Name: Bates Collection of Musical Instruments
Rating: 5.0

Bates Collection of Musical Instruments

Faculty of Music, St Aldate's, Oxford, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

The Bate Collection of Musical Instruments is one of the most magnificent collections of historical musical instruments in the world. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Oxford because it is a museum category attraction that allows visitors to witness the evolution of music through thousands of unique items. Located within the Faculty of Music at the University of Oxford, it provides a fascinating look at how sounds have been created across the centuries.

Planning a family trip here is very easy on the budget. General admission to the museum is free for all visitors, although donations are gratefully accepted. While the main collection is free to view, specific guided tours or special holiday workshops may occasionally carry a small fee.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that offers a quiet yet intriguing look at history, this is it. It provides a unique educational day out where children can see the real-life versions of instruments they might only know from school orchestras. The museum is a peaceful indoor retreat, perfect for curious minds who want to see how a trumpet or a flute worked hundreds of years ago.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Key Features

Interactive Exhibits: The museum features interactive exhibits such as a handling collection where, under supervision, visitors can sometimes try out specific instruments.
Educational Day Out: With over 2,000 instruments, it serves as a brilliant educational day out for children learning music or history.
Sensory Play: While primarily a traditional museum, the variety of shapes and materials offers a visual sensory play experience for younger children.
Specialist Workshops: The museum frequently hosts sessions where professional musicians demonstrate how these ancient items actually sound.

Top 5 Highlights

The Keyboard Collection: See rows of harpsichords and early pianos. It is a "Helpful Peer" favourite because it looks like something out of a period film and shows how piano design has changed massively.
Historical Flutes: The museum has a world-class selection of woodwind instruments. Kids find it interesting to see flutes made of ivory or glass rather than just the metal ones they see today.
The Trumpet Gallery: From long heraldic trumpets to curly brass horns, this section is visually striking. It helps children understand how valves were eventually added to make modern music possible.
Percussion Displays: A wide array of drums and bells from different cultures. It is a great way to talk about rhythm and how different materials create different vibrations.
The Bow Maker's Workshop: A recreated space showing how violin bows are crafted. It gives a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship required to make a single musical note.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible toilets are available within the Faculty of Music building.
Buggy Parking: Space is limited inside the galleries, so it is best to use a compact stroller or carrier.
Food & Drink: No food is allowed in the museum, but there are dozens of cafes on St Aldate's just outside.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Check the Opening Hours: This is a university-run museum and sometimes has shorter hours than municipal ones, so always double-check before travelling.
Quiet Voices: It is a working faculty, so it’s a good place to practice "museum voices" with the kids.
Combine with a Walk: Since it is a smaller museum, it is best paired with a visit to the nearby Christ Church Meadow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? While younger children will enjoy the shapes of the instruments, it is best suited for ages 7 and up who can engage with the history and music.
How long does a visit take? Most families find that 1 hour is plenty of time to see the highlights of the collection.
Where is the best place to park? The Westgate car park is a short walk away, but the Park & Ride is the most stress-free way to visit central Oxford.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Oxford? The Bate Collection is one of the best free indoor activities for music lovers, providing a world-class experience without an entry fee.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and often willing to give a quick "mini-tour" if they aren't busy.
It is rarely crowded, making it a peaceful escape from the busy Oxford city centre.
Seeing the "Serpent" instruments is always a winner with school-aged children.

What Visitors Don't Like

The "hands-off" nature of many displays means it is better for older children (7+) who can appreciate looking without touching.
It can be a little tricky to find as it is tucked inside the Faculty of Music building.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

Handel’s Harpsichord: A keyboard instrument associated with the famous composer.
The Javanese Gamelan: A stunning set of traditional Indonesian percussion instruments.
Charles Wells’ Clarinet: A specific historical woodwind instrument from a renowned collection.
Glass Flute by Claude Laurent: A rare and beautiful instrument made entirely of crystal glass.
The Bazin Bows: A collection of high-quality violin bows from the French school.
18th-century Oboes: Early examples of double-reed instruments used in baroque orchestras.
Natural Horns: Brass instruments without valves, showing how players used their hands to change notes.
Serpents: Whimsical, snake-shaped bass wind instruments that always make kids laugh.
Early English Guitars: Intricately decorated ancestors of the modern guitar.
The William Retford Archive: Tools and materials used by one of the world's greatest bow makers.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Christ Church Cathedral: Located directly across the road, perfect for seeing where many of these instruments would have been played.
Alice’s Shop: A tiny themed shop just down the road, ideal for fans of Alice in Wonderland.
The Botanic Garden: A short walk away for some outdoor time after the quiet of the museum.
Oxford Town Hall: Home to the Museum of Oxford, located just a few minutes north on St Aldate's.

New for 2026

The 2026 'Sound of the Past' Audio Tour: A brand-new digital guide launching in 2026 that allows you to hear the specific sound of the instrument you are standing in front of.
Refurbished Percussion Zone: A newly designed area for 2026 that makes it easier for families to see the Javanese Gamelan in detail.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Mondays and Thursdays: Open 2-5pm

Address: Faculty of Music, St Aldate's, Oxford, UK

Post Code: OX1 1DB

Council: Oxford

County: Oxfordshire

By Bus: Most Oxford city centre buses stop at St Aldate's or nearby on the High Street.
By Train: A 12-minute walk from Oxford Station; follow signs for the city centre and Christ Church.
By Car: Use postcode OX1 1DB.
Parking: No on-site parking. Use the Westgate Shopping Centre car park or the Park & Ride sites (Redbridge is closest).