1980's computers
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Museum of Computing

4.7
·200 reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore the fascinating history of computing with hands-on retro games and vintage tech displays.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
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1980's computers

Museum of Computing

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the fascinating history of computing with hands-on retro games and vintage tech displays.

4.7
(200 reviews)

"A great little museum, very reasonably priced with plenty to see and do for all ages!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Donate Old Tech

Got old computer gear? Museums are keen to preserve artifacts!

🎟️ Reasonable Entry Fee

Great value for money, with tickets allowing you to stay as long as you like.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 200 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Retro Gaming

Interactive Retro Gaming

Main exhibit floor

Play classic games on original consoles and computers. A guaranteed hit for all ages!

Vintage Computer Displays

Vintage Computer Displays

Exhibit halls

See and learn about groundbreaking computers from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

1700s Automata

1700s Automata

Special exhibit area

Discover intricate mechanical robots from centuries past, predating modern computing.

Crocheted Computer Room

Crocheted Computer Room

Temporary installation (check availability)

Experience a unique art installation transforming a computer room with crochet.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Special Events

While walk-ins are welcome, consider booking tickets or private visits for home education groups or special events to ensure availability and a tailored experience. Some talks, like Dylan Beattie's on the Art of Code, are highlighted as must-sees.TikTok

Embrace the Nostalgia

This museum is a treasure trove of retro computing and gaming. Prepare for a trip down memory lane, with plenty of interactive exhibits that will bring back childhood memories for adults and offer a fascinating glimpse into the past for younger visitors.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low
When
During special events
Why
Engaging talks & activities
Crowd
Medium
When
Rainy days
Why
Perfect indoor escape
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

check out Dylan Beattie's talk on the Art of Code to learn more. #programming #computerscience #techtok #mindblow
@itsamy...mario
253.4K likes • 1.4M views

🎯 Donate Old Tech

Got old computer gear? Museums are keen to preserve artifacts! Reddit

🎟️ Reasonable Entry Fee

Great value for money, with tickets allowing you to stay as long as you like. Reddit

1700s Robots: Mind-Blowing Automata Pre-Declaration! Explore mind-blowing 1700s robots created by Pierre-Jacques Droz. We discuss functional automatons predating the Declaration of Independence, found in Switzerland, and linked to modern computers. #Robots #Automata #History #Invention #Switzerland #Museum #Technology #Science #Comet #AncientTech
@jaydreamerz
27.4K likes • 222.4K views
Loading some files on a US$ 300,000 computer from 1985. The only working one in the world! #interactive #Helmond #foryoupage #homecomputermuseum #museum #retro #vintage #fyp #museums #Dutch #design
@homecomputermuseum
17.5K likes • 324.5K views

👨‍🏫 Knowledgeable Staff

The team is super friendly and happy to answer all your tech questions. Reddit

🎮 Play the Classics

Get hands-on with iconic retro games and computers. TikTok

Welcome on the Internet, as it was done in 1996! Yes, it took that long. #computer #museum #HomeComputerMuseum #helmond #Internet #retro #vintage #fyp #modem
@homecomputermuseum
15.2K likes • 403.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Donate Old Tech

Got old computer gear? Museums are keen to preserve artifacts! Reddit

🎟️ Reasonable Entry Fee

Great value for money, with tickets allowing you to stay as long as you like. Reddit

👨‍🏫 Knowledgeable Staff

The team is super friendly and happy to answer all your tech questions. Reddit

🎮 Play the Classics

Get hands-on with iconic retro games and computers. TikTok

🌐 Internet in '96

Experience what the internet was like back in 1996! TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(200 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Museum of Computing, calling it a 'hidden gem' with incredibly reasonable prices and a wealth of nostalgic exhibits. The interactive retro gaming and vintage computer displays are major highlights, complemented by exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable staff who enhance the experience for all ages.

"What a great little museum! I was impressed by how many retro computing items they've managed to fit into such a small space, and the entry price was very reasonable. It was a nostalgic trip down memory lane with plenty of things to look at and interact with. The staff were especially wonderful—so welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable."

Thomas Stratford

"A great place to visit in Swindon that is very reasonably priced, an adult ticket is £5. There lots to see and plenty to do. For adults, there are lots of nostalgic exhibits that brought back many childhood memories. For children, it’s a great place to learn and see what the older generation used and played with. The staff are very knowledgeable. During my visit, Simon was able answer lots of questions and was very helpful."

Nick Kirby

"This is place is fantastic, staff are great, brilliant computers, consoles and tech from years gone by, staff and friendly and helpful. My 11 and 6 year old daughters enjoyed it too, well worth a visit and I'll definitely be going back."

Michael Jackson

What People Like

Nostalgic exhibits
Interactive retro gaming
Friendly and knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Limited space for some exhibits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Museum of Computing is located in Swindon. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's often mentioned as a great spot for a day trip. Consider checking local Swindon transport links or driving if coming from further afield. Reddit

Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but as it's a local gem, street parking or nearby public car parks are likely options. It's best to check local parking availability upon arrival in Swindon.

Absolutely! It's frequently recommended as a fantastic day trip destination, especially for families or those seeking a nostalgic experience. Reddit

For those in the UK, it's a popular destination for home education groups, suggesting it's accessible by car or potentially train to Swindon, followed by local transport. Reddit

While specific accessibility details aren't detailed, the interactive nature suggests a generally accessible environment. It's always wise to contact the museum directly for specific needs.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Adult tickets are very reasonably priced at around £5. The admission fee is often highlighted as being very affordable, offering great value for the experience. Reddit

Walk-ins are generally welcome, but booking ahead is recommended for private visits or special events to ensure your spot and a tailored experience. Reddit

While specific discount codes like Groupon aren't mentioned, the general admission price is considered very reasonable, making it accessible for most visitors. Reddit

The museum has a very reasonable admission fee, typically around £5 for adults, rather than being free. However, the value for money is consistently praised. Reddit

Specific opening hours can vary, but the museum is often described as a place where you can stay as long as you want, even leaving for lunch and returning. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most current hours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can play a wide variety of retro computer games and consoles, explore historical computing artifacts, and learn about the evolution of technology. Interactive exhibits are a major draw. TikTokReddit

Yes, it's highly recommended for children! They can enjoy playing retro games and seeing what older generations used, making it both fun and educational. Reddit

Definitely! Many visitors highlight the interactive nature of the exhibits, allowing you to play games and engage with the technology firsthand. Reddit

The museum features a range of computers from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, including some incredibly rare and expensive models from 1985. TikTok

Yes, the museum hosts talks and events. Dylan Beattie's 'Art of Code' is mentioned as a must-see for tech enthusiasts. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed. One visitor noted that their camera's flash made screens appear to not work, but in reality, they were functioning perfectly. Reddit

No specific restrictions are mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography if it might be disruptive. Reddit

The vibrant retro gaming setups, unique vintage computer displays, and any special art installations like the crocheted room offer great photo ops. TikTok

Absolutely! Your phone camera is perfect for capturing the nostalgic atmosphere and the impressive collection of old tech. TikTok

Searching for 'Museum of Computing Swindon' on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram will yield many visitor photos and videos. TikTokInstagram

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