Best Interactive Museums in Wiltshire for Curious Kids
April 11, 2025
Wiltshire, a picturesque county in southwest England, is not just the land of mysterious Stonehenge or picturesque chalk horses. It's also a paradise for little explorers and their parents, full of interactive museums that combine education and entertainment in an unusual way. In this article, we'll take you on a fascinating journey through the best interactive museums in Wiltshire that will spark your children's curiosity and allow the whole family to have an unforgettable time learning about the history, culture and science of this unique region. From prehistoric artifacts to modern science experiments, each of the featured museums offers unique experiences that will be long remembered by toddlers and adults alike. Get ready to touch exhibits, participate in workshops and discover the secrets of the past in a way that makes learning a real adventure!
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Wiltshire Museum and Athelstan Museum - a journey through time for little explorers
Our tour of Wiltshire's interactive museums begins with two gems that will take you and your children on a fascinating journey through time. The first stop is the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes, which delights with its extensive collection of artifacts from prehistory to modern times. It's a place that may seem small on the surface, but hides treasures that can keep visitors busy for hours.
Wiltshire Museum (rating 4.7/5) is a true paradise for small archaeologists and history lovers. The museum offers simple but highly illustrative descriptions of the exhibits, which allow children to understand how and where they were found and what they might have been used for. It's a great place to start their adventure into the region's history, especially before visiting the famous Avebury. For the little ones, there are numerous interactive activities that make learning fun. Parents will also appreciate the friendly atmosphere and helpful staff, always ready to answer questions from curious toddlers.
Another spot on our map is the Athelstan Museum in Malmesbury (rating 4.6/5). This is a place that can surprise even the most demanding young explorers. The museum, though small, hides real gems of local history. From the fascinating tale of King Athelstan to the remarkable story of the flying monk Eimar, every exhibit here has a unique story to tell.
The Athelstan Museum is distinguished by its state-of-the-art, interactive displays that help a wide audience understand and appreciate local history. Children will be delighted to learn about the past through all their senses - for example, with the 'Wiltshire scent boxes'. It's the perfect place to spark a passion for history and archaeology in the little ones.
When comparing the two museums, it's worth noting their unique features. Wiltshire Museum offers a broader historical perspective, covering the entire history of the region, making it ideal for families looking to gain a comprehensive knowledge of Wiltshire. The Athelstan Museum, on the other hand, with its intimate nature and focus on local stories, may be more appealing to children who enjoy discovering unusual stories and curiosities.
Admission prices to both museums are affordable, making them an attractive option for families. Wiltshire Museum offers a family ticket, while Athelstan Museum boasts free admission, a definite perk for frugal parents. Both sites are easily accessible and offer facilities for families, such as changing tables and rest areas.
Whichever museum you choose, you can be sure that your children will have the opportunity to learn through play and interaction, which is key to developing their passion for history and science. Remember that both museums regularly update their exhibitions and organize special events for children, so it's worth checking their official websites before your visit to get the most out of these fascinating places.
Trowbridge Museum and Chippenham Museum - a local history at the fingertips of little hands
Continuing our tour of Wiltshire's interactive museums, we can't leave out two more gems that are sure to delight little explorers and their parents. We are talking about Trowbridge Museum and Chippenham Museum - places where local history comes to life under the little fingers of curious children.
Trowbridge Museum (rating 4.5/5) is a fascinating place that recently underwent a major renovation, now offering even more activities for families. The museum, located on two floors, showcases the rich history of the region's textile industry, which was crucial to the city's development. There are plenty of interactive stations for children, where they can touch history literally and figuratively.
One of Trowbridge Museum's greatest strengths is its friendliness to the youngest visitors. At every turn, you'll encounter something here that will interest your little ones - from opportunities to dress up in period costumes to interactive presentations showing how old weaving machines worked. The museum also offers special educational programs and workshops that are a great opportunity to learn through play.
Chippenham Museum (rating 4.5/5) is another place that should be on your list. It's a small but incredibly rich museum that tells the history of the town from the Roman era to the present day. For children, there are a number of interactive exhibits and educational games that will make learning history a real adventure.
One of Chippenham Museum's strengths is its regular events and themed exhibitions, often aimed specifically at families with children. From archaeological workshops to art classes inspired by local history, each visit can be a new and fascinating experience. The museum is also known for its friendly atmosphere and helpful staff, always ready to answer questions from curious toddlers.
When comparing the two museums, it is worth noting their unique features. Trowbridge Museum focuses mainly on the region's industrial history, which may be of particular interest to older children interested in technology and inventions. Chippenham Museum, on the other hand, offers a more cross-sectional view of local history, making it ideal for families looking to gain general knowledge of the region.
In terms of amenities, both museums are well suited for families with children. At Trowbridge Museum, you'll find spacious restrooms and changing areas on each floor, as well as a convenient elevator. Chippenham Museum, though smaller, also offers the necessary amenities and is fully accessible for strollers.
Admission prices to both museums are very affordable. Trowbridge Museum offers family tickets at an attractive price, while admission to Chippenham Museum is completely free, making it an excellent option for families on a budget.
Whichever museum you choose, you can be sure that your children will have the opportunity to learn through play and interaction. Remember to check the museums' official websites before visiting - they often organize special events for children, such as holiday workshops or themed weekends, which can further enhance your visit. Both Trowbridge Museum and Chippenham Museum are places where history becomes vivid and fascinating, and your children can become a part of it at their fingertips.
The Salisbury Museum - a journey through the ages for the whole family
To conclude our fascinating journey through Wiltshire's interactive museums, we can't leave out a true gem of the region - The Salisbury Museum (rating 4.6/5). This is a place that combines a wealth of history with a modern approach to education, offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Located in the historic building of The King's House across from the impressive Salisbury Cathedral, The Salisbury Museum is a true treasure trove of knowledge about the region. The museum recently underwent a major renovation, so it now offers even more engaging and interactive exhibitions that will delight children and adults alike.
One of The Salisbury Museum's greatest strengths is its versatility. Here you'll find displays dedicated to the archaeology, history, art and nature of the Wiltshire region. For the youngest explorers, there are special educational paths that guide them through the museum, engaging all their senses. Children can touch replicas of artifacts, try on costumes from different eras or take part in archaeological mini-workshops.
Particularly noteworthy is the archaeological gallery, where some of the oldest artifacts found in Britain can be admired. Interactive displays allow children to 'dig up' their own treasures and learn more about the work of an archaeologist. It's a great opportunity to ignite a passion for history and science in the little ones.
The Salisbury Museum also stands out for its extensive program of events and workshops for families. From special themed weekends to regular art and science activities, there is always something to interest your kids. It's worth checking the calendar of events on the museum's official website before planning your visit.
When comparing The Salisbury Museum with the previously discussed establishments, it is worth noting its versatility and scale. While the Wiltshire Museum or Athelstan Museum focus on specific aspects of the region's history, The Salisbury Museum offers a broader view, combining different fields of knowledge. This makes it ideal for families with diverse interests.
In terms of amenities, The Salisbury Museum is well suited for families with children. It offers spacious restrooms with changing facilities, rest areas and cafes where you can recuperate between visits. The museum is also fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Ticket prices for The Salisbury Museum are slightly higher than for smaller museums in the region, but offer good value for the money given the wealth of exhibits and interactive attractions. The museum offers family tickets, which can significantly reduce the cost of a visit for larger groups.
To sum up our tour of Wiltshire's interactive museums, it's worth noting that each of the sites discussed has its own unique character and offers something special. From the intimate Athelstan Museum, to the industrial heritage at Trowbridge Museum, to the comprehensive displays at The Salisbury Museum, each site contributes to a rich mosaic of educational experiences for children in Wiltshire.
Whichever museum you choose, rest assured that your children will have the opportunity to learn through play and interaction. Remember to check the museums' official websites for up-to-date information before each visit - they often hold special events and temporary exhibitions that can further enhance your visit.
Wiltshire, with its rich history and culture, offers a unique opportunity to ignite children's passion for learning and discovery. The region's interactive museums are a great way to spend time with the family, combining education with entertainment in a way that will long be remembered by young and old explorers alike. So embark on this fascinating journey through the ages and let your family touch history in the most literal sense of the word!
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