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Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Oxford, United Kingdom•4.8(11.3k)•Heritage Site, Museum

Explore world-class natural history collections featuring dinosaurs, minerals, and wildlife displays in a historic Victorian building.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History offers families an immersive journey through Earth's natural world. The museum houses extensive collections spanning palaeontology, zoology, mineralogy, and petrology, with impressive dinosaur displays and interactive exhibits that captivate visitors of all ages from infants upwards. The venue features multiple galleries showcasing everything from Oxfordshire's dinosaur heritage to biodiversity and mineralogy specimens. Visitors can explore museum highlights at their own pace using multilingual guides and audio guides, or join guided family events and activities specifically designed for children. The Victorian architecture itself is a notable feature, with beautifully designed interiors that enhance the educational experience. The museum caters extensively to families and school groups, offering dedicated early years programming, key stage-specific school visits, and regular weekly family events. With a café on-site, free entry, pushchair-friendly facilities, and accessibility information available, the museum provides a welcoming environment for extended family visits. Young people aged 10-19 can participate in specialist programmes including the Youth Forum and Natural History Investigators, making it suitable for multiple age groups.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

All day

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

☕ Food & Drink

Café

On-site café facility

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Google Reviews

4.8(11.3k reviews)
S
Saturn

Saturn

3 weeks ago

I was really impressed by the museum. Normally I am not really interested but all the things were so impressive especially the skeletons and the view from above. The informations are very interesting and the staff is really welcoming.

S
Shahid Olakara Musthafa

Shahid Olakara Musthafa

a month ago

We visited the Oxford University Museum of Natural History during the recent United Kingdom heatwave. It was absolutely roasting hot inside, but despite the heat, we were so keen to spend time looking around because the place is just amazing. My son is a massive dinosaur fan and he absolutely loved it! There are so many incredible exhibits and stuffed animals, all set within a building that has a stunning interior. We unfortunately couldn't spend as much time as we wanted inside because of the temperature, though there are some specific spaces in the venue that are air-conditioned which offered a bit of relief. I would highly recommend visiting in cooler weather so you can comfortably take your time. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. Just a note that no food is allowed inside to protect the exhibits, which is completely understandable. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I would recommend that anyone visiting Oxford definitely shouldn't miss this!

I
Ian Waller

Ian Waller

a month ago

What a glorious find in Oxford (not sure it was actually lost tbh). I’ve visited Oxford for work for years and never explored properly. I took the plunge and easily found the museum. There is an eclectic mix of animals, fossils and general natural history. The highlight was the actual building, it was stunning with tons of natural light. My favourite touch was the columns holding the structure together were all made from different types of rock found all over the globe. Genius! I spent a great two hours exploring. It may be smaller with less exhibits than the London Natural History museum but it was still super interesting and easy to get around. It was a lovely place to explore for two hours and it’s FREE! Highly recommended.

C
C Royle

C Royle

3 months ago

Love both these museums: natural history and Pitt River. Super interesting pieces on show in both museums but note that the shrunken heads are no longer there as they have been returned to their original burial grounds. If you have accessibility needs, use the side entrance to avoid steps. Also worth note: there's a great coffee cart just outside and really well stocked museum shop too. 👍🏻

D
Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari

Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari

4 months ago

I visited this place last month & yes it was an outstanding design and development inside museum with much scientific look . Museum has been prepared with very long hard work it felt to me after looking at it and going through all around. I recommended everyone and all visitors to visit once. I am now back to my home india but hope to visit this place again by next week.

Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026

Events at Oxford University Museum of Natural History

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 6 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Is Oxford University Museum of Natural History free to visit?

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

What ages is Oxford University Museum of Natural History suitable for?

Oxford University Museum of Natural History is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Oxford University Museum of Natural History dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is there parking at Oxford University Museum of Natural History?

Oxford University Museum of Natural History doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at Oxford University Museum of Natural History?

Yes — Café is on site at Oxford University Museum of Natural History. On-site café facility

Is Oxford University Museum of Natural History pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Oxford University Museum of Natural History 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 Oxford University Museum of Natural History?

Oxford University Museum of Natural History is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Oxford University Museum of Natural History by public transport?

Oxford University Museum of Natural History is well-served by public transport.
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