Name: The Novium
Rating: 5.0

The Novium

The Novium Museum, Tower Street, Chichester, UK

1-90 Years

Description

The Novium Museum is a purpose-built museum category attraction located in the heart of Chichester's city centre. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Chichester because it is built directly over the remains of a Roman bathhouse. Families can explore three floors of history, from the Stone Age to the modern day, all while looking down through a glass floor at ancient archaeology.

Visiting this award-winning site is very budget-friendly for families. General admission is free for everyone, though certain special exhibitions or events may have a small separate charge. You do not need to book in advance for general entry, making it a perfect choice for a spontaneous trip.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines local heritage with interactive learning, this is it. It provides a fantastic educational day out where children can dress up in Roman costumes, handle real artefacts, and learn about the famous figures who shaped West Sussex. The museum is fully accessible and offers a quiet, engaging environment for all ages.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Chichester Roman Bathhouse: This area features interactive exhibits positioned around the visible remains of a 2,000-year-old Roman bath complex.
The Timetravel Trail: An educational day out highlight where kids follow a path through the galleries to discover how the city has changed.
Tactile History: The museum offers sensory play through object handling boxes and replicas that children are encouraged to touch and use.
Special Exhibitions: A rotating programme of high-quality visiting displays, often focusing on popular culture or local archaeological finds.

Top 5 Highlights

The Roman Bathhouse Remains: This is a "Helpful Peer" favourite because it’s the first thing you see when you walk in. Children love standing on the glass floor and looking down into the ancient heating systems and rooms.
The Mystery Warrior: This highlight tells the story of a high-status Iron Age soldier buried with his weapons. It is a must-see because it feels like a real-life detective story for kids to solve.
Roman Dressing Up: Located near the bathhouse, this station allows kids to try on tunics and helmets. It’s great for a quick photo and helps children imagine life as a Roman citizen.
The Boxgrove Man Display: See the tools used by some of the earliest humans in Britain. It’s a highlight because it stretches the imagination back hundreds of thousands of years.
The Chichester Cathedral Model: A detailed look at the local landmark. It is a highlight because children can see the "bird's eye view" of the city they are standing in.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available on the ground floor.
Buggy Parking: There is space to park buggies near the entrance, and the museum is fully accessible via a large lift to all floors.
Food & Drink: There is no café on-site, but the museum is located seconds away from dozens of family-friendly cafés in Chichester city centre.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Visit on a Weekday: If you want the interactive stations to yourselves, Tuesday mornings are typically very quiet.
Pick up a Trail: Ask at the front desk for the latest children's activity trail to keep them focused while you look at the exhibits.
Combined Trip: Since the museum is small and free, it’s best paired with a walk on the City Walls or a visit to Priory Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes! Toddlers love the glass floor and the bright colours of the Roman displays. It is a safe, enclosed space where they can walk around easily.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend between 1.5 and 2 hours here, including time for the interactive games and trails.
Where is the best place to park? The Tower Street car park is the most convenient, as it is located directly behind the museum.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Chichester? The Novium is the best free indoor activity in Chichester, offering high-quality museum exhibits without an entry fee.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The fact that it is free makes it an easy, no-pressure addition to a day out in town.
It is very compact and manageable for little legs; you can see everything without the kids getting bored.
The staff are incredibly welcoming and often point out things that kids might miss, like the tiny details in the mosaics.

What Visitors Don't Like

There is no on-site café for a quick snack break, so you have to leave the building for refreshments.
On rainy Saturdays, it can get a bit crowded around the interactive Roman dress-up area.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The Roman Bathhouse Glass Floor: Visual access to the preserved remains.
The Mystery Warrior Burial: Iron Age helmet, shield, and sword.
The Chilgrove Mosaic: A beautifully preserved Roman floor pattern.
The Jupiter Column: A reconstructed stone monument from the Roman era.
The Boxgrove Horse Teeth: Prehistoric remains showing early animal life.
The Racton Man Dagger: One of the oldest bronze daggers found in the UK.
The Medieval Kitchen: A display showing how local people cooked in the 1400s.
The Roman Coin Hoard: A collection of ancient currency found locally.
The Astronaut Tim Peake Exhibition: A display dedicated to the Chichester-born astronaut.
The Toy Collection: Heritage toys that show how children played in the past.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Chichester Cathedral: Just a 2-minute walk away, featuring a famous spire and beautiful stained glass.
Priory Park: A short walk to a large green space with a great playground and Roman city walls to climb.
Pallant House Gallery: A nearby modern art museum with family-friendly workshops.
Chichester City Walls: Take a circular walk around the town on the original Roman foundations.

New for 2026

The Digital Roman Quest 2026: A brand-new augmented reality game for the 2026 season that brings the bathhouse to life on your tablet or smartphone.
Refreshed Prehistoric Gallery: New for 2026, this section has been updated with more hands-on activities focusing on Ice Age animals found in West Sussex.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The Novium Museum offers room hire for private events and occasionally themed party sessions. Contact Email: [email protected]

Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 4.30pm.
Saturday: 10am - 5pm.

Address: The Novium Museum, Tower Street, Chichester, UK

Post Code: PO19 1QH

Council: Chichester

County: West Sussex

By Car: Use postcode PO19 1QH. Follow signs for city centre parking.
By Train: A 10-minute walk from Chichester Station.
Parking: The nearest short-stay car park is at Little London or Tower Street.