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National Poo Museum

Ryde, United Kingdom•4.4(279)•Museum

Explore the world's quirkiest museum with interactive displays, preserved specimens, and family-friendly exhibits that break the taboo around this fascinating natural subject.

The National Poo Museum offers a unique and entertaining educational experience that celebrates one of nature's most essential yet overlooked processes. Located at Department Arts Centre in Ryde, Isle of Wight for the summer season 2026, the museum features an extraordinary collection of pooey artefacts from across the world and throughout Earth's history. Visitors can engage with specially designed interactive displays that invite hands-on exploration, including things to sniff, handles to turn, pipes to talk through, and buttons to press alongside a impressive collection of preserved poos from animals worldwide displayed in crystal-clear spheres. The museum uses quirkiness and family-friendly humour to engage, entertain, and inform visitors about this astonishing substance. Interactive experiences allow guests to lift the lid on the secret world of poo in fascinating ways, even offering the opportunity to polish a turd. The venue is ideal for families with children who naturally delight in the subject, while also serving educational purposes in breaking stigma around bowel health. Beyond the physical exhibition, the National Poo Museum runs The People's Poo Project, a nationwide initiative partnered with Bath University and Guts UK that includes a national stool survey and a touring illuminated aquarium display. The museum aims to change perceptions, eliminate embarrassment around health issues, and demonstrate why poo is essential to understanding life on Earth. Pre-booking is available through their ticketing system.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 09:30 – 16:30
Wednesday: 09:30 – 16:30
Thursday: 09:30 – 16:30
Friday: 09:30 – 16:30
Saturday: 09:30 – 16:30
Sunday: Closed

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Book in advance

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

4.4(279 reviews)
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Becca Malin

Becca Malin

2 years ago

Don't be put off by how small this little museum is! Although it only took us about half an hour to explore and look around, it was great fun! Very interactive, I would say it's great for children but we were a group of 3 adults, who enjoyed it as much a any child would. I saw this place on TikTok and we made the journey from Leicestershire to visit (Also made a holiday out of it too). The staff were amazing, so friendly, and you could really tell how much they appreciate people visiting, and just how proud they are of the museum they have created. I believe all exhibits and the things in them were hand made by thr staff. Their creativity is unmatched. Thank you for a pleasant, educational and funny experience.

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FLnurseER1

FLnurseER1

2 years ago

A fun place to visit with kids if you’re in the area, but I wouldn’t make a special trip. It is mainly educational, there are no smells, it is all done in a museum like setting geared towards kids. There is a playground for kids directly opposite the museum. Parking was a little bit of a problem to find in the town.

C
Carl Hutchins

Carl Hutchins

2 years ago

The Poo Museum isn't the biggest but it's worth a visit, lots of interaction to do and a lovely open green area out the back and a playground out the front. It's in an old toilet block. No parking on site but there is just a 4 minute walk away . Only takes about 20mins to go through the museum if interact with all of it. Definitely worth a visit, the staff are lovely and approachable/helpful.

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Stu Harris

Stu Harris

2 years ago

A must visit when on the Isle of Wight. The Poo Museum is based at the old Sandown Barrack Battery. Talbot Rd, Sandown PO36 8NP. Coordinates: 50°39′01″N 1°09′38″W / 50.650406°N 1.16045°W Visited, Saturday 11th May. We didn't que, but I would imagine it gets very busy in the school holidays. I'm not going to say too much about the Poo Museum, I don't want to spoil it for you but....... Everything you need to know about Poo can be found here. It's a small place packed with information set in an old public toilet. Don't let this put you off though, the place is spotless and filled with lots of information and interaction and great for all ages. A public toilet is also available should you be caught short or even if you need a Poo, and in my honest opinion, it's worth a fiver just to use that. The owners have really put some thought into this place, It's a credit to them and I take my hat off to all of you. Well done all involved. It's a 10 from me. We shall return.

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Caroline Morgan

Caroline Morgan

2 years ago

Enjoyed ourselves at the poo museum..both staff members were more than helpful and great with the kids.. the parking was across the road at the local health centre… The history to the poo museum was explained clearly and very interesting to hear ….having the poo museum in what used to be public toilets was amazingly weird yet apt for the experience.. T-shirts and things to buy on entry… would definitely recommend a visit… also public park to play afterwards…. And also close to the view of the sea…

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026

Events at National Poo Museum

No upcoming events scheduled

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This venue was last updated on 7 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about National Poo Museum

Is National Poo Museum free to visit?

National Poo Museum is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

Is National Poo Museum dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at National Poo Museum.

Is there parking at National Poo Museum?

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

Is there food at National Poo Museum?

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

Is National Poo Museum pushchair-friendly?

Yes, National Poo 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 National Poo Museum?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to National Poo Museum.

How do I get to National Poo Museum by public transport?

National Poo Museum isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
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