Name: REME Museum
Rating: 5.0

REME Museum

REME Museum, Calne Road, Lyneham, Chippenham, UK

1-90 Years

Paid

Description

The REME Museum in Lyneham tells the fascinating story of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. It is one of the best things to do with kids in Lyneham because it is a military and technology museum category attraction that focuses on how the army keeps its equipment moving. Families can explore massive recovery vehicles, see world-class engineering displays, and learn about the clever repairs made on the front line.

Visiting this modern museum is excellent value for a family day out. Prices start from £6.00 for children, with family tickets and annual passes available for those who want to visit more than once. The museum is located right next to MOD Lyneham, providing an authentic atmosphere for kids interested in tanks, trucks, and technology.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines military history with engineering puzzles, the REME Museum is a great pick. It provides an educational day out that is specifically designed to be accessible for younger visitors. From huge heavy-lifters to tiny intricate medals, there is something here to grab everyone’s attention.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Features

Vehicle Gallery: A vast hall featuring interactive exhibits including massive armoured recovery vehicles used by the British Army.
The Repair Challenge: An educational day out activity where kids can learn how engineers fix complex machines under pressure.
Uniform and Medal Room: A space for sensory play where children can get close to the personal stories and gear of the soldiers.
Special Events: Frequent school holiday workshops featuring LEGO building, model making, and science experiments.

Top 5 Highlights

The Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle (BARV): This is a "Helpful Peer" favourite because it looks like a tank designed to go swimming. It was used on D-Day to pull stuck vehicles out of the water, which is a brilliant story for kids.
The Challenger 1 Tank: A major highlight that shows the sheer scale of modern army equipment. Kids love standing next to the massive tracks and seeing just how big a real battle tank is.
The REME Scout Helicopter: This highlight allows children to see how engineers maintain aircraft. It's a great way to talk about how the same skills used on cars are applied to things that fly.
Prince Philip’s Uniforms: A highlight that connects the museum to the late Duke of Edinburgh, who was the Corps' Colonel-in-Chief. It adds a touch of royal history to the technical displays.
The Recovery Displays: These highlights show how the army pulls a 60-tonne tank out of a ditch. It’s a real-life physics lesson that helps children understand the power of pulleys and winches.

Facilities

Toilets: Fully accessible toilets and baby changing rooms are available.
Buggy Parking: Plenty of space throughout the galleries for prams and buggies.
Food & Drink: The Crown's Café is on-site, serving hot meals, light lunches, and "Engineer" lunch boxes for children.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Visit on a Weekday: If you can, visit during the week to have the massive vehicle hall almost to yourself.
Check the Workshop Calendar: The museum runs fantastic STEM sessions during holidays; book these in advance as they fill up quickly.
Eat at the Café: The café is very highly rated for its homemade cakes and is often visited by locals even when they aren't going to the museum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, while the engineering is for older kids, toddlers love the massive trucks and the interactive buttons in the galleries.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend about 2 to 3 hours, especially if you stop at the café for lunch.
Where is the best place to park? The museum has its own large, free car park, so you don't need to look for external options.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Lyneham? The REME Museum is the premier indoor attraction in Lyneham, offering an affordable family day out for £22.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

Parents love how spacious the museum is, meaning kids can move around freely without it feeling crowded.
The "Repair" theme is a hit because it’s different from a standard tank museum and focuses on "how things work."
The museum is noted for being very modern and clean with easy-to-read displays for both adults and children.

What Visitors Don't Like

Some visitors find the location a bit tricky to find if they aren't familiar with the Lyneham base area.
A few parents mentioned they would like even more outdoor play equipment for the kids to burn off steam after the indoor galleries.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The BARV (Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle): A unique vehicle used for amphibious landings.
Challenger 1 Armoured Recovery Vehicle: A massive heavy-lifter used on the modern battlefield.
The 'Binnie' Collection: A world-class collection of historical medals.
WWII German Enigma Machine: A specific object used to explain secret codes and repairs.
Sherman ARV Mk II: A classic World War II recovery vehicle.
The Jungle Repair Display: A specific scene showing how repairs happen in difficult environments.
Scout AH Mk 1 Helicopter: A specific aircraft maintained by REME technicians.
The 'L' Gallery: Dedicated to the early history of the Corps.
The Prototype 'Centaur': A rare experimental vehicle on display.
Modern Electronic Diagnostic Suite: Shows how computers are now used to fix army trucks.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Lyneham Village: A short walk away with local shops and family-friendly spots for a quick snack.
Chippenham: A 20-minute drive away, offering shopping, a cinema, and several parks.
Royal Wootton Bassett: A nearby town with a high street full of independent cafés and a weekly market.

New for 2026

The 2026 'Robotics in Repair' Zone: A brand-new exhibit for 2026 showing how the army uses drones and robotic arms to fix equipment in dangerous places.
Interactive Tank Simulator 2026: A newly launched digital experience where kids can "drive" a recovery mission on a large screen.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £10
Child (5–16 years): £6
Under 5s (with a paying adult): Free
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £28
REME Gold Card Members and Immediate Family: Free
Serving Military and Forces Veterans: £6
Concessions (Students, Over 60s, Disabled Visitors): £7.50
Accompanying carers: Free
Blue Light Card Holders: £6

Pricing URL: https://www.rememuseum.org.uk/admissions

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The REME Museum offers specific party bookings where kids can explore the museum and have a private room for food. Contact Email: [email protected]

Tuesday - Sunday: 10.00 - 16.30 (last entry to the museum is at 15.00)

Address: REME Museum, Calne Road, Lyneham, Chippenham, UK

Post Code: SN15 4XX

Council: Wiltshire

County: Wiltshire

By Car: Located off the A3102 in Lyneham. Use postcode SN15 4XX for sat-nav.
By Bus: The 'Stagecoach 55' service runs regularly between Swindon and Chippenham, stopping near the museum entrance.
Parking: Large, free on-site car park directly in front of the museum.