The Food Museum - Image 1

The Food Museum

Stowmarket, United Kingdom•4.4(701)•Heritage Site, Museum

Explore the UK's only food museum across 84 acres with 17 historic buildings, hands-on activities, exhibitions, and dining at Feast Café.

The Food Museum is the UK's only museum dedicated to the story of how food is grown, made and eaten. Set across an impressive 84-acre site featuring 17 historic buildings, visitors can explore interactive exhibitions, take part in hands-on activities, and learn about food heritage from multiple perspectives. Families will find plenty to engage with, including a brand new play area, hands-on workshops, and daily talks and tours. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions such as the School Dinners Exhibition, which explores memories and tastes of school food across generations. Educational visits and museum boxes are available for structured learning. The venue offers an on-site café called Feast Café where visitors can enjoy meals during their visit. With booking required for entry, the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces, pushchair-friendly facilities, and dog-friendly policies makes it accessible for families with young children and pets. Special events including afternoon tea experiences and seasonal activities add variety to visits throughout the year.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
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 & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

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

☕ Food & Drink

Feast Café

On-site café offering food and beverages to visitors

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Google Reviews

4.4(701 reviews)
J
Julia Waters

Julia Waters

2 months ago

We found ourselves here quite by chance after a train cancellation at Stowmarket. The museum is easy to find, not too far from the station, and well signposted. The lady on the reception/ticket desk was lovely and explained the geography of the museum and which areas were closed due to building work. The main house is beautiful and full of informative displays regarding rural East Anglian life and an exhibition regarding Ronald Blythe and Akenfield. The walled garden attached to the house was very interesting with beautifully scented roses. It’s easy to wander round the museum acreage, the houses/barns were fascinating and, more importantly, all the animals were well looked after. The highlights for me were the chickens and Suffolk Punch horses. The exhibition regarding the history of school dinners bought back many memories and was very informative and we will definitely be coming back to see the promised renovations to two of the very large buildings. The cafe was delightful, the outside seating area was comfortable, cool and the pot of tea and toasted sandwich were both hot and tasty. I would certainly recommend a visit to this very interesting museum. It isn’t a criticism but I understand that the museum used to be called the Museum of East Anglian Life instead of The Food Museum and think perhaps consideration should be given to returning to the former name. I’m not sure that the current name adequately describes all the museum has to offer.

R
R Cole

R Cole

2 months ago

Very quirky place to visit but brilliant. Parking is next door to asupermarket so you think you are in the wrong place but to the side of the supermarket you see a path and that takes you to the museum. It is extremely tranquil once inside as there is over 80 acres of mixed woodland, grass fields and rivers to enjoy. There are different things to see including farm animals and converted buildings housing award winning exhibitions and many workshops ie to make bread using the wood fired outside oven and own- milled flour. All staff met were professional and friendly. Cafe served lovely food. Easily able to spend a few hours wondering and would recommend for all

C
Cheryl Young

Cheryl Young

3 months ago

Oh that it looked like the photo here. The whole place is literally a building site, they are working on every single aspect rather than dealing with one attraction at a time. The walled garden is decimated, the house is covered in scaffolding, and there were some serious hygiene issues in the School Dinners exhibition, food prep left uncovered in front of entrance with building works in progress outside. Its saving grace is the food in the café which is very good, but even then, to enter or exit the café, you have to walk through the toilets. I know these issues will all be fixed (a five year rolling project?) but for me, this is not an attractive place to visit, and in my opinion, it should not be open at the moment.

A
Abby Close

Abby Close

4 months ago

I love the Food Museum, it's hidden away and so many locals don't even know it exists! There is over 80 acres to explore and lots of lovely animals that ground the soul. The cafe is free to go into and dog friendly and the grounds are so beautiful we are actually getting married here later this year. Would definitely recommend and try their apple juice it's the best!

S
Simply Walk

Simply Walk

8 months ago

The Food Museum offers a surprisingly engaging experience. The museum is well equipped with activities that keep younger visitors engaged while subtly delivering educational content. The food in the cafe was absolutely delicious and I highly recommend taking a bite to eat in there.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at The Food 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 The Food Museum

Is The Food Museum free to visit?

The Food Museum is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

Is The Food Museum dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at The Food Museum.

Is there parking at The Food Museum?

The Food Museum doesn't have parking — public transport is recommended.

Is there food at The Food Museum?

Yes — Feast Café is on site at The Food Museum. On-site café offering food and beverages to visitors

Is The Food Museum pushchair-friendly?

Yes, The Food 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 The Food Museum?

The Food Museum is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to The Food Museum by public transport?

The Food Museum isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
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