Name: The Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery
Rating: 5.0

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, Queen St, Exeter EX4 3RX, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery if you are looking for the best things to do with kids in Exeter, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) offers a fascinating journey through local and global history. As Exeter's premier museum, this award-winning institution provides a perfect setting for families to explore everything from prehistoric artefacts to modern art displays.

Entry to the museum is free for all visitors, though donations are welcome to support its ongoing conservation efforts. Some temporary or special exhibitions may occasionally require an entry fee, which will be clearly noted on the official website.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this museum offers an engaging, indoor environment in the heart of Exeter. Its diverse collections and interactive displays make it a top-rated destination for young explorers and history enthusiasts alike.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Exhibits: Engage with the past through touchable displays and hands-on activities designed for younger visitors.
Educational Day Out: Gain a deeper understanding of Exeter’s heritage, world cultures, and natural history through 16 permanent galleries.
Family Trails: Collect free museum trails and "Beastie Bags" at the entrance to keep children entertained while exploring.
Accessible Environment: The museum is fully equipped with wheelchair access, lift facilities, and hearing loops, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.

What to See

Ancient Egypt Gallery: Step back in time to see an authentic Egyptian mummy's tomb and discover how people lived thousands of years ago.
Natural History Collection: Marvel at exotic birds, butterflies, and large skeletal remains that bring the natural world to life for young animal lovers.
Exeter’s Roman Walls: View a well-preserved section of the city's ancient Roman wall, integrated beautifully into the museum’s architecture.
World Cultures Gallery: Take a "global adventure" through artefacts from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, showcasing diverse traditions.
Local History Display: Learn about the history of Exeter through rare archaeological finds and social history objects dating back to the 17th century.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are available on-site.
Food & Drink: The on-site cafe offers a selection of snacks, hot drinks, and light lunches.
Shopping: The Shop at RAMM stocks unique gifts, local artisan crafts, and exclusive museum souvenirs.
WiFi: Free public WiFi is available throughout the building.

Pro-Tips for Families

Plan Your Visit: The museum is closed on Mondays and Bank Holidays, so check the calendar before you set off.
Free Resources: Don't forget to ask at the reception for free trails and activity packs that help children focus on specific gallery themes.
Arrival: The museum is located in the city centre; using public transport is highly recommended as parking in Exeter can be busy.

Targeted FAQs

Is it worth it for toddlers? The museum is very family-friendly, offering visual displays and trails that can keep younger children interested, though it is best enjoyed with a mix of gallery exploration and time in the nearby gardens.
How long does a visit take? Most families find that between one and a half to two hours is the ideal amount of time to explore the main galleries and participate in a museum trail.
Where is the best place to park? There is no dedicated museum parking, but the museum is well-positioned near several public city centre car parks in Exeter, including the Princesshay and John Lewis car parks.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The diverse range of galleries ensures there is something to interest every child, regardless of age.
The staff are praised for being welcoming, helpful, and very knowledgeable about the collections.
The combination of high-quality exhibits and free entry provides exceptional value for a family day out.

What Visitors Don't Like

During peak school holiday periods, the popular galleries can get quite busy.
Some visitors note that while the museum is family-friendly, it is still a traditional museum space where quieter behaviour is expected in certain areas.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The museum holds over a million objects across its expansive collections, including these highlights:
Egyptian Mummy and Sarcophagus: Key artefacts in the Ancient History gallery.
Exeter Silver: A collection of locally crafted decorative silverware.
Natural History Specimens: Thousands of invertebrates, birds, and mammals from across the globe.
Geological Fossils: Mammoth tusks and ancient ichthyosaur skeletons.
Fine Art Paintings: Landscape and portrait works by prominent regional and national artists.
Costume and Textiles: A vast collection showcasing fashion and fabric history over 140 years.
Aztec Clay Stamps: Unique examples of world cultural craft.
Japanese Lacquerware: Intricately designed items from the museum's ethnography collection.
Roman Pottery: Archaeological evidence from the Roman occupation of Exeter.
Musical Instruments: A small but significant collection of historic instruments.

Beyond the Main Attraction

RAMM is centrally located, making it easy to combine your visit with other local landmarks:
Rougemont and Northernhay Gardens: Perfect for a picnic or a run-around before or after your museum visit.
Exeter Cathedral: A stunning historic landmark just a short walk away.
Exeter Quayside: A popular spot for family walks, cycling, and river views.

New for 2026

The museum frequently rotates its displays to highlight different parts of its extensive archive. Visitors can check the main museum website for updates on temporary exhibitions.
Digital Animation Roots: New special exhibitions often highlight the connection between historical optical media and modern digital animation.
Community Gallery: Rotating displays frequently feature artwork and projects curated by Exeter’s local community groups.
Changing Stories Exhibition: Look for new opportunities to engage with collections through fresh, thematic storytelling displays.
Family Discovery Days: Keep an eye on the events calendar for seasonal workshops and half-term activities for school-aged children.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The museum does not currently offer commercial birthday party packages. For information regarding educational group visits or private venue hire inquiries, please contact the museum team directly via email.

Inquiry Email: ramm@exeter.gov.uk

Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Address: Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, Queen St, Exeter EX4 3RX, UK

Post Code: EX4 3RX

Council: Exeter

County: Devon

Car: The Guildhall Shopping Centre and Mary Arches car parks are nearby. Please note Queen Street is now one-way. Exeter’s Park and Ride bus services stop in Paris Street or South Street.
Train: Exeter Central Station is 100 metres away. Leave the station through its Queen Street entrance and turn left to reach us. St David’s Station is a 15 minute walk or short bus or taxi ride away.
Bus and coach: Most city buses stop in the High Street or Queen Street. The main bus station is on Paris Street, and the nearest drop-off point for coaches is in Queen Street outside Central station.
By foot: Our location in Queen Street is well signposted from Exeter Quay, Cathedral Green, and the city’s main shopping areas.
Parking: The Guildhall Shopping Centre and Mary Arches car parks are nearby. Please note Queen Street is now one-way. Exeter’s Park and Ride bus services stop in Paris Street or South Street. We have two parking spaces for blue badge holders at our Garden Entrance. These spaces can only be used by permit holders.