Name: Lancashire Infantry Museum
Rating: 5.0

Lancashire Infantry Museum

Fulwood Barracks, Watling Street Road, Preston, Lancashire

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

The Lancashire Infantry Museum is the largest regimental museum in the North West, located within the historic Fulwood Barracks in Preston. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Preston because it offers a massive, military-themed museum experience packed with tanks, medals, and real stories of local heroes. Families can explore the history of Lancashire’s famous regiments through impressive displays that cover everything from the 1600s to modern-day missions.

Planning a family trip here is straightforward and affordable, especially for those with younger children. Prices start from £4.00 for children aged 11 to 16, while those under 11 can explore the museum for free. Adults can visit for £6.00, and a family ticket is available for £18.00, covering two adults and two children.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines history with real military hardware, this is a fantastic choice. It provides an educational day out where children can get up close to battlefield relics and learn about the courage of people from their own local area. The museum is spacious and filled with visual items that make history feel like a real-life adventure rather than a school lesson.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive History Galleries: These spaces use interactive exhibits to show what life was like for soldiers across different centuries, from the Napoleonic Wars to today.
The Medal Room: A brilliant educational day out highlight featuring one of the country's most significant collections of military honours and bravery awards.
Large Scale Dioramas: These detailed models offer a form of sensory play for the imagination, helping kids visualise famous battles and trench life.
Outdoor Military Vehicles: The barracks setting allows children to see real military transport and hardware in a genuine army environment.

Top 5 Highlights

The Waterloo Eagle: This is a "Helpful Peer" favourite because it is a real French Imperial Eagle captured during the Battle of Waterloo. Kids love the story of how local soldiers took this trophy directly from Napoleon’s troops.
The Great War Trench Diorama: This highlight is amazing because it shows exactly what a soldier's life was like in the mud and cold. It helps children understand history through a 3D view rather than just reading about it.
The Kellett VC: Seeing a real Victoria Cross—the highest award for bravery—is a highlight. It’s a great way to talk to kids about what it means to be truly courageous and look out for others.
Modern Combat Gear: This highlight lets kids see the heavy packs and high-tech equipment used by soldiers today. It’s a hit because they can compare it to the old red coats they see in the other galleries.
D-Day Strategic Maps: These are a highlight because they show the actual plans for the 1944 invasion. It makes the "big history" of the war feel very real and personal to the Lancashire area.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible toilets are available within the museum building.
Buggy Parking: The museum is on the ground floor and is accessible for prams; staff can advise on storage if it gets busy.
Food & Drink: There is no on-site café, but there are local pubs and shops within a 5-minute walk.
Research Room: A quiet space for families to investigate their own military history.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Bring Photo ID: Because the museum is inside a working army barracks, every adult must bring a valid photo ID (like a driving licence) to get through the main gate.
Check the Days: The museum is usually only open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, plus the first Sunday of the month. Always check the official site before you set off.
Chat with Volunteers: Many of the people working there are veterans; they have amazing stories and are brilliant at answering kids' questions about army life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? While the museum is best for school-age children, toddlers often enjoy seeing the "big tanks" and the large, colourful uniforms.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend about 90 minutes to 2 hours here, depending on how much of the personal stories you stop to read.
Where is the best place to park? The best place to park is inside Fulwood Barracks itself; as a museum visitor, you get free parking right near the museum door.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Preston? The Lancashire Infantry Museum is one of the best value indoor activities in Preston, offering a massive collection and unique experience for a small entry fee.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The admission price is seen as great value, especially since under 11s go free, making it an affordable choice for families with young kids.
The volunteers are frequently praised for being incredibly knowledgeable and making the history accessible for children.
The "hidden" location inside a real barracks makes the visit feel like a special, exclusive experience for kids.

What Visitors Don't Like

The security check at the gate can feel a bit formal for some, but it is necessary for a working military site.
Not having a café on-site means you need to plan ahead for snacks, especially with younger children.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

French Imperial Eagle: Captured by the 30th Regiment at the Battle of Waterloo.
The Kellett Victoria Cross: The highest gallantry award, part of a massive medals collection.
Waterloo Guidon: An original ceremonial flag carried into one of history's most famous battles.
WWI Gas Masks: A collection of early protective gear that always fascinates younger visitors.
Napoleonic Red Coats: Original uniforms showing the striking colours of 19th-century infantry.
Regimental Silver: A vast collection of ceremonial items used by the officers' mess.
Somme Battlefield Relics: Personal items and equipment recovered from the trenches of France.
Boer War Equipment: Items showing how soldiers adapted to fighting in southern Africa.
The "Golden Book": A beautifully kept record of the men who served in the East Lancashire Regiment.
Modern Body Armour: Samples of the kit worn by infantry soldiers in recent global conflicts.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Fulwood Barracks Architecture: The site itself is a stunning Victorian military fortress—worth a look as you drive in through the main gates.
Haslam Park: A short drive away, this park is perfect for a post-museum run around with its large playground and meadows.
Preston Golf Club: Located nearby if the adults want to book a round after the history tour.
Deepdale Stadium: The home of Preston North End is about a mile away for football-loving families.

New for 2026

'Lancashire's Finest' Digital Archive 2026: A new touchscreen installation for the 2026 season allows families to search for their own ancestors who served in the local regiments.
Restored Waterloo Gallery 2026: Prominently featuring updated displays and lighting to celebrate the museum's most famous battlefield trophies.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £6.00 standard / £6.60 with Gift Aid
Child (11–16 years): £4.00
Child (under 11s): Free
Concession: £4.00
Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £18.00 standard / £19.80 with Gift Aid

Pricing URL: https://www.lancashireinfantrymuseum.org.uk/admission-charges

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The Lancashire Infantry Museum does not currently offer specific catered birthday party packages. For private tour enquiries or educational group visits: Contact Email: [email protected]

Friday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Last Entry: 3:00pm

Address: Fulwood Barracks, Watling Street Road, Preston, Lancashire

Post Code: PR2 8AA

Council: Preston

County: Lancashire

By Car: Use postcode PR2 8AA. The museum is located off Watling Street Road inside Fulwood Barracks.
By Bus: Take the Route 19 or 19A from Preston Bus Station, which stops right outside the barracks.
Parking: Free parking is available inside the barracks—tell the guard at the gate you are visiting the museum.