Name: The Story Museum
Rating: 5.0

The Story Museum

The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

The Story Museum in Oxford is a magical world dedicated to the art of storytelling in all its forms. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Oxford because it is a museum and immersive gallery category attraction that invites visitors to step into the pages of their favourite books. From oral traditions to modern classics, the museum uses performance and play to spark the imagination of children and adults alike.

Planning a visit to this creative hub is simple and offers great value for a full afternoon. Prices start from £16.00 for standard gallery access, with various ticket tiers available for themed immersive experiences and live performances. You can choose between specific session tickets or an annual pass if you plan to return and explore new stories throughout the 2026 season.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines literature, theatre, and interactive play, this is it. It provides a unique educational day out where stories are not just read, but lived. The museum is a fantastic all-weather destination that encourages children to become the authors of their own adventures.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Exhibits: The museum features interactive exhibits like the "Whispering Wood" and "The Portal," where digital magic meets physical sets.
Educational Day Out: With a focus on literacy and creative writing, it is an ideal educational day out for primary school pupils.
Sensory Play: Younger visitors can enjoy sensory play in the "Small Worlds" gallery, specifically designed for early years learners.
Live Performances: Regular theatre shows and storytelling sessions bring professional narrators directly to the family audience.

Top 5 Highlights

The Whispering Wood: Step into an indoor forest where every tree has a story to tell. It’s a "Helpful Peer" favourite because kids can pull on levers or listen to secret speakers to hear myths from around the globe.
The City of Stories: A large-scale immersive gallery where you can walk through fictional landscapes. Children love the variety, as it feels like moving through several different films or books in one room.
The Portal: A hi-tech gateway that uses green-screen technology and motion sensors. It allows kids to see themselves inside a story, which is perfect for the tech-savvy generation.
Small Worlds: This is the dedicated zone for the under-5s, featuring a giant "bed" to jump on and plenty of tactile props. It’s the best place to let toddlers explore stories at their own physical pace.
The Treasure Chamber: This room holds rotating displays of rare manuscripts and original illustrations. It’s a great spot to show children the "real" versions of the characters they love from their bookshelves.

Facilities

Toilets: Located on multiple floors with full accessibility and baby changing stations.
Buggy Parking: A dedicated buggy park is available near the entrance as buggies cannot be taken into some galleries.
Food & Drink: The Story Museum Café serves locally sourced lunches, themed treats, and excellent coffee.
Lockers: Small lockers are available for bags and coats (subject to availability).

Pro-Tips for Parents

Pre-book Everything: The museum operates on a timed-entry system; slots for "Small Worlds" and the Theatre often sell out days in advance.
Dress for Adventure: Some areas involve climbing or sitting on the floor, so comfortable clothing and shoes are a must.
Quiet Times: Sunday mornings tend to be slightly calmer than Saturday afternoons if you have children who prefer a less boisterous environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes! The "Small Worlds" gallery is specifically built for ages 0-5 and offers one of the best sensory story experiences in the UK.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend 3 to 4 hours if they are visiting multiple galleries and stopping for lunch in the café.
Where is the best place to park? The Westgate Shopping Centre car park is the closest and most convenient, though Park & Ride is cheaper for long stays.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Oxford? The Story Museum offers various ticket tiers, and their free-to-access café and shop are lovely spots for a quick creative break.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The staff are often in character or are highly enthusiastic storytellers, which makes the experience feel very personal.
The "Small Worlds" area is consistently rated as one of the best toddler play spaces in the city.
The museum manages to engage adults as much as children, especially through nostalgia and classic literature references.

What Visitors Don't Like

The timed slots for certain galleries can feel a bit rushed if your child gets particularly "stuck" on one exhibit.
The split-level layout and the need to leave buggies behind can be slightly inconvenient for those with multiple small children.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The Whispering Wood: An immersive indoor forest with oral story installations.
Small Worlds Gallery: A dedicated play and story space for ages 0–5.
The City of Stories: The main 2026 immersive exhibition space.
The Portal: A digital interactive storytelling lab.
The Story Museum Theatre: A professional space for live shows and author talks.
The 1001 Stories Collection: A digital archive of stories from diverse cultures.
The Story Craft Room: A space for hands-on workshops and craft activities.
Narnia Wardrobe: A secret entrance into a magical winter landscape.
The Comic Strip Gallery: A space dedicated to graphic novels and illustration.
The Library of Everything: A whimsical library where the shelves aren't quite what they seem.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Oxford Castle & Prison: Just a 5-minute walk away, perfect for families who enjoy a bit of "spooky" history.
Christ Church Meadow: A short walk for a picnic or a run-around by the river after your museum visit.
Westgate Oxford: A modern shopping centre nearby with a wide range of family restaurants and a rooftop terrace.
Blackwell’s Bookshop: A legendary Oxford site to pick up a book to read on the train home.

New for 2026

The 2026 'Great Big Story' Festival: A brand-new seasonal event for 2026 featuring guest authors and outdoor pop-up storytelling.
Reimagined City of Stories: The main immersive gallery has been refreshed for the 2026 season with new digital soundscapes and tactile sets.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

The Galleries (All Day)

Adult: £16.00 (£14.50 without donation)
Child age 5+: £16.00 (£14.50 without donation)
Child age 1–4: £8.25 (£7.50 without donation)
Under 1: Free

Small Worlds

Adult: £8.25 (£7.50 without donation)
Child age 5+: £8.25 (£7.50 without donation)
Child age 1–4: £8.25 (£7.50 without donation)
Under 1: Free

Pricing URL: https://www.storymuseum.org.uk/buy-museum-tickets

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The Story Museum offers themed parties including "Story Explorer" and "Comic Maker" options. Contact Email: [email protected]

Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 16:30

Address: The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford, UK

Post Code: OX1 1BP

Council: Oxford

County: Oxfordshire

By Train: Oxford Station is a 10-minute walk via Hythe Bridge Street.
By Bus: The museum is a 2-minute walk from St Aldate’s bus stops (S1, S3, X2, and Park & Ride services).
By Car: Use postcode OX1 1BP. Note that the museum is in a pedestrian-friendly zone.
Parking: No on-site parking. Use the Westgate Car Park (3-minute walk) or Oxford's Park & Ride system to avoid city centre traffic.