Book The National Museum of Computing tickets for one of the best museums in Milton Keynes

The National Museum of Computing is a treasure trove of tech history, nestled within the historic Bletchley Park. Explore the world's largest collection of working historic computers at the National Museum of Computing in Bletchley Park, recognised as 'one of England's top 100 Irreplaceable Places'!

Visit The National Museum of Computing in Bletchley Park

Delve into a day of history as you follow the development of computing! From the ultra-secret pioneering efforts of the 1940's, through the large systems and mainframes of the 50s-70s to the rise of personal computers during the 80s, spend your day surrounded by history and heritage at Bletchley Park.

• Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages!
• Duration: Approx. 1-2 hours
• Location: National Museum of Computing, Block H, Bletchley Park, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB
• Tickets Include: Tours, Exhibits, Access to National Museum of Computing

What's On at The National Museum of Computing?

Step inside and journey through the evolution of computing, from the legendary Colossus - the world’s first programmable electronic computer - to the sleek and powerful machines of today. Whether you’re a coding whiz or just curious about how your smartphone came to be, you can enjoy interactive exhibits, hands-on experiences, and fascinating stories that bring the past to life.

• Breaking Enigma: Widely regarded as having shortened the war and saving countless lives, get up-close to a working reconstruction of one of the most famous wartime machines in history, the Bombe.
• From Encrypt to Decrypt: Discover the entire WWII code-breaking process of the Lorenz-encrypted messages when you visit the Tunny Gallery & the Colossus Gallery.
• First Electric Computer: Created with the single purpose of helping decipher messages between Hitler & his generals, explore Colossus, the world's first electronic computer with an incredible rebuild.
• Random Number Generator: Discover how random numbers can be created from 'Noise' as you get up-close to ERNIE.
• When Computers were People: Before computers were invented, calculations were performed on various devices. Explore abacus, slide rules and calculators of all shapes and sizes on display!
• First Generation: See what the early computers from the 50s looked like, with a reconstruction of the first EDSAC computer, the Harwell Dekatron Computer and the original HEC prototype.
• Large Systems: The Museum's largest computer, the huge ICL 2966 of the 1980s is running most weekends, and there are a 1950's Marconi TAC, 1960's Elliotts and a 1960s IBM 1130.
• Software: Programmable machines have existed for at least 200 years, but computer languages did not develop until the emergence of the electronic computer in the 1950s. Today software controls many household and other gadgets. How many do you think are in your home?
• PC's: Journey back into the past and play retro games on working computers - nostalgic for some, a revelation for others!
• Simulations: See iconic systems and play on early games consoles as you discover the history of Cray super computers.
• Classroom: The landmark BBC Computer Literacy Project of the 1980s made a huge impact on education in Britain. The TNMOC classroom explains the origins of the BBC initiative and the development of Acorn - plus a working 1986 BBC Domesday system.
• The Internet: The NPL Technology of the Internet Gallery traces communication technologies from the telegraph to the internet and explains Packet Switching, the key technology of modern communications.

Expect to see vintage computers, retro gaming consoles, and even a working reconstruction of Colossus! It’s a paradise for tech enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Plus, with knowledgeable guides and engaging displays, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the pioneers who shaped the digital world.

Book The National Museum of Computing tickets today and have them delivered instantly via email & SMS.