Name: The Ashmolean
Rating: 5.0

The Ashmolean

Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street, Oxford, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

The Ashmolean Museum is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683 as the first public museum in the UK. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Oxford because it is a world-class museum category attraction that brings ancient civilisations to life through interactive displays and sprawling galleries. Families can journey from Ancient Egypt to modern-day China all under one roof in the city centre.

A visit to this historic institution is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly trip. General admission to the permanent collections is free for everyone, though pre-booking a timed entry slot is recommended. While the main galleries are free, some major temporary exhibitions and certain family workshops may require a paid ticket.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines world history with hands-on creativity, this is it. It provides a unique educational day out where children can stand face-to-face with mummies and samurai armour. The museum is a brilliant all-weather destination that makes high culture accessible and fun for all ages.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Exhibits: The museum features interactive exhibits including digital touchscreens and "Discovery" labels specifically designed for younger visitors.
Educational Day Out: With collections spanning the globe, it serves as a brilliant educational day out to support school history and art topics.
Sensory Play: Early years visitors can enjoy sensory play through tactile "please touch" objects located in various galleries.
Family Trails: Free themed trails are available at the entrance to turn a gallery walk into a fun scavenger hunt.

Top 5 Highlights

The Egyptian Mummies: This is the most popular stop for families. Kids can see real mummified remains and intricate coffin paintings, making the stories of Ancient Egypt feel incredibly real and exciting.
The Alfred Jewel: A masterpiece of Anglo-Saxon gold and enamel. It’s a "Helpful Peer" favourite because children love the "treasure hunt" aspect of finding this small but world-famous object.
The Samurai Armour: The Japanese galleries feature full suits of armour and sharp katanas. It’s a great way to spark a child's imagination regarding warriors and history from the East.
The Cast Gallery: This room is filled with plaster copies of famous Greek and Roman statues. It’s a massive, impressive space where kids can see the scale of ancient art without the "don't touch" pressure of some other rooms.
The European Art Collection: Look out for works by masters like Picasso and Pissarro. The museum often provides sketchpads here, encouraging kids to sit on the floor and draw what they see.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible toilets and baby changing rooms are available on multiple levels.
Buggy Parking: There is a dedicated buggy park in the vaulted basement area.
Food & Drink: The Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant offers great views, while the Café in the basement serves kid-friendly sandwiches and snacks.
Lockers: Self-service lockers are available for a small returnable deposit or card-based lock.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Avoid the Crowds: Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon for the quietest experience.
Picnic Spots: While the museum has a café, you can find a nice outdoor spot to eat at nearby Beaumont Street or the University Parks.
Elevators: The museum is fully accessible via lifts, but they can be small, so allow extra time if you have a large pram.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes! While the content is historical, the basement café and the wide, open galleries make it a very easy place to visit with a stroller.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend about 3 hours exploring, especially if they stop at the Egyptian galleries and the café.
Where is the best place to park? Park & Ride is highly recommended. The city centre is very restricted, and Gloucester Green car park fills up by 10:00 am.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Oxford? The Ashmolean is the premier free indoor activity in Oxford, offering world-class culture and warmth without a ticket price.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The museum is remarkably spacious and doesn't feel cramped even on busier weekends.
The "Discovery" trails are high quality and keep children engaged for much longer than a standard walk-through.
The staff are exceptionally friendly and often engage kids with interesting facts about the objects.

What Visitors Don't Like

The Rooftop Restaurant can be quite expensive for a full family meal.
Some of the higher galleries can be quite warm during the summer months.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The Alfred Jewel: An intricate 9th-century gold ornament.
The Messiah Violin: A pristine Stradivarius violin in the music gallery.
Tahiti Mourner's Costume: A rare and striking ceremonial garment from the Pacific.
The Powhatan's Mantle: A famous 17th-century Native American deer-hide cloak.
The Arthur Evans Archive: Specific Minoan pottery and seals from Knossos.
The Parian Marble: A detailed chronological tablet from Ancient Greece.
The Guy Fawkes Lantern: The very lantern Fawkes carried during the Gunpowder Plot.
The Metternich Stela: An ancient Egyptian healing stone covered in protective spells.
The Bodleian Cup: A rare medieval Jewish artifact found in Oxford.
The Ruskin Collection: A series of drawings and watercolours used for teaching.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Oxford Playhouse: Directly opposite the museum, often showing family-friendly theatre and pantomimes.
University Parks: A 10-minute walk away, providing plenty of green space for children to run off energy.
The Randolph Hotel: Located across the road, famous for its traditional afternoon tea for a special treat.
Gloucester Green Market: A short walk to find diverse street food and local crafts on market days.

New for 2026

The 2026 'Digital Discovery' App: A brand-new augmented reality experience for 2026 that allows children to see ancient pots and statues "rebuild" themselves on screen.
Expanded Family Studio: A refreshed creative space for 2026 hosting daily drop-in art sessions during school holidays.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The Ashmolean offers venue hire for private events in their stunning galleries and basement spaces. Contact Email: [email protected]

The Museum is open every day, 10am–5pm (last entry 4.45pm).

Address: Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street, Oxford, UK

Post Code: OX1 2PH

Council: Oxford

County: Oxfordshire

By Train: Oxford Railway Station is an 8-minute walk via Hythe Bridge Street.
By Bus: Most Oxford city buses stop at Magdalen Street or St Giles', a 2-minute walk away.
By Car: Use postcode OX1 2PH.
Parking: No on-site parking. Use the Pear Tree or Redbridge Park & Ride for the easiest access. The nearest city centre car park is Gloucester Green (very limited spaces).