The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park
Explore the world’s largest collection of working historic computers at Bletchley Park’s iconic National Museum of Computing.
Located in Block H of Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes, The National Museum of Computing houses the world’s largest collection of functional historic computers. It showcases pioneering machines like the rebuilt Colossus, the world’s first electronic computer, and the WITCH, the oldest working digital computer. The museum traces computing history from WWII codebreaking to the rise of personal computing, offering interactive exhibits and educational programs that inspire all ages.
A brief summary to The National Museum of Computing
- Block H, Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes, Bletchley, MK3 6EB, GB
- +441908374708
- Visit website
- Duration: 2.5 to 4.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book guided tours in advance to benefit from expert volunteer insights and live demonstrations of key machines like Colossus and the Bombe.
- Visit on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday between 10:30am and 4:30pm (winter) or 5pm (summer) for full access to exhibits and programs.
- Allow at least 3 to 4 hours to fully explore the museum’s extensive collection and interactive zones.
- Families and school groups should check the museum’s Learning Programme schedule for workshops and coding sessions.
- Combine your visit with the wider Bletchley Park estate to gain a comprehensive understanding of WWII codebreaking history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and Shuttle
Take a train to Bletchley Station from London Euston or nearby cities, with journey times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. From Bletchley Station, a shuttle bus or taxi can reach Bletchley Park in about 10 minutes. Train tickets typically cost £10–£20 one way, depending on origin and booking time.
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Car
Driving to the museum via the A5 or M1 motorway is convenient, with on-site parking available. Travel times vary from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic. Parking is free for visitors but can be limited during peak times.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Milton Keynes town centre to Bletchley Park, with journey times around 20–30 minutes. Services run regularly on museum open days but check schedules in advance. A single bus fare costs approximately £2–£4.
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Walking
For visitors staying nearby in Bletchley, walking to the museum is possible in 15–25 minutes over mostly flat terrain. The route is accessible but may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
The National Museum of Computing location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The National Museum of Computing
Historic Roots in Codebreaking Innovation
The National Museum of Computing is situated in Block H at Bletchley Park, the site of Britain’s secret WWII codebreaking efforts. This building was the world’s first purpose-built computer centre, originally housing six of the ten Colossus machines that cracked German Enigma codes. Established as a separate museum in 2007, it preserves and celebrates this pivotal chapter in computing history, highlighting the ingenuity and dedication of wartime pioneers like Alan Turing and Tony Sale.A Living Collection of Computing Milestones
The museum boasts the world’s largest collection of working historic computers, spanning from the 1940s to the dawn of personal computing. Key exhibits include the fully rebuilt Colossus, the WITCH (the oldest working digital computer), and a replica of the Turing-Welchman Bombe machine used to decipher Enigma messages. Visitors can explore mainframe computers from the 1950s to 1970s, early personal computers, and even a classroom filled with BBC Micros, all maintained in working order to demonstrate the evolution of technology.Interactive Experiences and Educational Outreach
Beyond static displays, the museum offers hands-on experiences including programming workshops, retro gaming consoles, and VR demonstrations. Its highly successful Learning Programme engages schools and young people, especially encouraging girls to explore computer science and coding. Knowledgeable volunteers provide guided tours and detailed explanations, bringing the stories and technical achievements behind the machines vividly to life.Preserving Computing Heritage for Future Generations
The museum actively restores and maintains historic machines, with ongoing projects visible to visitors. This commitment ensures the survival of computing heritage and inspires future engineers and scientists. The museum also hosts festivals, lectures, and events that deepen public understanding of computing’s impact on society and history.Setting Within the Iconic Bletchley Park Estate
Located within the larger Bletchley Park site, the museum complements other heritage attractions focused on wartime intelligence and codebreaking. Block H’s Grade II listed status protects this unique building, linking the physical space to the stories of innovation and secrecy that shaped modern computing.A Destination for Enthusiasts and Families Alike
From tech historians and computer enthusiasts to families and school groups, the museum offers an engaging journey through computing’s past. Its blend of historic significance, interactive exhibits, and passionate volunteer guides creates a memorable and educational experience for visitors of all ages.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Location Audience
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