of the museum. She says: "This is a great site, irrespective of the weather. There is something for every generation. I visited with children aged 7-9 years and they thoroughly enjoyed the Fun Flight section, the workshop and viewing the aircraft at such close proximity. The volunteers/staff were all very helpful too.
"Dawn Stratham agrees the museum is perfect for rainy days: "The RAF Museum at Cosford has a range of old and new planes which are displayed in hangars (great for rainy days). Their new Cold War hangar is very interesting and has interactive screens so you can get up close and personal with planes, tanks and missiles."
Where: Birmingham (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10.30am-5pm.
Description: As well as running school programmes and classes, the society has a permanent collection of over 400 works, including pieces by David Cox and Aubrey Beardsley.
Where: Stoke-on-Trent (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Sunday 11am-4pm.
Description: This museum and gallery looks at the heritage of the Potteries. Contains works by Picasso, Degas and Durer, has a captivating secret garden and a WW2 Spitfire.
Where: Worcester (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.
Description: 16th-century house full of memorabilia from its rich history as a weavers’ workshop, tavern and later a property of chocolate heir Richard Cadbury. There are also games, dressing up and an activity trail for kids.
Where: Wolverhampton (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10.30am-4.30pm. Sunday 11am-4pm.
Description: Houses on of the UK's most impressive Pop Art collections including pieces by Andy Warhol, David Hockney and Roy Lichtenstein.
www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk
Where: Worcester (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm, Sunday, 10am-3pm.
Description: A grand museum and art gallery with plenty of exhibitions and activities. Check out the glover's workshop which showcases Worcester's worldwide success as a historic glove exporter.
www.northampton.gov.uk/museums
Where: Northampton (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-4pm.
Description: Displays the history of the Northamptonshire Regiment & Yeomanry, as well as past and present leather design.
Where: Leicester (view map)
Open: Every day 11am-4.30pm.
Description: This museum looks into the region's history of science, technology and industry.
Where: Derby (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Sunday 12pm-4pm.
Description: There's plenty to see here, including two Egyptian mummies, a military gallery and a collection of Derby porcelain.
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/history-heritage/discover-stamford
Where: Stamford, Lincs (view map)
Open: Currently closed for building maintenance. Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 9am-5pm. Thursday 9am-6pm. Saturday 9am-4pm.
Description :The home of the Stamford Tapestry and a range of local history artefacts.
Reviews: MSE user Claire said: "As nice as this museum is, it is very small."
Where: Worksop, Notts (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Sunday 10am-4pm.
Description: Set in the tranquil surroundings of the Welbeck Estate, the gallery is home to creative works of hand-crafted works of art, while the museum displays fine arts and objects from as far back as ancient Roman times.
Where: Leicester (view map)
Open: Currently closed for refurbishment. Every day 9am-5pm.
Description: Packed with a range of different things to see, including medieval glass and Roman artifacts.
Where: Leicester (view map)
Open: Monday-Friday, 11am-4.30pm. Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm.
Description: Themes include Egyptians, Wild Space and World Arts, plus fine art displays, with works by Laurence Stephen Lowry and Francis Bacon.
Where: Lincoln (view map)
Open: Friday-Tuesday, 10am-4pm.
Description: Community museum dedicated to all aspects of Lincolnshire's social history from 1750 onwards.
www.derbymuseums.org/museum-of-making/
Where: Derby (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Description: This museum showcases Derby's history of innovation via exhibits, workshops, activities and events.
Where: Leicester (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. Sunday 11am-4pm.
Description: Things to see include a variety of toys from the Tudor period onwards, a play area for kids to try out different games and a "cinema experience".
Where: Northampton (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Sunday 12pm-5pm.
Description: It features a range of subjects, including local history and the arts. It's famous for its shoe collection.
Reviews: Ex-MSE Andrea says: "Very impressed by the shoe and boot collection (Northampton's famous for its shoe-making industry). It even includes boots used in the hilarious film Kinky Boots."
www.nottinghamcontemporary.org
Where: Nottingham (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm. Sunday 11am-5pm.
Description: Built in a historic area, home to the medieval town hall and the city's Victorian railway.
Where: Derby (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Museum of Georgian life and costume, including Georgian replica rooms, plus displays of toys and toy theatres upstairs.
Where: Leicester (view map)
Open: Every day 11am-4.30pm.
Description: Meet infamous pickpockets 'Emma Smith' and 'Crankie Gemmie' in the atmospheric Victorian police cells.
Where: Sheffield (view map)
Open: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Description: A well-preserved timber-framed house, typifying the smaller English domestic house in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Where: Bradford (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Friday, 10am-4pm. Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm.
Description: Features period decor from different eras, including a bed made by Thomas Chippendale for Harewood House.
Where: Bradford (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm. Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm.
Description: Things to see include textile machinery, motor vehicles and engineering.
Where: Castleford (view map)
Open: Monday-Tuesday, 9am-5pm, Thursday-Friday, 9am-5pm and Saturday, 9am-4pm.
Description: Local history, including what life was like under Roman rule.
www.hullmuseums.co.uk/ferens-art-gallery
Where: Hull (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am-4.30pm. Sunday 11am-4pm.
Description: Houses a collection of sculptures and paintings, as well as a children's gallery.
Where: Sheffield (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-4pm.
Description: Displays collections from the 16th-21st centuries, including works by Paul Cézanne, Damien Hirst and Bridget Riley.
www.hullmuseums.co.uk/hands-history-museum
Where: Hull (view map)
Open: Second and fourth Saturday of each month, 12pm-4pm.
Description: Museum on the people and history of Hull. Also houses an Egyptian gallery with a 2,600-year-old mummy.
Where: Hull (view map)
Open: Temporarily closed.
Description: Devoted to all things maritime. Artefacts include a full-sized whale skeleton, ship models and more.
Where: Hull (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-4.30pm. Sunday 11am-4pm.
Description: Museum of archaeology with mosaics, an Iron Age village complete with weaponry and a Roman bath house.
www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/leeds-art-gallery/
Where: Leeds (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Sunday 11am-3pm.
Description: A range of 20th century British art, plus seasonal temporary exhibitions. Housing works from Henry Moore and Rodin to Francis Bacon and Jacob Kramer.
www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/leeds-city-museum/
Where: Leeds (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm.
Description: Here you can see the Leeds Tiger and Leeds Mummy and even dig for fossils in the Life on Earth gallery.
www.archive.marksandspencer.com
Where: University of Leeds (view map)
Open: Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.
Description: One of Britain's most recognisable High Street brands and with this museum, you can follow the journey of M&S from market stall to Penny Bazaar to international retailer.
Where: Sheffield (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Sunday 11am-4pm.
Description: Contains exhibitions of the visual arts, craft and design, with four individual galleries.
Where: Overton, West Yorkshire (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
Description: Situated at Caphouse Colliery, this museum looks at the local and national history of coal mining, you even have the opportunity to travel down into one of Britain's oldest working mines.
www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk
Where: Bradford (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: All things related to television, film, photography, radio and the internet.
Where: York (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: York's National Railway Museum is dedicated to over three centuries of the history of rail. Suitable for all ages.
Where: Pontefract (view map)
Open: Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm. Sunday-Sunday, 9.30am-5pm
Description: Pontefract Castle has a lot of history to uncover, not only a fortress during the English Civil Wars, but also a prison for Richard II.
Where: Pontefract (view map)
Open: Monday-Friday, 10am-4.30pm. Saturday, 10.30am-4.30pm
Description: Learn all about Pontefract's history, including how the town grew thanks to the sweet success of liquorice.
Where: Leeds (view map)
Open: Every day 10am–5pm.
Description: Houses a large part of the national collection of arms and armour, with over 8,500 objects in five galleries.
Where: Sandal, Wakefield (view map)
Open: Every day, 9am-7.45pm.
Description: The scene of the Battle of Wakefield in 1460.
Where: Hull (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am-4.30pm. Sunday 11am-4pm.
Description: Museum of transport, exploring two centuries of the history of transportation. Things to see include a 1940s high street and a tram.
Where: Huddersfield (view map)
Open: Monday, 11am-3pm, Saturday-Sunday, 12pm-5pm.
Description: Victorian mansion house with collections including local history, Roman history, archaeology, textiles, transport and birds.
Where: Wakefield (view map)
Open: Monday-Tuesday and Friday, 9am-5pm. Wednesday and Thursday, 9am-7pm. Saturday, 9am-4pm.
Description: Local history including Wakefield's past as a Tudor wool trade centre.
Where: Sheffield (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm. Sunday 11am-4pm.
Description: Interactive history display from a traditional butcher's shop to Snowy the polar bear.
Where: Hull (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am-4.30pm. Sunday, 11am-4pm.
Description: Museum set in the birthplace of anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce.
Where: Blackburn (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-4.45pm
Description: The museum has collections of Christian icons, Egyptian hieroglyphs, and local history, as well as those of the former Lewis Textile Museum.
Where: Bolton (view map)
Open: Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday, 9am- 5pm. Wednesday 9.30am-5pm. Sunday 10am-4pm.
Description: Exhibitions on archaeology, art, botany, Egyptology, entomology, geology, social history and zoology.
Where: Oldham (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Gallery Oldham has amassed 12,000 items since it began collecting in 1883.
Where: Manchester (view map)
Open: Tuesday 10.30am-3pm.
Description: Museum exploring forensic science and forgery. Things to see include a range of police equipment and local uniforms.
www.grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Where: Chester (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10.30am-5pm. Sunday 1pm-4pm.
Description: Exploring the city and people of Chester, as well as changing exhibitions.
Where: Blackpool (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4.45pm.
Description: The gallery showcases contemporary visual arts with a year-round exhibitions programme.
Where: Preston (view map)
Open: Temporarily closed.
Description: Collections of fine and decorative art, a contemporary art show and a range of artefacts.
Reviews: Sadiya Ali reviewed this museum for MSE. She says: "Preston's Harris Museum and Art Gallery stands above the city centre like a proud mother. Its elegant facade doesn't disappoint.
"Alongside its quirky and interactive historical displays and ancient artefacts, you'll find intriguing artwork lining the grand stairs and challenging contemporary art installations. It's an artistic and historical oasis."
Where: Trafford Park, Manchester (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Documents the impact of war on individual lives, with a 360-degree sound and photograph show and family activities.
Where: Liverpool (view map)
Open: Temporarily closed. Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm.
Description: The history of the international slave trade, looking at slavery today and in the past.
Where: Port Sunlight, Wirral (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Lots to see, including paintings, furniture, tapestries, sculpture and Chinese collections.
Where: Lancaster (view map)
Open: Friday-Tuesday, 10.30am-4pm.
Description: Dedicated to Lancaster's diverse history, from the Roman era onwards. Also contains a range of artworks.
www.lancashireinfantrymuseum.org.uk
Where: Preston (view map)
Open: Friday and Saturday, 10am-4pm.
Description: The displays, archive and military history library narrate the story of the Regiment from 1689 to the 21st century.
www.lancashirepolicemuseum.co.uk
Where: Lancaster (view map)
Open: Thursday and Friday, 10.30am-12.30pm, 1.30-4pm.
Description: Located in Lancaster Castle’s former prison. Take a trip through time and learn about some of the pivotal moments across Lancashire Constabulary’s history and delve into some incredible historical cases and how we solved them.
Where: Liverpool (view map)
Open: Temporarily closed. Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Exploring the history of the port, including objects from wrecks, ships, boats, paintings and uniforms.
Where: Liverpool (map)
Open: Thursday-Tuesday, 10am-5pm and Wednesday, 10am-4:30pm.
Description: Explores the best of Liverpool, including the history of this regional city.
Where: Ashton-under-Lyne (view map)
Open: Currently closed for refurbishment.
Description: Describes the varied history of the Manchester Regiment soldiers, taking visitors from 1758 to 1958.
www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk
Where: Castlefield, Manchester (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Manchester's industrial and scientific history is displayed in five listed buildings, with a wide range of collections.
Reviews: Irene Djan says: "Went with the family (10yr old & 3yr old) and can't fault it! Staff were friendly and well informed and the activities, exhibitions and demonstrations were fantastic."
Where: Nantwich (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.
Description: Describes the history of Nantwich, including the story of Roman salt production, the 1644 Battle of Nantwich, and the clothing and shoe industries.
Where: Liverpool (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Focuses mainly on photography, featuring photos from the 1930s to the present day.
Where: Manchester (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Monday, 10am-5pm.
Description: This is a national museum of democracy, telling the story of its development in Britain: past, present, and future.
Where: Ashton-under-Lyne (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Description: Visitors can experience the region's industrial, farming and mining past. Especially suitable for families.
Where: Salford (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Friday, 9.30am-4pm. Saturday-Sunday, 11.30am-4pm.
Description: Attractions include a huge Victorian gallery and a recreation of a typical Victorian 'northern' street.
Where: Liverpool (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Liverpool-based former-home of a Victorian merchant, complete with period furniture and original paintings.
Where: Liverpool (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5.50pm.
Description: One of four Tate museums, it shows pieces from the Tate collection, as well as special contemporary exhibitions.
Where: Southport (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.
Description: The Atkinson homes an Egyptology museum, as well as a local history museum 'Between Land and Sea'. Plus, the venue also has a theatre staging dramas, music and comedy.
Where: Manchester (view map)
Open: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10am-5pm. Wednesday, 10am-9pm. Saturday, 8am-5pm.
Description: Situated in the University of Manchester, this large museum has 15 galleries with artefacts from across the globe.
Where: Liverpool (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Housed at Liverpool University, the museum holds items from 130 years of the city's history.
Where: Liverpool (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Liverpool-based attraction with galleries including paintings, sculpture and decorative art.
Reviews: MSE user Colette Forrest says: "The Walker is a real treasure. I have been many times and discover something new each time. If you want something for the children, the big art by the front door has lots to offer by way of activities related to paintings in the gallery.
"They have costumes to dress up, microscopes, magnetic games and a showcase that teaches number and observation skills. It's an excellent resource for the under 5s."
Where: Birkenhead, Prenton (view map)
Open: Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.
Description: The largest public collection of Della Robbia pottery in the UK, but also contains artworks, ceramics, sculptures, and maritime history.
Where: Liverpool (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: A collection of artefacts from across the globe, with an insect house, theatre, aquarium and planetarium.
Reviews: MSE user Rebecca says: "As a Scouser, I believe the World Museum is the best in Liverpool. There's loads to do and everyone in the family will find something they love. The planetarium and the bug house are my favourites!
"It's a must-see if you're coming to Liverpool, easy to get to by public transport and central for popping to see everything else in the city.
"Ruth also reviewed this museum: "Dinosaurs, fossils, elephant skull, an ant farm, spiders - kids are spellbound by this fabulous museum. It also has an aquarium that's better than some expensive attractions, as well as exhibitions which engage and stretch young imaginations in fun ways.
"Robert Lunt also sent a review after his visit. He says: "I recently went to Liverpool with my wife and children (ages 11 and 12). My wife was working so me and the lads had eight hours to kill. I was going to take them over to the Wirral but they misbehaved so as a punishment (I thought), I took them to the museum. We left six hours later and the boys thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and learnt so much. Thank you, Liverpool."
Where: Oxford (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Collections span eastern and western civilisations, charting the aspirations of humanity from the Neolithic era to today.
Reviews: MSE user Susan Toner says: "Sensational collection displayed intelligently in a splendid melding of the original building and modern extension. There's also excellent food available in the cafe and roof top restaurant, as well as lifts to all floors for those with limited mobility."
Where: Brighton (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Wednesday, 12pm-5pm. Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
Description: Huge collection of Victorian taxidermy, especially birds and insects, along with displays of bones and fossils.
www.ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/christchurch-mansion
Where: Ipswich (view map)
Open: Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 10am-5pm. Sunday 11am-5pm.
Description: Set in a Tudor mansion, expect to discover Ipswich’s historic past, with over 500 years of history.
Where: University of Reading (view map)
Open: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Description: All things zoology - this Museum is home to thousands of skeletons, fossil material, and some models of extinct animals.
Where: Portsmouth (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday (last Sunday of every month), 10am-5pm.
Description: Contains a pair of Boulton Watt beam engines and pumps which have been restored to original condition.
Where: Hampshire (view map)
Open: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Description: Aviation museum with a collection of planes, wind tunnels and engines.
Where: Hastings (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Sunday 11am-4.30pm.
Description: Mixture of paintings, the cultures of other lands, and a view of local wildlife today and as it would have been 150 million years ago.
Reviews: MSE user Keith says: "This museum's well off the tourist beaten track and, importantly, offers free parking! From the invention of TV to Grey Owl (a writer and envirnomentalist from Hastings), with a stop off via the mods and rockers, it's a great museum that's hidden away."
Where: University of Oxford (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-5pm.
Description: A collection of scientific inventions, devices, and instruments from different cultures, places, and times in human history.
www.wightaviationmuseum.org.uk
Where: Sandown, Isle of Wight (view map)
Open: Saturday-Tuesday, 10am-3pm.
Description: This museum showcases the history of aircraft and spacecraft developed and built on the Isle of Wight over the last 120 years
Where: Ryde, Isle of Wight (view map)
Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Description: Established in 1997, the museum homes historical vehicles and transport artefacts.
Where: Maidstone, Kent (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.
Description: Exhibition themes include ancient Egyptians (including a 2,700 year-old mummy!), biology, costume and archaeology.
Reviews: MSE user Roger Cockett sent us his review: "Maidstone Museum's wonderful. It's a 16th century manor with a gallery from Henry VIII's time. Things to see include: Saxon brooches, ladies costumes and Japanese porcelain. The staff are great, especially with kids."
Where: Milton Keynes (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Showing contemporary art with a variety of seasonal exhibitions.
Where: Oxford (view map)
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Life in Oxford through the ages.
Where: Oxford (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 9am-6pm. Thursday and Sunday, 11am-4pm.
Description: Discover artists from across the globe, showcasing modern and contemporary visual art.
Where: Chichester (view map)
Open: Saturday, 10am-5pm. Tuesday- Friday, 10am-4.30pm.
Description: This museum tells the story of Chichester over the past 500,000 years, highlights include the remains of a Roman bath house,
Where: Oxford (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Houses Oxford University's scientific collections of zoological, entomological and geological artefacts.
Where: Oxford (view map)
Open: Monday 12pm-5pm. Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Founded in 1884, it features a range of ethnographic and archaeological artefacts from across the globe.
Reviews: MSE user Cathy Moranne says: "This is my favourite museum in the UK. It's arranged in a really different way, with similar artefacts displayed all together instead of being from a specific area or time. You can hunt the wooden mice, see shrunken heads and even a witch in a bottle - fans of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials will love it!
"The shrunken heads were a hit with Chris Reeve too: "Brilliant quirky museum with vast displays of really obscure objects - my favourites were the shrunken heads - kids will love them!"
Where: Portsmouth (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: Museum devoted to Portsmouth's people. Also has temporary galleries with a range of seasonal and varied shows.
https://portsmouthnaturalhistory.co.uk/
Where: Southsea (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
Description: The museum tells the story of the wild things of the riverbank, marshes, woods and urban areas of Portsmouth.
Where: Reading (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm. Saturday 10am-5pm.
Description: Collections on a range of subjects, including the local environment and history.
Where: Reading (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-6pm.
Description: Displays the story of Reading's two rivers - the Kennet and the Thames - through interactive exhibitions.
Where: Fareham (view map)
Open: Every day 10am-5pm.
Description: Features the Royal Armouries artillery, with more than 350 big guns and cannons.
Where: Winchester, Hampshire (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 9.30am-4pm
Description: Explore 300 years of military logistics in this museum. With hands-on activities, free entry and free parking, it makes a great military day out.
www.southamptoncityartgallery.com/
Where: Southampton (view map)
Open: Temporarily closed for refurbishment and only open for booked groups and school visits or and pre-booked self-guided visits. Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm. Saturday 10am-5pm.
Description: Internationally-renowned for its impressive art collection, the gallery spans eight centuries of European art history.
Where: Margate, Kent (map)
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Description: This art gallery is built on the site of the boarding house where artist JMW Turner stayed during his visits to Margate. As such, the gallery is inspired by his life and work.
Where: Reading (view map)
Open: Tuesday-Thursday, 9.30am-4.30pm
Description: Museum of ancient Mediterranean archaeology, mostly covering ancient Greek civilisation but also has smaller collections of Egyptian, Etruscan and Roman items.
London
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Eastern England
South West England
West Midlands
East Midlands
Yorkshire and Humber
North West England
South and South East England
You can also view all free museums and galleries on this map.
If you're planning on visiting a museum on a Bank Holiday, it may be best to check ahead with the museum if the opening days and hours are different. Similarly, if you're heading to a museum late in the day, you may be best to check if there is a time for last entry.
Have we missed any? If you know of any great free museums in your area that we've not included, we'd love to hear about them. Add any suggestions to our free museums thread.
Other days out deals
As well as the free museums and galleries listed above, there are other ways to cut the cost of family fun, including:
Save with Tesco Clubcard
A cheap way to entertain kids is to spend your Tesco Clubcard vouchers* on days out, as you'll get two-times the value – for example £5 in Clubcard vouchers becomes £10 to spend. Days out on offer include Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Sea Life Centres. For a full list of ways to maximise Clubcard points, check our Tesco Clubcard boosting guide.
2for1 or one-third off days out
There's a trick to get 2for1 or one-third off activities to 80+ attractions throughout England, Scotland and Wales with National Rail's Days Out Guide scheme. To take advantage, you need a train ticket valid on the day you want to visit. Attractions include Kew Gardens (2for1), Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum (2for1), Howletts Wild Animal Park (2for1), and Chessington World of Adventures (one-third off).
Want some more ideas? See...
Free & cheap things to do with the kids | Free festivals | Theme park deals | Cheap days out
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