Discover Huntingdonshire's fascinating stories spanning 160 million years of history, with free admission and family craft days.

The Norris Museum in St Ives tells the compelling stories of Huntingdonshire from prehistoric times to the present day. Located on The Broadway, this welcoming museum offers free entry and welcomes families with young children, pushchairs, and dogs. The museum features multiple galleries showcasing collections spanning from prehistory through medieval and post-medieval periods, alongside an extensive library collection including books, manuscripts, newspapers, photographs, and historical prints. Visitors can explore rotating temporary exhibitions, with current displays focusing on local heritage themes such as the 600-year history of St Ives Bridge and Chapel. The museum actively engages families through organized workshops and craft days, making it an ideal destination for children of all ages. Regular events include reminiscence sessions, creative cafés, and museum group activities that appeal to different interests and age groups. The venue caters specifically to educational visits with dedicated programmes for early years groups, Key Stage One and Two classes, and youth groups. With open hours Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, and accessible facilities throughout, families can comfortably spend time exploring Huntingdonshire's rich heritage. The museum also offers town tours and local history talks for those seeking deeper engagement with the region's past.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Pavlo “Seriousdude”

6 months ago

Lovely little museum of St Ives and the surrounding area. Informative and child friendly. Special exhibition of local paintings by artists who lived locally in the last century or so.

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Steve Woodhull

6 months ago

October 2025 A very attractive and interesting museum with a lovely courtyard.

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Adrian S

a year ago

Small but worth a visit. This museum, whilst small, is well worth a visit. Displays showing St Ives across the ages. With QR codes bringing exhibits to life, as well as some hands-on things to do, make this a good place to bring children. Whilst free the £3 donation is worthy of payment.

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Paul

a year ago

A wonderful walk back in time! A great little museum with great exhibits with informative staff and plenty to learn. I great little shop within this beautiful building. It is well worth a visit and very easy to keep the children interested.

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Elizabeth Baker

2 years ago

This place was the main reason I decided to spend a few hours exploring St Ives on my way home after a weekend in Cambridge. As per reviews, I love a local museum. They provide a unique look at local history and usually an eclectic display of local artifacts. Good displays and plenty of information boards. It struck me how kiddie friendly it was and indeed looked like there was a school trip ongoing with the kids sounding very engaged with the display they were looking at! There was a separate room with an art exhibition. Outside, there is a pleasant seating area. Around the old centre of St Ives, there are quite a few information panels scattered about the local history. Museum is free to visit but donations appreciated

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026