List of museums in Oxfordshire facts for kids

Welcome to the amazing world of museums in Oxfordshire, England! This guide will help you discover many cool places where you can explore history, art, science, and more. Museums are special buildings that collect and take care of interesting objects. They show these items to the public so everyone can learn about the past, different cultures, and exciting discoveries. Get ready to find out about everything from ancient artifacts to awesome cars and historic homes!

Museums to Explore

Abingdon County Hall Museum

Located in Abingdon, this museum tells the story of the local area. You can learn about its history, see ancient finds, and even check out modern crafts. It's a great place to understand what life was like in Abingdon long ago.

Ashdown House

Near Ashbury, Ashdown House is a beautiful 17th-century country home. It's looked after by the National Trust. You can explore its grand rooms and imagine what it was like to live there centuries ago.

Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford is one of the oldest public museums in the world! It's part of Oxford University and has incredible collections of art and ancient objects. You can see artifacts from Ancient Egypt, the Mediterranean, and the Near East, along with old coins and beautiful artworks.

Aston Martin Heritage Trust Museum

If you love cars, the Aston Martin Heritage Trust Museum in Drayton St. Leonard is for you! It showcases the history of Aston Martin cars, from classic models to modern marvels. It's a fantastic journey through the world of these famous vehicles.

Banbury Museum

The Banbury Museum in Banbury focuses on the history of its town. You can discover how Banbury grew and changed over the years. It's a perfect spot to learn about local life and traditions.

Bate Collection of Musical Instruments

Part of Oxford University, the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments in Oxford is a treasure trove for music lovers. It has a huge collection of historic musical instruments. You can see instruments used for Western classical music from the medieval period onwards.

Benson Veteran Cycle Museum

In Benson, this museum is a must-see for bike fans. The Benson Veteran Cycle Museum displays veteran and vintage bicycles from 1818 to 1930. You can see how bikes have changed over time. You usually need to book an appointment to visit.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is a truly grand 17th-century country house. It's filled with amazing art and decorative items. This famous palace is also the birthplace of Winston Churchill, a very important historical figure.

Bloxham Village Museum

The Bloxham Village Museum in Bloxham shares the local history and culture of the village. It's a small but interesting place to learn about the community.

Broughton Castle

Broughton Castle in Broughton is a medieval manor house. It's like stepping back in time to see how people lived centuries ago in a real castle.

Burford Tolsey Museum

In Burford, the Burford Tolsey Museum explores the local history, culture, and industries of the area. You can discover what made Burford special throughout its past.

Buscot Park

Buscot Park near Faringdon is another beautiful 18th-century country house managed by the National Trust. It has a stunning interior and an impressive art collection.

Champs Chapel Museum of East Hendred

This small museum in East Hendred tells the story of the village. The Champs Chapel Museum of East Hendred is a great place to learn about local history.

Charlbury Museum

The Charlbury Museum in Charlbury focuses on local history, old industries, and trades. You can see tools, costumes, and household items from the past.

Chastleton House

Chastleton House in Chastleton is a 17th-century Jacobean country house. It's cared for by the National Trust and offers a glimpse into a different era.

Chipping Norton Museum

The Chipping Norton Museum in Chipping Norton covers local history, archaeology, farming, and industry. It's a good place to learn about the area's past.

Christ Church Picture Gallery

Located at Christ Church in Oxford, this gallery is an art museum. The Christ Church Picture Gallery features amazing Old Master paintings and drawings.

Churchill & Sarsden Heritage Centre

The Churchill & Sarsden Heritage Centre in Churchill is dedicated to the local history of the area.

Cogges Manor Farm Museum

In Witney, the Cogges Manor Farm Museum is a Victorian-era farm and historic house. You can experience what farm life was like in the past.

Combe Mill

Combe Mill in Combe is a preserved beam engine and timber mill. It shows how old machinery worked to process wood.

Didcot Railway Centre

All aboard! The Didcot Railway Centre in Didcot is home to many railway engines. You can see them on an outdoor track and learn about train history.

Dorchester Abbey Museum

The Dorchester Abbey Museum in Dorchester tells the story of Dorchester Abbey and the local area. It's a mix of religious and community history.

Earth Trust Centre

At Little Wittenham, the Earth Trust Centre focuses on the local landscape, ecology, and conservation. It's a great place to learn about nature and protecting our environment.

Greys Court

Greys Court in Rotherfield Greys is a Tudor country house with beautiful gardens. It's managed by the National Trust and offers a peek into Tudor life.

Hook Norton Brewery

The Hook Norton Brewery in Hook Norton offers tours and has a museum. You can learn about how beer is made and the history of this traditional brewery.

Kelmscott Manor

Kelmscott Manor in Kelmscott is a late 16th-century country house. Its interior was designed by its famous owner, William Morris, a well-known artist and writer.

Mapledurham House

Mapledurham House in Mapledurham is an Elizabethan stately home. Its grounds also include the historic Mapledurham Watermill.

Mapledurham Watermill

The Mapledurham Watermill is an 18th-century watermill located on the grounds of Mapledurham House. You can see how water power was used to grind grain.

Modern Art Oxford

Modern Art Oxford in Oxford showcases modern art exhibitions. It's a vibrant place to see new and exciting artworks.

Museum of the History of Science

The Museum of the History of Science is an Oxford University museum. It's in the Old Ashmolean building and has a fantastic collection of historic scientific instruments.

Museum of Oxford

The Museum of Oxford tells the story of the city of Oxford and the University of Oxford. It covers geology, natural history, and archaeology.

Nuffield Place

Nuffield Place in Nuffield is the 20th-century home of Lord Nuffield. He was the founder of the Morris Motor Company. This home is operated by the National Trust.

Oxford Bus Museum

The Oxford Bus Museum in Long Hanborough is all about buses and road transport. You can also see Morris Motors Limited automobiles.

Oxford Castle – Unlocked

At Oxford Castle – Unlocked in Oxford, you can take guided tours of the crypt, the castle, and an 18th-century debtors' tower. You'll also see prison artifacts and learn about its history.

The Oxfordshire Museum

The Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock covers local history, popular culture, and arts and crafts. It also has archaeology and natural history displays, including a garden with a life-size Megalosaurus dinosaur!

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

This Oxford University museum in Oxford is a fantastic place for nature lovers. The Oxford University Museum of Natural History has displays of animals, insects, fossils, dinosaurs, rocks, and minerals.

Oxford University Press Museum

The Oxford University Press Museum in Oxford is another Oxford University museum. It explores the history of printing and publishing.

Pendon Museum

The Pendon Museum in Long Wittenham is famous for its model railways. They show typical scenes from the Great Western Railway in the 1920s.

Pitt Rivers Museum

The Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford is an Oxford University museum focused on anthropology. It has archaeological and ethnographic objects from all over the world. You can see musical instruments, weapons, masks, textiles, and much more.

River and Rowing Museum

In Henley-on-Thames, the River and Rowing Museum covers the River Thames, the sport of rowing, and the town of Henley itself.

Science Oxford

Science Oxford in Oxford explores the connections between science, business, and society. It's a place to understand how science impacts our world.

Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum

The Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock tells the story of how conflicts affected the county. It includes information about WWII airfields and home life during wartime.

Stonor Park

Stonor Park in Stonor is a country house with beautiful gardens. It features family portraits, stained glass, old drawings, and sculptures.

The Story Museum

The Story Museum in Oxford is a magical place dedicated to children's literature. It brings stories to life in fun and interactive ways.

Swalcliffe Barn

Swalcliffe Barn in Swalcliffe is a 15th-century tithe barn. It has a collection of old agricultural and trade vehicles.

Swinford Museum

The Swinford Museum in Filkins displays local domestic, agricultural, trade, and craft tools from the past.

Thame Museum

The Thame Museum in Thame focuses on local history, including interesting Tudor wall paintings.

Tom Brown's School Museum

In Uffington, Tom Brown's School Museum covers local history and archaeology. It also celebrates author Thomas Hughes and poet Sir John Betjeman, and the famous Uffington White Horse.

Vale and Downland Museum

The Vale and Downland Museum in Wantage tells the history of the Vale of White Horse area. It has art exhibits, a long model railway, and a Victorian country kitchen.

Wallingford Museum

Wallingford Museum in Wallingford explores local history and archaeology. It covers Wallingford Castle, medieval life, and even has a Victorian street scene.

Waterperry Gardens

Waterperry Gardens in Waterperry features beautiful gardens, a country life museum, and a Saxon church.

West Oxfordshire Arts

West Oxfordshire Arts in Bampton is an association of artists. They have a gallery in Bampton Town Hall where you can see modern art.

Williams F1 Grand Prix Collection

The Williams F1 Grand Prix Collection in Grove is a must-see for Formula One fans. It showcases racing cars and the history of the WilliamsF1 racing team. You can usually visit on special tour dates.

Witney and District Museum

The Witney and District Museum in Witney covers local history, industry, transport, education, and religion in the area.

Museums That Are No Longer Open

• The Bygones Museum, which used to be in Claydon, is now closed.

More to See

• List of museums in Oxford