Chippenham Museum - Image 1

Chippenham Museum

Chippenham, United Kingdom•4.6(152)•Heritage Site, Museum

Explore Chippenham's history from prehistoric times to today in a beautifully preserved 18th-century townhouse with free entry for all ages.

Chippenham Museum is housed in an elegant 18th-century townhouse and offers visitors a compelling journey through the town's rich history, from its prehistoric origins to the present day. The museum tells the story of how Chippenham developed as a historic market town, showcasing its important connections to river, road, and rail. Families can explore the area's creative legacy through the museum's impressive art collections, making it an enriching experience for visitors of all ages. The museum experience extends beyond the main building. The medieval Yelde Hall, open on select mornings during summer months, brings history to life with character actors portraying figures from the town's past. Children and families can meet these historical characters in the council chamber and even encounter pirates from 1709 in the historic lock-up, creating engaging and memorable experiences. With free admission and opening hours from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, Chippenham Museum is an accessible destination for families with young children. The indoor setting makes it perfect for year-round visits, and the combination of exhibitions, interactive elements, and outdoor heritage sites ensures there's something to engage visitors of different ages and interests.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 16:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 16:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 16:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 16:00
Friday: 10:00 – 16:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday: Closed

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly
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Google Reviews

4.6(152 reviews)
A
Adrian Brown

Adrian Brown

a month ago

Excellent temporary exhibitions. Staff very helpful and museum gives a fascinating, uncluttered and well curated insightful history of this Wiltshire market town.

B
Bill Robson

Bill Robson

9 months ago

Interesting little museum. Free to enter. It has lots of things to do for the younger generation. This is particularly pleasing to me as it creates an interest in history which, hopefully, will continue as they grow. If you've got an hour or so to spare whilst in Chippenham pop your head round the door and explore.

N
Ninara Mirb

Ninara Mirb

a year ago

Loved the museum. Every room has interactive toys and books for children. My son really enjoyed creating his own shield and painting it. Great easy activity for kids to get involved and adults to enjoy. There are a lot of beautiful paintings and installations, perfect place to learn about Chippenham history. Loved trains and factory work. Definitely recommend to visit and surely will be back soon.

R
Robert Bull

Robert Bull

2 years ago

Well worth a visit. A quaint and interesting museum. A lift and WC access. Good access for all. It's small and friendly. Activities for children. It has two levels. It's Free, you can buy a souvenir from the foyer. The staff are very kind and friendly. The museum is self explanatory and is full of items local to area and history. A great stop to understand local history and discover items of history. Some of the items are from further a field, some are very very old and curious.

A
Ashish Bijwe

Ashish Bijwe

3 years ago

The museum is the best ever musuem, it is stunning beautiful it is suitable for all ages. Volunteers are the museum are super friendly. The descriptions of the exhibit are well written and very engaging, it feels like learning history from one of the best teachers in the world. You can learn a lot about town's history and progress. Moreover musuem is free for all visitors.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Chippenham Museum

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Chippenham Museum

Is Chippenham Museum free to visit?

Entry to Chippenham Museum is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

What ages is Chippenham Museum suitable for?

Chippenham Museum is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Chippenham Museum dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Chippenham Museum.

Is there parking at Chippenham Museum?

Chippenham Museum doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at Chippenham Museum?

Chippenham Museum doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is Chippenham Museum pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Chippenham Museum is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Chippenham Museum?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to Chippenham Museum.

How do I get to Chippenham Museum by public transport?

Chippenham Museum is well-served by public transport.
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