Description
The Cromwell Museum is a fascinating historical site located in the heart of Huntingdon, housed in the very building where Oliver Cromwell went to school. As one of the best things to do with kids in Huntingdon, this history museum offers a deep dive into the life and times of one of British history’s most controversial figures. It provides a compact yet high-impact experience for families, combining authentic 17th-century artefacts with stories of civil war and revolution.
Admission to the museum is free for all visitors, though donations are encouraged to support the museum's educational work. Some specialized events, guided tours, or holiday workshops may carry a small separate fee.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that offers a meaningful educational day out, this museum is an essential stop. It provides a unique setting where children can engage with the past through interactive exhibits and a world-class collection of personal items that belonged to the Lord Protector himself.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes the Cromwell Museum unique?
The museum is unique because it occupies the only surviving part of the medieval hospital of St John, which later became the school attended by both Oliver Cromwell and Samuel Pepys. It offers an educational day out where the building is as much an exhibit as the items inside, providing an authentic atmosphere for learning about the mid-17th century. The museum holds the best collection of Cromwellian objects in the world, ranging from fine portraits to personal medical kits.
- Historic Schoolroom: Walking the same floorboards as Cromwell and Pepys provides a tangible link to history for young students.
- National Significance: The collection includes items of international importance, including Cromwell's own hat and death mask.
- Interactive Learning: Families can use interactive exhibits and digital displays to navigate the complex history of the English Civil War.
Top 5 Highlights
- Cromwell’s Hat: One of the most famous items in the collection, this felt hat is believed to have been worn by Cromwell during his lifetime.
- The Death Mask: A powerful and slightly spooky object that shows exactly what Cromwell looked like shortly after he died in 1658.
- Cromwell’s Medicine Chest: A fascinating look at 17th-century healthcare, filled with the jars and tools used to treat the Lord Protector.
- The Apothecary’s Cabinet: A beautifully crafted piece of furniture used for storing herbs and medicines, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era.
- Civil War Armour: Seeing the heavy breastplates and helmets worn by soldiers helps children visualize the reality of 17th-century warfare.
The Cromwell Museum features a range of specific objects that tell the story of the 1600s:
- Oliver Cromwell’s Hat (The iconic wide-brimmed felt hat).
- The Death Mask of Oliver Cromwell (Cast in wax/plaster shortly after death).
- The Medicine Chest (Complete with glass bottles and surgical tools).
- Cromwell’s Personal Seal (Used for authenticating official documents).
- The Apothecary’s Cabinet (An ornate 17th-century storage unit).
- Portrait of Oliver Cromwell (The famous "warts and all" painting by Robert Walker).
- Cromwell’s Sword (A military weapon associated with his time in the army).
- The Petition of Right (Historic documents relating to the struggle between King and Parliament).
- Civil War Pikeman’s Armour (Full breastplate and backplate).
- The Cromwell Family Bible (A personal religious text from the household).
Beyond the Main Attraction: Huntingdon is a historic market town with plenty to see. Just a short walk away is Hinchingbrooke House, Cromwell's family home, and the Huntingdon Town Hall, which features historic courtrooms. For a bit of nature, Portholme Meadow offers a massive open space for a family walk.
12.89 miles
