It’s International Museum Day on and around the 18th of May, so we’ve decided to celebrate the occasion at Soreen by sharing our shortlist of top museums with you. They’re all free, they’re all family friendly, they all make for a brilliant day out and they’re all scattered across the UK, so there’s sure to be at least one not far from you.
World Museum, Liverpool
OK it might be called a museum, but this is no dry and stuffy building full of glass cases and neatly labeled displays. It’s a hands on, loads of fun interactive and accessible experience across a huge collection of natural wonders and relics. Attractions include a planetarium, an aquarium and best of all…the Bug House. Prepare to be creeped out!
National Football Museum, Manchester
A great fixture for all the family, with enough to see, do and amuse everyone, even if they’re not a huge fan of the beautiful game. Along with a vast collection of colourful memorabilia, the kids can also dress up as footballers and listen to thrilling tales in storytelling corner.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield
You don’t have to be an art lover to appreciate this magnificent 500 acre open air park, because it’s all about enjoying the countryside too. There are lots of fascinating sculptures by world famous names like Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth and they’re all on display in the great outdoors. Probably the only art gallery in the country where your kids can run, shout and chase each other around the exhibits.
V &A Museum of Childhood, London
A world famous attraction and rightly so. With its adorable teddy bears, giant dolls houses and an enormous array of toys from every generation, this is a museum that will charm the adults every bit as much as the kids. And if you’ve got Gran with you, be prepared for her constantly saying..”Oooh I had one just like that!”
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
A traditional style museum but an absolutely gigantic one, with over 20 galleries and more than 8,000 exhibits. One of the most popular attractions is its unique beehive, specially designed to let the bees come in and out of the building whenever they want to.
St Fagans National History Museum, Cardiff
One of the biggest and most exciting open air museums in Europe, this 100 acre parkland is home to over 40 original buildings from different stages of history. All brought to life with workshops, craft demonstrations and more. Also includes a nature trail through some wonderful beech woodland.
Monkwearmouth Station Museum, Sunderland
All aboard! As you can guess from its setting in a former railway station, the main attraction at this museum is trains and travel from times long gone. Everything is beautifully restored, including the booking office and railway wagons.
So there are a few of Soreen’s favourite museums, which are all well worth a visit. And there are hundreds more fascinating museums up and down the country, most of which are free, so trawl the internet and make up a list for future family day’s out.
And if you’re taking a packed lunch with you, remember to include some Soreen, because its deliciously squidgy energy could come in very handy when everyone’s starting to flag a bit. Our snack packs of two slices of ready spread Fruity Malt Loaf are ideal fuel for hungry kids and are our nifty little Lunchbox Loaves are perfect for slipping into bags and pockets for a quick mid-museum munch.
