Top 10 Specialty Museums in Cambridgeshire, England

The Museum charts the history of Armed Policing.The curator (retired police officer) will guide you around the exhibits, from the 1600s to the latest present day events, culminating in participation in the electronic judgement range where visitors are faced with the split-second decisions encountered by armed officers on a daily basis. Open Tues, Weds, Thurs. Pre-booked visits only.

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.

Housed in the former grammar school that Oliver Cromwell attended, this history museum features a collection of paintings and personal items related to the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth during the 17th century.

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.

This museum houses an extensive collection of geological specimens from around the world, which are used by scholars worldwide as part of their research activities.

The University Museum of Zoology is one of Cambridge's major attractions. It reopened in 2018 after a five year redevelopment programme. It offers the visitor an opportunity to explore new galleries displaying the diversity of animal life. Find out about evolution of life on earth, discover stories of extinction, survival and pioneering exploration.

Walk through the same hangars and buildings as those who served at RAF Duxford at Britain’s best preserved Second World War airfield.

Visit the only museum of stained glass in the UK – with a national collection of stained glass from across Britain and Europe. The Stained Glass Museum’s collection spans more than 800 years, from the medieval period to the 21st century. Our museum is located in the upper levels of Ely Cathedral. Over 125 original stained glass windows from across the UK and Europe are displayed in our main gallery. Here, you can experience the art of stained glass up-close and enjoy a fascinating variety of images in both historic and modern styles from a range of religious and secular buildings. Our permanent gallery offers a unique insight into the fascinating history of stained glass. Temporary exhibitions and events are held throughout the year. The museum is family-friendly with an interactive lightbox, trails, activity and reading corner. Our well-stocked gift shop features a range of unique handmade glass art, books, gifts and jewellery.