National Museum of Computing Day Entry Ticket

Walk through seven decades of computing, from the Bombe and Colossus to the first personal computers.

Day entry to the National Museum of Computing gives you access to the world's largest collection of working historic computers, spanning from the 1940s Turing-Welchly Bombe and Colossus through mainframes, personal computers and mobile devices. Expert guides are available throughout the museum to explain and demonstrate the working machines and the stories behind them. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible with sensory maps, a café and outdoor seating on site.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore computing history exhibits

• Enter The National Museum of Computing
• View historic computers collection
• Follow computing development timeline
• Learn about Turing-Welchman Bombe and Enigma
• See mainframes from 1950s to 1970s
• Explore personal computing and retro games
• Discover mobile computing and internet rise
• Listen to expert volunteer explanations

The experience

The museum holds the largest working collection of historic computers anywhere. You move through the development of computing across seven decades: the 1940s codebreaking machines (the Turing-Welchley Bombe, Enigma, Lorenz and Colossus), the large systems and mainframes of the 1950s through 70s, the rise of personal computing and retro games, and the shift to mobile computing and the internet. The machines are not behind glass. They are working, and the expert volunteers and guides stationed throughout the museum explain what each one does and demonstrate them as you move through.

You can spend anywhere from two hours to a full afternoon here depending on how deep you want to go into any section. The museum is recognised as one of England's top 100 irreplaceable places and welcomes individuals, families, school groups and corporate visits. Wheelchair access runs through all areas and surfaces. Sensory maps are available if you need them. A café serves light refreshments and there is outside seating if you want a break.

What’s included

• Full-day access to the working computer collection.
• expert guides available to explain and demonstrate the machines.
• sensory maps.
• café for light refreshments.
• wheelchair accessibility throughout.
• outdoor seating.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

AgesAdult (16 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (6 to 15 years) · Infant (under 6): free

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by The National Museum of Computing

Is this one for you?Come alone or with a small group if you want to move at your own pace and spend as much time as you need with any era of computing. The guides are there when you want them, not on a fixed schedule.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 15 years); Infant (under 6): free.

How long should I plan to spend at the National Museum of Computing?

Most visitors spend between two and six hours depending on their interest in the different eras of computing. You can move through at your own pace and spend as long as you like at any exhibit.

Are the historic computers actually working, or are they just on display?

The computers in the collection are working machines. Expert guides demonstrate them and explain how they operated, so you see the technology in action rather than as static artifacts.

Will there be someone to explain what I'm looking at?

Expert guides and volunteers are available throughout the museum to explain the exhibits and demonstrate the machines. You can ask them about any computer or the people who built it.

Is the museum accessible if I use a wheelchair or have mobility needs?

The National Museum of Computing is fully wheelchair accessible, with all areas and surfaces accessible. Sensory maps are available, and a café with outside seating is on site if you need to rest.

What does the entry ticket include?

Day entry includes access to the entire collection of working historic computers and the availability of expert guides to explain and demonstrate them. A café for light refreshments is on site, though food and drink are not included in the ticket price.