The National Museum of Computing
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
About The National Museum of Computing
Explore the world's largest collection of working historic computers at The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC), located on the historic Bletchley Park estate in Milton Keynes. Home to the working Colossus - the world's first electronic digital computer - and the WITCH (Harwell Dekatron), the world's oldest working digital computer, TNMOC is the only place on earth where you can see both machines in action. Recognised as one of England's top 100 irreplaceable places, it's a genuinely unmissable day out for curious families, STEM fans, and anyone who wants to understand how the digital world we live in was built.
Museum highlights:
- Colossus - see a working rebuild of the world's first electronic digital computer, used to break German ciphers during World War II and kept secret for decades after the war ended
- WITCH (Harwell Dekatron) - meet the world's oldest working digital computer, built in 1951 and restored to full working order by TNMOC volunteers
- The Turing-Welchman Bombe - watch this remarkable machine in action and learn how it helped Allied forces decrypt Enigma messages, shortening the war
- Hands-on retro computing - program a BBC Micro, play on original 1980s games consoles, and explore the machines that defined a generation
- Interactive Digital Trails - specially designed challenges for kids that turn the museum into an adventure, from codebreaking puzzles to computing history quests
- Expert volunteer guides - knowledgeable and passionate volunteers who tailor their explanations for every age group, from curious 7-year-olds to seasoned tech professionalsWhy The National Museum of Computing is Worth the TripUnlike most museums, TNMOC puts history in your hands. Visitors don't just look at machines behind glass - they touch them, program them, and play on them. From booting up a vintage BBC Micro to trying your hand at an Enigma-encrypted puzzle, the emphasis is always on doing rather than just watching.The museum traces seven decades of computing history - from the ultra-secret wartime machines of the 1940s, through the giant mainframes of the 1950s-70s, the home computing revolution of the 1980s, and all the way to the present day. It's a genuinely coherent story, and the volunteer guides are brilliant at connecting the dots between the machines on display and the technology families use every day.For families with children who have sensory sensitivities or neurodiverse needs, TNMOC runs dedicated Relaxed opening days - quieter, lower-stimulus sessions designed to make the museum accessible for everyone. Check the What's On calendar for dates.The museum shop is worth a browse before you leave - it stocks T-shirts, books, mugs, build-your-own kits, framed prints, and a range of gifts, with proceeds going directly towards new displays and conservation work.
Where Computing History Comes Alive: Hands-On Fun for the Family!
At The National Museum of Computing, we bring the incredible story of computing to life in a way that’s fun, engaging, and hands-on for all ages. Families love exploring our interactive exhibits, where experimenting with historic and modern technology is encouraged!
Step back in time to see the world’s first electronic, digital computer - Colossus - and fast-forward through decades of innovation with machines you can use and understand. Our collection isn’t just something to look at—it’s something to experience; visitors can learn how to program vintage BBC computers and try out early games consoles.
Unlike traditional museums, we put exploration in your hands. Children and parents alike can engage in activities designed to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and a love of STEM. Whether it’s solving an Engima-encrypted puzzle or following on of our Digital Trails, kids can learn while having fun.
At TNMOC, every visit offers new discoveries, making it the perfect destination for family bonding and learning. It’s not just history—it’s an unforgettable, hands-on adventure into the past, present, and future of computing.
Where History Works: Get Hands-On with the World’s First Computers!
The National Museum of Computing is unlike any other attraction. Here, history doesn’t sit behind glass - it clicks, whirs, and comes alive! We’re the only place in the world where you can see the working Colossus (the world’s first electronic, digital computer), and the Bombe machine - used to break the Enigma codes during World War II.
What makes us truly unique is our hands-on approach. Most museums tell stories - at TNMOC, we encourage you experience them. You can touch, explore, and even program vintage computers, from behemoth mainframes to iconic 1980s PCs and early gaming consoles.
Our expert volunteers and guides bring these machines to life, demonstrating how they changed the world and connecting their innovations to the technology we use today. Whether you’re fascinated by history, science, or technology, TNMOC offers a truly immersive experience you won’t find anywhere else.
May Half-Term 2026: STEM Bytes
TNMOC's Half Term STEM Bytes sessions run on Saturday 25 May, offering bite-sized, hands-on technology tasters for the whole family. Whether it's getting to grips with early computing, exploring how the Bombe worked, or trying out retro gaming, these sessions are designed to make technology fun and accessible for all ages. Check the museum's events calendar for full details and booking.
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Wheelchair Hire
Opening Times
- Monday, Closed
- Tuesday, 10:30 - 16:30
- Wednesday, Closed
- Thursday, 10:30 - 16:30
- Friday, Closed
- Saturday, 10:30 - 16:30
- Sunday, 10:30 - 16:30
Pricing & Tickets
- Babies and Toddlers (0-5) : Free
- Child (6-15) : £10.00
- Adult (16+) : £15.00
- senior (18++) : £12.50
Day Tickets (Single Entry)
- Adults (16+): £15.00
- Concessions (60+/Students): £12.50
- Children (5-15): £10.00
- Infant (Under 5s): Free
- Family: £55.00 (2 Adults and up to 3 Children)
- Carers (Accompanying a Paying Individual): Free
Annual Tickets (Unlimited Entry: Visit the Museum as many times as you like within a year)
- Adults (16+): £30.00
- Concessions (60+/Students): £25.00
- Children (5-15): £20.00
- Family: £70.00 (2 Adults and up to 3 Children)
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 1 - 2 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
Vegan options are available for drinks, cakes, and sandwiches.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
The National Museum Of Computing
Block H
Sherwood Drive
Milton Keynes
Buckinghamshire
MK3 6EB
England
Once you arrive at the Bletchley Park gatehouse, ask for 'The National Museum of Computing' and the porters will guide you to our free parking.
Tel: 01908374708
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
- Rail
- Bus
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 10:06 18/05/2026
The National Museum of Computing Reviews
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