Top 10 History Museums in Cambridgeshire, England

An engaging museum that tells the story of a busy WW2 airfield that was used by the RAF, USAAF and Belgian Air Force and played an important part in D-day. A warm, friendly welcome awaits with lots of interesting and interactive exhibits that tell the story of the people at the airfield.

Cambridge Museum of Technology is the home of our industrial heritage. Based in the city’s historic sewage pumping station, the Museum helps people to explore, enjoy, and learn about their industrial heritage by celebrating the achievements of local industries and the people who worked in them. The large site on the River Cam has green spaces for picnics and a fun, relaxed atmosphere for families. There are audio-visual displays, hands-on exhibits, and children’s activities, as well as traditional museum displays and historic buildings. The Victorian Pumping Station with its original machinery showcases 19th-century engineering and technology. Displays on the forgotten industries of Cambridge reveal an alternative side of the city’s history to the famous colleges. And the story is brought into the 20th Century with exhibitions on innovative local companies in our new building.

Discover the vibrant history of the past 300 years of Cambridge and Cambridgeshire life in a beautiful 17th century timber-framed building, the former White Horse Inn. Our objects relate to everyday lives, the customs and traditions of local people, places and events. Visit our nine themed rooms that explore a different aspect of how people have lived, worked and played since the 1660s in the city and county. Our museum celebrates the ordinary and eccentric: discover our weird and wonderful collections, from familiar household objects, paintings and toys to Fen folklore cures and remedies. Admire the crafts and skills of generations. Reminisce about our vacuum cleaners and televisions. Explore the fascinating stories of local people – find the Giant’s Boot, the prize belt of the long-distance champion of the world, witch bottles and the real Muffin Man! We’re a short walk from the city centre, through the medieval town on the River Cam and next to Kettle's Yard art gallery and house.

Come to the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Cambridge to see world-class collections of art and artefacts from all over the world. Objects ranging from stone tools and pots to sculptures and paintings represent cultures and histories over millennia. Great recent and contemporary works reflect the diversity of peoples worldwide, and the resilience of indigenous cultures confronted by globalisation

Cross the Silver Street bridge and stroll under the leafy canopy of Sidgwick Avenue to discover the Museum of Classical Archaeology. The collections range from enormous plaster casts of Greek and Roman sculpture to the smallest sherds of ancient pots. The casts are not mere copies, but are historical objects in their own right and many date to the eighteenth century. Traditionally, the casts formed a teaching collection but today the Museum welcomes school groups, families and many other visitors through its doors. All are welcome and admission is free. Check the website for information on tours and events.

The Polar Museum: Discover the extraordinary stories of Earth's coldest, driest, windiest, highest and deadliest places, from heroes to modern climate science. The Museum is part of the Scott Polar Research Institute, established in 1920 as part of the University of Cambridge, which is a centre of excellence in the study of the Arctic and Antarctic. Research covers both the natural and social sciences and is often interdisciplinary. The Institute also houses the World's premier Polar Library and extensive archival and photographic collections of international importance on the history of polar exploration. A range of sculptures are displayed in the Institute grounds.

Founded as a University Museum in 1944, this diverse collection covers all branches of science and features a comprehensive collection of scientific instruments that were used from the 16th century to the present.

The Centre for Computing History is a hands-on interactive display of computers and game consoles that date back to the early sixties! From Pong to Pokémon, experience game play evolving. The display includes the huge computers of the sixties, the home computers of the 80’s and much more. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

**Please note that we are currently closed for the winter until Easter Sunday 2021 (Covid-19 restrictions permitting).** A museum planned to present life as it was in this fen edge location over the past 100 years and more. Includes Romano-British and Anglo Saxon displays, vintage vehicles, Burwell at War display, Victorian schoolroom and shop displays and a family room with toys and games. Small shop and tea room serving hot and cold drinks, cakes and biscuits. The adjacent Grade II* Listed windmill, Stevens' Mill, is also part of the museum and can be visited while being accompanied by a member of museum staff. Open Easter to the end of October; Thur, Sun and Bank Holiday Mon 11.00am-5.00pm.

Ely Museum, a bright and friendly local history museum, located in the Bishop's Gaol in the centre of the historical city of Ely. The Museum is the history centre for the Isle of Ely & the Fens and it takes you on a journey through time from prehistory to the twentieth century.Displays include original prison cells, fossils that can be touched, Roman remains and an archive film of the Fens including punt guns and eel catching.A museum guide, children's activities, toilets and a gift shop make this an ideal destination for all of the family.