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Discover Bucks Museum: A Journey Through Buckinghamshire’s Heritage

Explore Buckinghamshire’s rich heritage and family-friendly interactive exhibits at Discover Bucks Museum in historic Aylesbury.

4.5

Nestled in the historic heart of Aylesbury, Discover Bucks Museum offers an engaging exploration of Buckinghamshire’s rich heritage, from prehistoric times to the present. Its vast collections include archaeology, natural history, social history, and art, alongside the interactive Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery. Visitors can enjoy seasonal exhibitions, a charming walled garden, and a welcoming café, making it a family-friendly cultural gem.

A brief summary to Discover Bucks Museum

  • Church St, Aylesbury, HP20 2QP, GB
  • +441296331441
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on Saturdays or during school holidays to experience the interactive Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery.
  • Allow 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the permanent collections and seasonal exhibitions.
  • Relax in the Victorian walled garden and enjoy refreshments at the museum café.
  • Check opening hours in advance, as the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
  • Book tickets online for the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery to guarantee entry during busy times.
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Getting There

  • Train

    Take a train to Aylesbury station, located approximately 1.5 km from the museum. From the station, a 20-minute walk or a short local bus ride will bring you to Church Street. Trains run frequently from London Marylebone and nearby towns. Tickets typically cost £10–£15.

  • Bus

    Several bus routes serve Aylesbury town centre, stopping near Church Street. Buses from surrounding Buckinghamshire towns run every 15–30 minutes, with a journey time of 10–30 minutes depending on origin. Single fares generally range from £2 to £5.

  • Car

    Driving to the museum is possible, but parking in Aylesbury town centre is limited. Several public car parks are within a 5–10 minute walk. Parking fees vary from £1.50 to £3.50 per hour. Consider arriving early to secure a spot, especially on weekends.

  • Walking

    If staying nearby in Aylesbury, walking to Discover Bucks Museum is pleasant and accessible. The terrain is flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, with journey times ranging from 5 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point.

Discover Bucks Museum location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Discover Bucks Museum

Tracing Buckinghamshire’s Story Through Time

Discover Bucks Museum presents a comprehensive narrative of Buckinghamshire’s past, showcasing over 130,000 items accumulated over 150 years. The permanent galleries guide visitors through epochs starting from 200 million years ago, featuring archaeological treasures such as a 3,000-year-old Bronze Age sword and the renowned Lenborough Hoard, one of the largest Anglo-Saxon silver coin collections ever found. Exhibits also highlight the county’s social history, including lacemaking, local industries, and wildlife, providing a vivid picture of life through the ages.

Engaging Experiences for All Ages

The museum is designed to captivate visitors of all ages, with a special focus on families. The Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery is a standout feature, an interactive space inspired by the beloved author who lived in Buckinghamshire. Open on Saturdays and during school holidays, it invites children to immerse themselves in the fantastical worlds of Dahl’s stories through hands-on exhibits. Seasonal workshops and events further enrich the visitor experience, offering craft activities, storytelling, and historical reenactments that spark creativity and curiosity.

A Tranquil Setting with Amenities

Beyond the galleries, visitors can unwind in the museum’s Victorian walled garden, which offers scenic views of the adjacent Saxon church and features historic fruit trees like the local Aylesbury Prunes and Pear Trees. The on-site café serves a selection of drinks, snacks, and light meals, perfect for a relaxing break. Facilities include accessible toilets, baby changing, and wheelchair-friendly access, ensuring comfort for all guests.

Exhibitions and Community Engagement

The museum hosts a rotating program of temporary exhibitions that explore diverse themes, keeping the experience fresh for repeat visitors. Community events such as replica archaeological digs, puppetry, and poetry performances foster local engagement and provide educational opportunities. The museum’s role as a cultural hub is supported by its independent charity status, emphasizing its commitment to preserving and sharing Buckinghamshire’s heritage.

Location and Visitor Information

Situated on Church Street in Aylesbury’s town centre, Discover Bucks Museum is easily accessible by public transport, with nearby bus and train services. The museum operates Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 3pm, Saturdays 10am to 4pm, and Sundays 12pm to 4pm, with closures on Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission fees are modest, with free entry for children under 4 and discounted rates for families. The Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery requires a separate ticket, recommended to be booked in advance during busy periods.

Preserving Local Heritage with a Modern Touch

While rooted in history, the museum embraces modern display techniques and interactive elements to engage today’s visitors. Its collections span geology, costumes, art, and photographs, reflecting the diversity of Buckinghamshire’s cultural fabric. The museum’s dedication to education and accessibility makes it a vital destination for those interested in the county’s past and its ongoing story.

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