FAMILIES

Explore, be creative and have fun as a family, whether at the Museum or from home.

Why not try our interactive Ashmolean Adventure multimedia guide and plan ahead for the weekend. Or pick up a family trail when you arrive. Also find family events, puzzles, craft activities, and more to enjoy from home.

FAMILY PICNIC ROOM

   If it's easier to bring your own food for lunch on a weekend visit or at half term, you can use our Family Picnic Room on the Lower Ground Floor, near the Learning Studio.

Open 12–2pm every Sat & Sun and every day of October half term, Sat 22 Oct - Sun 30 Oct inclusive.

Frequently asked questions

 

There is lots to do at the Ashmolean for families.

  • Book for our Ashmolean Adventure digital guide for families – available every day
  • Check out upcoming events for families, including our Baby Ashmole sessions
  • Download a free family trail in advance or pick one up at our Information Desk
     

When restrictions allow, we will also make available again free sketching materials, trails, Ashventure Packs and Explore Kits, as well as the borrowing of magnifiers and torches on weekend afternoons.

 

 

Pre-booking is recommended, to guarantee entry and to save time on arrival, but walk-up tickets for general museum admission are also available. You might need to wait when we are busy.

Plan your visit & book tickets

To help keep everyone safe, all visitors need a timed ticket to enter the Museum. The Ashmolean is maintaining Covid-secure measures to prioritise the safety of our visitors and staff.

 

 

Accessible toilets can be found on the lower ground floor and the top floor by the main staircase. We have two baby changing areas, on the lower ground floor and the top floor.

 

 

The Museum is accessible by ramp from Beaumont Street. Pushchairs are welcome in the galleries or can be stored on the ground floor by the Museum entrance.

 

 

Stop off at our café or restaurant. Our café serves a range of freshly prepared hot and cold meals as well as kids meals and lunchboxes. Out on the Museum forecourt this summer, there's a pop-up café where you can buy snacks and drinks, with tables and chairs for customers. Our Rooftop Restaurant also offers a child-friendly menu. High chairs are available at both the indoor café and the restaurant.

Booking is strongly recommended for the restaurant, but not necessary for the café.

More information about eating and drinking at the Museum

We don't allow food or drink in the galleries, but you can use the Family Picnic Room at lunchtime on your weekend visits in the summer holidays. Breastfeeding is welcome.

 

 

Lockers are available on the lower ground floor. A £1 coin is required (non refundable). Lockers are big enough for large backpacks.

 

 

Further information about opening times, how to get to the Museum and our other facilities can be found on our Plan Your Visit page.

You can also call the museum at +44 (0)1865 278000 and the box office at

Do use our Feedback Form for all other queries or feedback: Feedback Form

 

CONTACT US

If you have any questions about visiting as a family, please get in touch.

Family Arts Standards

We welcome enquiries from community groups or families with additional needs. We are happy to help you plan your visit.

Download our Digital Safeguarding Policy

 

Jo Rice, Head of Informal Learning and Public Programmes
Email: learning@ashmus.ox.ac.uk