Name: The National Holocaust Centre and Museum
Rating: 5.0

The National Holocaust Centre and Museum

National Holocaust Museum, Acre Edge Road, Laxton, Newark, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

The National Holocaust Centre and Museum is a unique memorial and educational site situated in the peaceful Nottinghamshire countryside. It is widely recognised as one of the best things to do with kids in Laxton because it is a museum category attraction that uses a specific, age-appropriate gallery to introduce young people to history. Through the "The Journey" exhibition, children follow the story of a young German Jewish boy, making complex history accessible through a relatable peer perspective.

Visiting the museum is an investment in a powerful learning experience for the whole family. Prices start from £7.50 for children and £10.00 for adults, with family tickets providing a slightly discounted rate for larger groups. These tickets grant access to the memorial gardens, the primary galleries, and the interactive learning zones designed specifically for younger visitors.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that offers a deep, meaningful educational day out, this centre is an essential visit. It provides a safe space for children to learn about identity, kindness, and history through high-quality interactive exhibits. The combination of indoor galleries and beautiful outdoor memorial gardens makes it a balanced environment for reflection and discovery.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Exhibits: The "Journey" exhibition features interactive exhibits like hidden drawers and audio diaries that keep children physically engaged with the narrative.
Educational Day Out: The museum provides a structured educational day out focusing on choices and consequences rather than just historical dates.
Sensory Play: The memorial gardens offer a tactile and sensory play alternative, where kids can place stones of remembrance or explore the rose collection.
Survivor Testimony: One of the few places where you can engage with high-tech "digital" survivors who answer questions in real-time.

Top 5 Highlights

The Journey Exhibition: This is the only exhibit in the UK built specifically for primary school children to learn about this period. Kids follow Leo, a fictional boy, through his home, school, and eventually on the Kindertransport.
The Forever Project: This incredible tech allows your family to "talk" to a survivor. A digital projection answers questions asked by the audience, making it feel like a real conversation.
The Memorial Gardens: A vast, peaceful space with over 1,000 rose bushes. It’s a good place for children to move around and decompress after the indoor exhibits.
The Kindertransport Sculpture: A moving piece of art that shows children waiting for a train. It helps kids visualise the reality of leaving home for a new country.
The Pillar of Witness: A central monument in the gardens where visitors can place a stone. It’s a hands-on way for children to participate in a traditional act of remembrance.

Facilities

Toilets: Full accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available.
Buggy Parking: The museum is accessible, but space is limited in the "Journey" rooms; it is best to leave buggies in the designated foyer area.
Food & Drink: A small café serves light lunches, cakes, and hot drinks. There is also a picnic area in the gardens.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Age Suitability: While the centre is welcoming, the content is best suited for children aged 9 and up. Younger children may find the "Journey" exhibit interesting, but the themes are quite heavy.
Survivor Talks: If a live survivor is speaking during your visit, prioritise this. It is a rare and life-changing opportunity for children to hear history first-hand.
The Stone Tradition: Explain to kids beforehand that placing a stone on a memorial is a traditional sign of respect—they might want to find a special stone in the garden to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? The museum is primarily designed for children aged 9 and over. While under 5s are free, the exhibits are quite detailed and text-heavy, so younger children may struggle to engage.
How long does a visit take? A thorough visit usually takes 3 to 4 hours, especially if you take the time to walk through the gardens and watch the Forever Project testimony.
Where is the best place to park? The museum has its own private, free car park directly outside the main entrance, making it very easy for families with cars.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Laxton? The National Holocaust Centre is the primary indoor attraction in the area. While there is an entry fee, it offers a high-value, full-afternoon experience that you won't find elsewhere.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The "Journey" exhibition is perfectly pitched; it tells the truth without being unnecessarily graphic or scary for kids.
The staff and volunteers are incredibly gentle and skilled at talking to children about difficult topics.
The gardens provide a necessary "breathing space" that prevents the experience from feeling too heavy.

What Visitors Don't Like

It is a fairly long drive from major cities like Nottingham or Lincoln, and public transport is limited.
The museum can be very busy with school groups mid-week, so weekends are often better for families.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

Leo’s Room: A recreated 1930s German bedroom with toys and books children can identify with.
The Kindertransport Train Carriage: A life-sized section of a train where kids can sit and hear the sounds of a journey.
The "Hate Speech" Interactive Wall: A modern display showing how words impact people today.
Original Kindertransport Suitcases: Real luggage used by children escaping Europe in the 1930s.
Yellow Star Badges: Authentic historical artefacts displayed to explain how people were branded.
The Rose Garden Memorials: Individual plaques and roses dedicated to victims and survivors.
The Children’s Memorial: A specific area of the garden dedicated to the 1.5 million children lost in the Holocaust.
Digital Testimony Booths: Stations where you can listen to specific stories of rescue and bravery.
The Book of Remembrance: A large-scale record of names located in the quiet reflection room.
The Refugee Map: An interactive map showing the various routes people took to find safety in the UK.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Laxton Village: Explore England's last remaining "Open Field" farming village just down the road.
Sherwood Pines: A 15-minute drive away, perfect for kids to run through the forest or try a Go Ape course.
Rufford Abbey Country Park: A nearby historic estate with a play area and lake for a lighter end to the day.
Newark Castle: A stunning ruin located about 20 minutes away in the nearby market town.

New for 2026

2026 'Echoes of Hope' Gallery: A brand-new digital wing opening in March 2026 focusing on modern-day heroes and how kids can stand up to bullying.
Leo’s 2026 Interactive Journal: An updated tablet-based guide for the Journey exhibition that lets kids "collect" items for Leo's suitcase.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £10.00
Child (8–17 years): £7.50
Family (2 adults and 2 children): £30.00
Concession (Over 65): £9.00
Carers and children under 8: Free

Pricing URL: https://www.holocaust.org.uk/FAQs/book-your-visit

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The National Holocaust Centre does not host children's birthday parties due to the sensitive nature of the site. For educational group enquiries: Contact Email: [email protected]

Monday to Friday, and Sundays: 10:00 - 4:30
Closed: Saturday

Address: National Holocaust Museum, Acre Edge Road, Laxton, Newark, UK

Post Code: NG22 0PA

Council: Newark and Sherwood

County: Nottinghamshire

By Car: Use postcode NG22 0PA. The centre is located on the edge of Laxton village.
By Train: The nearest station is Newark Northgate. You will need to pre-book a taxi for the 15-minute drive to the centre.
Parking: There is a large free car park on-site with plenty of space for families.