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Pitt Rivers Museum

A great rainy-day museum in Oxfordshire

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Today: moderate rain · 16°C

A wet day — perfect for indoor exploration

Wet weather
A rainy-day pick
Setting
Indoor
Entry
Free / cheap
Who for
Ages 4–18+

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The Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford is a captivating museum of anthropology and archaeology, renowned for its vast collection of artifacts from around the world. The displays are densely packed in a traditional cabinet-of-curiosities style, which fascinates children and adults alike. Families with kids will enjoy the 'wow factor' of seeing shrunken heads, totem poles, and a huge range of everyday and ceremonial objects. Free family trails and activity sheets available at the entrance. Object handling sessions allow children to touch real artifacts (check schedule). The museum is small but dense, so plan 1-2 hours. Pushchair access is possible but can be tight in some areas. Toilets and baby-changing facilities are available. There is a small café nearby in the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, which shares the same building. Best for ages 4-12, though younger kids may enjoy the colors and shapes, and older kids can delve deeper into the exhibits.

Area:Oxfordshire

What parents should know

The Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford is a captivating museum of anthropology and archaeology, renowned for its vast collection of artifacts from around the world.

Entertainment

Collect free activity sheets at entrance

Family trails and activity sheets are available free at the entrance to guide children through the collections and keep them engaged.

Must do

Plan for object handling sessions

Check the schedule for object handling sessions where children can touch real artifacts—a highlight that makes the experience interactive and memorable.

Best timing

Allow 1-2 hours for your visit

The museum is small but densely packed with displays. Budget 1-2 hours rather than a full day to avoid overwhelming younger children.