Things to do in Cambridge, England: The Best Specialty Museums

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.

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.

Cambridge Science Centre (CSC) is an independent Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) engagement charity. It is devoted to inspiring young people through hands-on experiences in STEM learning. Through this approach, it hopes to spark scientific curiosity in every guest, ignite passion for scientific discovery, fuel self-belief in those whom doubt their own potential and illuminate pathways into STEM education and careers for everyone. Keep an eye on the website for more information and specific events in the coming months.

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

This conclave is home to many of Cambridge University’s art faculties including History, Modern and Medieval Languages, and the Museum of Classical Archaeology.

The Farmland Museum is an independent museum which also looks after Denny Abbey on behalf of English Heritage. The museum's display celebrate the agricultural heritage of the county and the rural traditions and industries associated with the area. On the museum site visitors will find a 17thC Stone Barn, a reconstructed early/mid 20thC Village Shop and a Wheelwright's workshop. Lots of hands-on activities for children including a play area. The Abbey is unique - it has been lived in and adapted by 3 different religious orders between 12th century and 14th century. It then became a farmhouse until the 1940s. The Tea Room is open at weekends, bank holidays and on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon's during school holidays (excluding Christmas holiday). Hot/cold drinks and assorted snacks available daily from the museum kiosk. The entry price covers the whole site including the Abbey. Season tickets are a great option for regular visitors. English Heritage members have free access to Denny Abbey, the Nuns Refectory and Walnut Cottage when they show membership card. A reduced entry fee is charged to English Heritage members wishing to visit the whole site. No free access to English Heritage members on event days (please refer to your handbook). Museum open daily. Weekdays 12 - 5pm; weekends and bank holidays 10.30am - 5pm

Get a birds eye view of the British Isles by visiting this specialty museum, which features a vast collection of aerial photographs of the areas settlements, archaeological sites and geological formations.