GoDaddy and Kids in Museums are encouraging families to go out and support small, independent museums this February half-term as they launch a new campaign: “Small Days Out”.
Small museums are the heart of their communities, preserving unique stories, traditions, and histories that might otherwise be lost.
They serve as vital community hubs, fostering local pride, supporting tourism, and providing accessible cultural spaces for all.
Despite their enormous value, research by GoDaddy among the Kids in Museums’ network found three in five small museums fear closure due to declining footfall and revenue.
The school holiday periods are particularly vital for small museums – accounting for over a quarter of their annual income.
That is why, this school holiday, GoDaddy and Kids in Museums are inviting families to embark on a ‘Small Day Out’ to discover the amazing attractions these independent museums have to offer.
For four in five small museums, recent times have been the most challenging period they have ever faced – with footfall yet to return to its pre-Covid levels.
Income levels have also declined over the past five years, and they face stiff competition from larger attractions.
Small museums are a wonderful part of the UK’s cultural heritage, and they continue to play vital roles in local economies.
Now is the time to show your support for local, independent businesses.
To help with planning your ‘Small Day Out’, we’ve included a thoughtful selection of some the UK’s best small museums and attractions for family visits:
Top family-friendly small museums to visit this half term
North West England
Silk Museum, Macclesfield, North West
Discover the history of silk at this fascinating museum, showcasing the industry's development from Ancient Egypt to Victorian Macclesfield.
Explore textile designs, fashion, and the working Jacquard loom. This half term, enjoy family workshops linked to the PATTERN exhibition, Museum Tots sessions, as well as the Kids in Museums holiday trail.
Entry: Free (donations appreciated).
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester, North West
Step into the world of Victorian author Elizabeth Gaskell in her restored home, featuring period rooms, exhibitions, and gardens.
This half term, kids can enjoy a Cranford Cat trail around the House and Valentine’s-themed crafts in the Servants’ Hall.
Entry: Adults £8.50, concessions £7.50, children under 16 free.
Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery, Blackburn, North West
As one of the first purpose built free museums to open outside of London in 1874, Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery houses a rich and fascinating collection.
Covering fine art, decorative art, Egyptology, more than 5,000 examples of coins, 500 books and manuscripts, natural history, social history, and South Asia, it is also home to the largest icon collection outside of London.
Entry: Adults £6, Concessions £5.
North East England
Bailiffgate Museum & Gallery, Alnwick, North East
Located at the heart of Alnwick Old Town, Bailiffgate Museum & Gallery depicts ten thousand years of local history with a mixture of artifacts, interactive displays and text.
Awarded the Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum award in 2021, it has continued to make its exhibitions and exhibits as family friendly as possible.
Entry: Adults £6, Concessions £5.
Yorkshire and the Humber
North Lincolnshire Museum, Scunthorpe, Yorkshire and the Humber
Step back in time with hands-on exhibits exploring local history, geology, and archaeology.
Hosting family friendly exhibitions and events for all ages - including an under 5s space - learn about North Lincolnshire with trails, back packs and family explorer packs.
This half term, the museum hosts daily Dudley’s Make and Take Crafts and is taking part in the Museum of Marvels Trail.
Entry: Free.
Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre, Barnsley, Yorkshire and the Humber
A museum created by the people, for the people, telling the story of Barnsley through artefacts, videos, and exhibitions.
The upcoming ‘Stories of Childhood’ exhibition runs from February 2025, celebrating growing up in Barnsey.
This half term, enjoy sensory experiences and puppet-making activities.
Entry: Free.
Craven Museum, Skipton, Yorkshire and the Humber
Home to Shakespeare’s First Folio and rare artefacts from the Roman and prehistoric eras, this museum brings Craven’s history to life.
Explore the limestone caves and uncover Victorian Craven. Half-term activities include art clubs and craft sessions.
Entry: Free.
Wakefield Museum, Wakefield, Yorkshire and the Humber
Discover the rich history of Wakefield, from its Tudor past to its sporting legacy and famous rhubarb-growing tradition. Step into a 1950s toy kitchen, uncover surprising local stories, and explore fascinating artefacts. This half term, enjoy hands-on workshops including sensory play for toddlers and a rhubarb seed-planting session for children.
Entry: Free.
Castleford Museum, Castleford, Yorkshire and the Humber
Travel through 15,000 years of history, from Roman settlements to local industry and sporting legends.
Discover what the Romans left behind and explore Castleford’s creative heritage.
This half term, young visitors can become museum detectives, uncovering clues in a mystery-themed activity trail.
Entry: Free.
National Emergency Services Museum, Sheffield, Yorkshire and the Humber
The National Emergency Services Museum (NESM) is a specialist museum dedicated to the Fire & Rescue, Police, Ambulance, and Coastguard services.
Located in a historic former combined police, fire, and ambulance station in Sheffield, the museum holds an extensive collection, ranging from helmets, uniforms, and vehicles to personal stories and belongings of those who served.
Entry: Adults £9.50, Children £7.50.
Pontefract Museum, Pontrefact, Yorkshire and Humber
Explore Pontefract’s rich history, from its role in the Civil Wars to its famous liquorice-making heritage. Step into the world of pantomime with costumes and props, and admire the stunning coloured glasswork in Bagley’s Glass Room. This half term, children can enjoy hands-on activities, including a pantomime-themed craft session.
Entry: Free.
East Midlands
The National Civil War Centre and Newark Museum, Newark, East Midlands
Delve into the history of the British Civil War with immersive galleries and engaging exhibits. Learn about 17th-century life, explore Newark’s past, and enjoy interactive displays, including a dressing-up cupboard.
Entry: Free for Newark and Sherwood residents.
West Midlands
Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Wolverhampton, West Midlands
Discover an impressive collection of more than 19,000 objects and artworks.
The gallery features pop art, Black British art, and works reflecting the region’s industrial past. It also holds key pieces on the Northern Irish conflict.
Entry: Free.
Red House Glass Cone, Stourbridge, West Midlands
Reaching 100ft into the sky and lying in the heart of the Stourbridge Glass Quarter, the Grade II Listed, Red House Glass Cone is one of only four remaining glass cones in the whole of the UK.
Retaining its original workshop buildings and canal side location, it is a reminder of the area’s rich glassmaking heritage.
This half term, the Red House Glass Cone will host a range of activities, including The Kids in Museums Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels free trail and glass fusing and craft sessions.
Entry: Free.
Dudley Museum at The Archives, Dudley, West Midlands
Trace the fascinating history of Dudley through interactive timeline exhibits, from its industrial roots to its artistic and tourism appeal.
Begin your journey with an audio-visual presentation on the heritage of the Black Country and explore the Geopark Gallery to continue your discovery.
This half term, families can enjoy a free dinosaur trail around the museum or book a special Dinosaur Crafts session.
Entry: Free .
South East England
The Story Museum, Oxford, South East
A celebration of storytelling, with immersive spaces like the Whispering Wood, Enchanted Library, and Small Worlds ensuring there’s something for all ages.
This half term, enjoy the 'Here Be Dragons' exhibition and numerous events with authors and artists.
Entry: Adults £14, Under 5s £6.50, under 1s free.
South West England
Nothe Fort, Weymouth, South West
Explore 160 years of history at this Victorian coastal defense site, featuring a maze of underground tunnels, World War II guns, and stunning coastal views.
This half term, enjoy a special WWII-themed week.
Entry: Adults £9.95, Concessions £8.50, Children (5-16) £4.50, Under 5s free.
PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications, Penzance, South West
Discover tells the fascinating global history of communication, from the invention of the telegram to the rise of the internet.
Discover how this this peaceful Cornish valley became a vital hub for global communications, protecting Britain’s links to the world by carving deep into the cliffside, from World War II to present day.
Entry: Adults £12, Children £6.
London
Museum of the Order of St John, London
Discover the history of the Order of St John and St John Ambulance through 60,000 objects and extensive 900-years history. This half term, enjoy a free stained-glass lantern workshop and storytelling.
Entry: Free.
The Postal Museum, London
The Postal Museum is an award-winning, accredited and independent museum in London, which tells the 500-year-old story of British postal communication and its continued impact on life around the world today.
Your visit can include an immersive ride on Mail Rail, London’s hidden 100-year-old underground railway, or a stop by Sorted, a popular children’s play space.
This half term, the museum will host a range of activities including a hands-on arts and crafts activities from Monday 17th February to Sunday 23rd February, 10am to 4pm.
Entry: Adults £17.60, Children £10.
London Museum of Water & Steam, London
Housing the world’s largest collection of stationary steam pumping engines and based in the historic buildings of the former Kew Bridge Waterworks, the museum tells the story of London's water supply and how it helped to transform London into the metropolitan city it is today.
Home to a narrow-gauge steam locomotive, this half term the museum will host a range of events, including a competition to design a limited-edition train ticket for use on Thomas Wicksteed rides in March.
Entry: Adults £11.50, Children £4.
Scotland
The Devil’s Porridge Museum, Dornock, Scotland
Discover the explosive history of munitions production at H.M. Factory Gretna, where workers mixed ‘devil’s porridge’ to supply WWI explosives.
Explore interactive exhibits, including a nostalgic 1940s house, Scotland’s first nuclear power station, and a fireless locomotive.
This half term, families can enjoy toddler crafting, a climate-themed quilt workshop, a Warhammer session, and creative drop-in activities.
Entry: Adults £9, Concessions £8.
Wales
The Egypt Centre, Swansea, Wales
Explore one of Europe’s leading Egyptology museums, featuring artefacts such as ornate coffins, carved amulets, and relics of the pharaohs.
This half term, families can participate in daily workshops and activity trails.
Entry: Free, donations appreciated.
Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea, Wales
An interactive museum dedicated to the Welsh poet, featuring a permanent exhibition of his life and work. The family friendly exhibition is supported by a well-equipped learning space.
This half term, free activities include trails, self-guided activities, and tutor led workshops.
Entry: Free.
