Name: Museum of Computing
Rating: 5.0

Museum of Computing

6 and 7 Theatre Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1QN, England

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

The Museum of Computing in Swindon is a fascinating journey through the history of digital technology and personal gaming. It is one of the best things to do with kids in Swindon because it is a specialist technology museum category attraction where the exhibits are meant to be touched and played with. Families can step back in time to see the very first computers and play classic video games on original consoles.

Visiting this digital treasure trove is very affordable for a family afternoon out. Prices start from £4.00 for children, while a family ticket offers excellent value for two adults and up to three children. Because the museum is run by dedicated volunteers, the atmosphere is relaxed and perfect for kids who want to get hands-on with history.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines nostalgia with technology, the Museum of Computing is a top choice. It provides an educational day out where children can see how much technology has changed since their parents were young. It is a brilliant indoor spot for rainy days or for anyone who loves gaming and gadgets.Quick Facts.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Key Features

Hands-on Gaming: A dedicated area for sensory play where visitors can play iconic games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders on original 1980s hardware.
The Coding Classroom: An educational day out highlight where kids can see early programmable computers like the BBC Micro and Commodore 64.
Interactive Timeline: A series of interactive exhibits that trace the development of the computer from mechanical calculators to modern tablets.
Specialist Workshops: Frequent Saturday sessions covering topics like robotics, game design, and basic electronics.

Top 5 Highlights

The Retro Gaming Zone: This is a "Helpful Peer" favourite because it lets kids play the games their parents grew up with. It is much more fun than a standard tablet as you get to use the original clunky joysticks and arcade buttons.
The Altair 8800: A major highlight for tech fans. This is widely considered the first "personal computer," and seeing it in person helps kids understand where today's laptops actually came from.
The Sinclair C5: This highlight is a quirky electric vehicle from the 1980s. Children find the design hilarious, and it is a great way to talk about the history of electric transport before it was cool.
Early Apple Collection: A highlight that features the original Macintosh and Apple II. It is a real eye-opener for kids to see an Apple product that doesn't have a touch screen.
Mechanical Calculators: This highlight shows the world before batteries. Kids can try out heavy metal machines with cranks and levers that were used to do maths long before the digital age.

Facilities

Toilets: Available on-site for visitors.
Buggy Parking: There is space inside the museum to keep a buggy while you explore the galleries.
Food & Drink: The museum does not have a café, but it is located in the town centre with dozens of coffee shops and restaurants just outside in Theatre Square.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Check the Opening Times: The museum is usually only open to the public on Saturdays. Always check the website before travelling to ensure they aren't closed for a private school booking.
Ask the Volunteers: Most of the staff are retired engineers or tech enthusiasts. They love showing kids how the old machines work, so don't be afraid to ask for a demo.
Visit the 'Secret' Shelf: Ask if there are any new consoles being rotated into the gaming zone; they often switch between Nintendo, Sega, and Atari setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? While the museum is best for school-aged kids, toddlers enjoy the bright lights and buttons in the gaming zone, and under-5s usually get in for a reduced rate or free.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend about 2 hours here, which is plenty of time to play the games and see the main exhibits.
Where is the best place to park? The Wyvern car park is directly adjacent to the museum, making it the easiest spot for families with young children.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Swindon? The Museum of Computing is one of the best value indoor activities in the town, with a family ticket costing less than a trip to the cinema.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

Parents love the nostalgia trip, often spending as much time playing the old games as the children do.
The "touch everything" policy is a massive hit, as it removes the stress of children accidentally breaking fragile displays.
It is widely praised for being great value for money compared to larger, more corporate attractions.

What Visitors Don't Like

Some visitors find the museum a bit small, noting it is more of an "hour or two" visit rather than a full day.
Because the machines are old, they occasionally go "out of order," which can be disappointing if a specific favourite game isn't working.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

BBC Microcomputer: The classic 1980s UK school computer.
Commodore PET: One of the earliest all-in-one home computers.
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES): Original 8-bit gaming console.
Sega Mega Drive: Complete with Sonic the Hedgehog.
The NeXT Cube: A rare machine designed by Steve Jobs.
Osborne 1: The first truly "portable" computer (though it weighs a ton!).
Dragon 32: A famous Welsh-made home computer.
ZX Spectrum: The famous rubber-keyed computer that started the UK coding boom.
Punch Card Reader: An original piece of massive 1960s hardware.
Enigma Machine Replica: Used to explain the history of secret codes and Bletchley Park.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Wyvern Theatre: Located right in the same square, perfect for catching a family show or pantomime.
STEAM Museum of the GWR: A short drive away, this museum tells the story of Swindon’s famous railway heritage.
Swindon Designer Outlet: Nearby for family dining and shopping, housed in converted railway sheds.

New for 2026

The 2026 'Evolution of AI' Display: A brand-new exhibit for 2026 that shows the history of artificial intelligence, from early chess-playing programmes to modern voice assistants.
VR Time Machine 2026: A newly launched immersive experience where kids can wear a headset to walk through a digital recreation of a 1960s "mainframe" computer room.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £7.00
Child (5–16 years): £4.00
Child (under 5 years): Free
Family (2 adults and up to 2 children): £17.00
Concession (Students, 60+): £5.00
Carer: Free

Pricing URL: https://www.museumofcomputing.org.uk/visiting-us/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Saturday – 9:30am to 5:00pm
Last admission – 4:15pm

Address: 6 and 7 Theatre Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1QN, England

Post Code: SN1 1QN

Council: Swindon

County: Wiltshire

By Train: Swindon Railway Station is a 10-minute walk away.
By Bus: Most local buses stop at the Swindon Bus Station or Fleming Way, both less than a 5-minute walk from Theatre Square.
By Car: Follow signs for Swindon Town Centre and "The Wyvern Theatre."
Parking: The Regent Circus car park (SN1 1FA) and the Wyvern car park are the most convenient options for visitors.