Centre for Computing History
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
About Centre for Computing History
The Centre for Computing History has a large display of working and useable computers and video game consoles dating back to the early 1950s. The display includes the huge computers of the sixties, the home computers of the 80's and the hand held modern devices of today.
It is one of the rare museums where almost everything is touchable and where intergenerational conversations are guaranteed! Tell the kids how things used to be when YOU were a child and show them the computers that filled a room yet had less power than a modern toaster! They won't believe their eyes!
Play on some of the greatest video games ever created from Pong to Pokemon and experience game play as it evolved over the years.
Learn about the people and stories behind the machines too. There are guides, trails, information panels and friendly staff to help make everything accessible and you can have a go (or several) yourself!
It is hands-on, educational, interactive and above all … enormous fun! And we're open every day in the school holidays with regular events, workshops and temporary exhibitions that cover everything from coding to social history to electronics and robots.
We are exceptionally hands-on and interactive.
Almost everything that is on display is useable so visitors not only learn about old computers and games consoles - and the impact they've had on our lives - but can try them out and no one needs to worry about kids breaking things! Once inside everything is free to play with.
We appeal to all ages and have plenty of things that non-techies can do too!
We run a full programme of activities and workshops through out the school holidays.
We are very friendly and accessible.
Staff are very knowledgeable, friendly and are happy to help visitors or if someone would like to see something specific from the collection, we can get it out for them to view.
We open 7 days a week in school holidays.
Usual opening hours are Weds-Sun 10am-5pm but in Cambs school holidays we open every day. We also run regular events, workshops and temporary exhibitions from coding workshops to robot demos to gaming and quiz nights. Some holiday activities are free and included in the cost of admission. Others, like eletronics workshops, have an additional charge.
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
- Monday, Closed
- Tuesday, Closed
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Term time: Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Cambs school holidays (except Christmas): Open 7 days a week 10:00 - 17:00
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (5-17) : £8.00
- Adult (17-18+) : £12.00
- Babies and Toddlers (0-4) : Free
General AdmissionFamily (1 adults, 2 kids): £25.00Family (2 adults, 2 kids): £32.00
Concessions/students: £10.00Under 5's: Free
Carers: Free
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 3 - 4 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
We have a 'tuck shop' selling tea, coffee, juice, cans, chocolate and cakes and a seating area to eat i int. Visitors can leave to go somewhere else to eat and return the same day. We have no problem with bringing your own food (food is only allowed in the seating area), though as we're a charity please consider supporting us by buying a coffee!
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Rene Court, Coldhams Road
Cambridge
Cambridgeshire
CB1 3EW
England
We're in a slightly odd location because we need loads of space so we can have everything switched on and useable! We have parking available and a disabled space can be reserved if you phone ahead, though the car park does get busy and we encourage visitors to use public transport or to cycle or walk to us. The Chisholm Cycle Trail runs very nearby and as we're on the edge of Coldham's Common, there's plenty of open space and a kids' playground nearby too. We're also close to the Abbey Leisure Complex so get a swim in after your visit!
Tel: 01223214446
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
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Verification & Last Updated
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Last Updated: 12:08 14/02/2025
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