When I first spotted the Story Museum on Pembroke Street, Oxford, two lanterns outside read “Speak Friend” and “Enter” – a Lord of the Rings reference that tells you exactly what sort of place this is. Inside, you don’t look at stories behind glass; you push through a wardrobe into Narnia, pull swords from stones, and wander through a forest where trees whisper tales. It’s wonderfully unserious about itself whilst being absolutely serious about children’s literature. for kids, this is one of the best reasons to visit Oxford.
Quick overview
Tickets cost £14 for adults and £7 for children aged 1–4 (under-1s free). This gets you all-day entry to the Galleries, which is the main attraction recommended for ages 5 and up. There’s also Small Worlds for the very young (under-5s), which costs £7 per person for a 60-minute session.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Mondays. Extended hours during school holidays (until 5:30 p.m.).
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £14 adults, £7 children (1–4), under-1s free | Tue–Sun: 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m | Extended to 5:30 p.m. during holidays | Closed Mon | 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP | Under-1s only | 4:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. holidays) |
How much does the Story Museum cost?
The pricing structure here is slightly more complicated than most museums because there are two separate experiences, and you need to decide which one you’re buying.
The Galleries ticket prices
| Ticket type | Price (with Gift Aid donation) | Price (without donation) | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults & children 5+ | £15.50 | £14.00 | Recommended for ages 5+ |
| Children 1–4 | £7.70 | £7.00 | Must be accompanied by adult |
| Under-1s | Free | Free | No ticket required |
| National Art Pass holders | 50% discount | 50% discount | Valid card required |
What’s included: All-day entry to the Portal, Whispering Wood, Enchanted Library, Story Arcade, and the Treasure Chamber (which houses temporary exhibitions – currently “Here Be Dragons” co-curated by Cressida Cowell). The typical visit lasts 90 minutes, though you can return throughout the day.
Small Worlds ticket prices
| Ticket type | Price (with donation) | Price (without donation) | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| All ages | £7.70 | £7.00 | Recommended for ages 0–5 |
| Under-1s | Free | Free | No ticket required |
What’s included: A 60-minute session in a dedicated space for younger children, featuring picture books, traditional tales, and hands-on activities in story-themed zones. Sessions have specific start times – arrive promptly as late entry isn’t guaranteed.
Donation pricing: The museum is a registered charity, and if you choose the slightly higher “with donation” price, your entire payment qualifies for Gift Aid, allowing the museum to claim 25% back.
Story Pass: If you’re planning multiple visits, an annual pass costs £50 per person (£25 for ages 1–4) and gives unlimited entry to the Galleries throughout the year.
National Art Pass discount: This 50% discount applies to the Galleries only, not Small Worlds or events.
5 Oxford experiences worth booking
- 🎓 Take an Oxford University walking tour led by an alumni guide.
- ⚡ Explore Oxford’s Harry Potter filming locations on a tour including New College.
- 🚣 Embark on a scenic river cruise along the University Regatta course.
- 🕵️ Discover the Oxford of Morse, Lewis and Endeavour on a themed walking tour.
- 🏰 Hear dark historic tales on a guided visit to Oxford Castle and Prison.
Is the Story Museum free to enter?
No. Unlike many of Oxford’s museums (the Ashmolean, Pitt Rivers, Natural History Museum), the Story Museum charges admission. It’s a charity that relies on ticket sales, donations, and grants to operate.
That said, they occasionally run “Pay What You Can Sundays” that let visitors pay as little as £1 per ticket. Check their website for dates – these are typically announced in advance and tend to be popular.
What time does the Story Museum open?
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed: Every Monday throughout the year
Extended hours during school holidays:
- Half-term and summer holidays: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
- Christmas period (20–23 December, 27 December–4 January): 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
- Christmas Eve (24 December): 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Closed: Christmas Day (25 December) and Boxing Day (26 December)
The museum’s opening hours can vary depending on school holidays and special events, so checking their website before visiting is genuinely advisable rather than just standard advice.
Do I need to book Story Museum tickets in advance?
Not strictly, but it’s recommended – especially during school holidays and weekends. The museum operates timed entry for Small Worlds (you must book a specific session) and sometimes for the Galleries when it’s busy.
Booking in advance:
- Guarantees entry at your preferred time
- Saves queueing at the ticket desk
- Ensures you don’t arrive to find it sold out
You can book through the Story Museum website. Tickets are available on the day at the reception in the Portal (up the spiral staircase), but availability isn’t guaranteed during peak periods.
Groups of 10 or more must contact the museum directly rather than booking online.
History
The Story Museum was founded in 2003, though it operated as a “virtual museum” for over a decade, running storytelling programmes in schools and community spaces without a permanent home. The founders wanted to create something celebrating Oxford’s extraordinary literary heritage – this is, after all, the city where Lewis Carroll wrote Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, C.S. Lewis created The Chronicles of Narnia, J.R.R. Tolkien mapped out The Lord of the Rings, and Philip Pullman conceived His Dark Materials.
If you’re suddenly tempted to buy any of these, or shop for other children’s books, I strongly recommend using World of Books. It sells second hand books at much cheaper rates than Amazon or Waterstones.
In 2014, the museum finally opened its doors at Rochester House on Pembroke Street. The building itself is a warren of historic structures cobbled together – a courtyard complex that’s been adapted into the various story-themed spaces.
The museum underwent significant expansion, with new galleries opening in recent years including the Story Arcade (focusing on gaming and storytelling) and improved facilities. Unlike traditional museums that preserve objects behind glass, the Story Museum was designed as an active, participatory space where children (and adults) physically interact with stories.
Inside the Story Museum
The experience begins in the Portal, where you’re handed a character passport and assigned a new identity – mine was apparently a detective-explorer hybrid. A spinning wheel gives you a “story challenge” to complete during your visit. This sets the tone: you’re not observing; you’re participating.
The Whispering Wood is a dimly lit indoor forest where each tree tells a different story. Press a button, put on the headphones, and ancient tales are whispered to you. There’s a sword in a stone (I couldn’t pull it out, but children seem to manage), fairy houses hidden among the roots, and treasures tucked into hollows. It’s atmospheric without being frightening – younger children might find it a bit dark, but most seem enchanted rather than scared.
The Enchanted Library is the heart of the museum – a series of interconnected rooms themed around classic children’s literature. Push through the wardrobe doors into Narnia (complete with a lamp post and snow underfoot). Play Pooh Sticks in the Hundred Acre Wood. Spot the White Rabbit disappearing down his hole in the Alice in Wonderland room. Step through Raymond Briggs’s The Snowman into a snowy scene. Each room is beautifully designed with books scattered about, inviting you to stop and read.
The attention to detail is remarkable. Everything feels handmade and slightly chaotic in the best possible way – more like someone’s elaborate attic project than a slick commercial attraction.
The Treasure Chamber houses temporary exhibitions. When I checked, it was showing “Here Be Dragons,” co-curated by Cressida Cowell (author of How to Train Your Dragon). Previous exhibitions have included interactive experiences like exploring the inside of an anthill complete with voices from Nick Cope and other children’s entertainers.
The Story Arcade is newer, focusing on gaming and storytelling. It explores how video games tell stories and lets visitors create their own comic strips using clear, engaging instructions. As someone who’s tried to teach comic-making, this is the best explanation I’ve seen of how panels, speech bubbles, and narrative flow work.
Small Worlds is a separate area designed specifically for under-5s. It’s a patchwork land of picture books, nursery rhymes, and traditional tales, with a small play town where children can act out favourite stories. Sessions last 60 minutes and include live storytelling. You can’t access both Small Worlds and the Galleries on a single ticket – you need to choose one or buy tickets for both.
The Woodshed is the museum’s 100-seat theatre, hosting live storytelling performances, author events, folk performances, and family shows throughout the year. These are ticketed separately from museum admission.
What’s included with your ticket?
With a Galleries ticket (£14 adults, £7 children 1–4):
- All-day entry (you can leave and return)
- The Portal with character passports and story challenges
- The Whispering Wood
- The Enchanted Library with all themed rooms
- The Story Arcade
- The Treasure Chamber (temporary exhibition)
- Access to the café and gift shop
With a Small Worlds ticket (£7):
- One 60-minute session
- Story-themed play zones
- Live storytelling
- Hands-on activities for under-5s
Not included:
- Events in the Woodshed theatre (ticketed separately)
- Food and drink (café is on-site but costs extra)
Things to do near the Story Museum
Christ Church College (0.1 miles, 2-minute walk) – One of Oxford’s largest and most famous colleges, founded in 1546. The dining hall inspired the Great Hall in the Harry Potter films. The cathedral dates from the 12th century. You can tour the college, hall, and cathedral.
Modern Art Oxford (30 metres, 1-minute walk) – Literally next door on Pembroke Street, this contemporary art gallery hosts rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. It’s a clean, bright space that contrasts nicely with the Story Museum’s whimsy. Free admission, though donations are welcome.
Oxford Castle & Prison (0.2 miles, 4-minute walk) – Explore 1,000 years of history from Saxon times through Victorian prison life. Costumed guides lead 45-minute tours through the castle mound, crypt, and prison wings. The dark history might upset younger children, but older ones often find it fascinating.
Ashmolean Museum (0.4 miles, 8-minute walk) – Britain’s oldest public museum, opened in 1683. Collections span art and archaeology from ancient Egypt to contemporary art. Five floors of world-class exhibits – Egyptian mummies, Japanese samurai armour, Pre-Raphaelite paintings. The rooftop restaurant has excellent views over Oxford.
Bodleian Library (0.5 miles, 10-minute walk) – One of the oldest libraries in Europe, dating from 1602. Guided tours take you through the medieval Duke Humfrey’s Library (which stood in for Hogwarts library) and the grand Divinity School. The circular Radcliffe Camera is photogenic but only accessible on extended tours.
Practical tips
- Location: On Pembroke Street in central Oxford, 15 minutes’ walk from Oxford railway station
- Getting there: Regular buses stop on St Aldate’s, almost outside the museum. There’s no dedicated parking – use Park and Ride services or the Westgate car park (expensive). Oxford works best without a car
- Time needed: 90 minutes is typical for the Galleries; Small Worlds sessions are 60 minutes. Factor in extra time if you’re also visiting the café or shop
- Photography: Allowed throughout for personal use
- Food policy: No food or drink allowed in gallery spaces. The on-site café serves freshly prepared meals, with gluten-free and vegan options
- Children’s ages: Galleries are recommended for ages 5+, though younger children can visit if they’re happy walking around. Small Worlds is specifically designed for 0–5 years
- Supervision: Children under 11 must be accompanied at all times. Both adults and children need tickets
- Accessibility: 80% wheelchair accessible with lifts to most floors. The museum is working toward 100% accessibility
- Crowds: Weekdays during term-time are quietest. School holidays and weekends get busy, particularly the first hour after opening
- Gift shop: Excellent selection of unusual books, toys, and story-related gifts – genuinely worth browsing
- 2-for-1 offer: Show a valid train ticket at booking to get 2-for-1 entry when booking Galleries tickets in advance
- Bus discount: Show an Oxford Bus Company ticket from the same day for 10% off in the shop and café
FAQs
Can I visit both the Galleries and Small Worlds?
Not on a single ticket. They’re separate experiences requiring separate tickets. You can buy tickets for both, but Small Worlds has timed entry, so you’d need to coordinate.
Is it suitable for adults without children?
Absolutely. Plenty of adults visit without children – literature fans, students, tourists interested in Oxford’s storytelling heritage. It’s playful and interactive, which some adults love, though if you’re expecting a traditional museum with explanatory plaques, this might not be for you.
How long should we spend there?
Most families spend 90 minutes to 2 hours in the Galleries. Some stay longer, especially if they attend a storytelling session or spend time in every room. Small Worlds sessions are 60 minutes.
Will my teenager enjoy it?
Possibly. It’s primarily designed for younger children (5–12), though teens interested in literature, creative writing, or who grew up with the featured stories might appreciate it. The Story Arcade’s focus on comics and gaming appeals to slightly older children.
Do we need to follow a set route?
No, you can wander freely once you’re inside. The character passport gives you challenges to complete, but they’re optional. Many families treat it as a scavenger hunt; others just explore.
Can we leave and come back?
Yes, your Galleries ticket is valid all day, so you can leave for lunch and return. Just let staff know at the exit.
Is there a cloakroom?
There’s limited storage. Best not to bring large bags or coats if you can avoid it.
Are there toilets?
Yes, including accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities.
What if my child is scared of the dark?
The Whispering Wood is dimly lit and might unsettle very young or sensitive children. Staff are helpful if children become uncomfortable – you can skip that section and move straight to the brighter areas.
Can I bring a pushchair?
Yes, though some rooms are small and might be awkward to navigate. There’s pushchair parking at the entrance if you’d rather leave it there.
