We have a lot of great and interesting museums, from Big Pit National Coal Museum in a former coal mine to the Museum of Modern Art Machynlleth in a former Chapel.
As a Wales local, I’m going to share my 13 favorite museums with you. I’ll include the top spots as well as a few local favourites.
Leave a comment at the end to let me know your favorites.
Notification: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!
13 Best Museums in Wales
St Fagans National Museum of History
Step back in time in this open-air museum with over 40 buildings from across Wales.
📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | 🎫 Cost: Free, Donations accepted | 🕕 Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Daily
St Fagans National Museum of History is one of Wales’s most popular heritage attractions and is my all-time favourite museum! In fact, it’s one of the top attractions in Cardiff.
St Fagans has over 40 historic buildings from different eras that have been moved and reconstructed. You can also explore a permanent indoor museum, play parks, and a working farm.
There are plenty of places to eat and drink at St Fagans. From summer 2024, you will also be able to enjoy a local pint in the Vulcan pub, reconstructed in early 1900s style!
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Explore Wales’ mining heritage in a former working coal mine set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | 🎫 Cost: Free, Donations accepted | 🕕 Hours: 9.30 am – 5 pm Daily, February – November
Big Pit National Coal Museum is in a former coal mine in the Blaenavon Industrial Landscapes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Wales.
Book the underground tour and have a memorable trip exploring 90m underground and hearing about Big Pit from former miners.
Big Pit regularly hosts exhibitions and events and is truly fun for all the family. There’s a cafe, toilets, and parking on site.
National Museum Cardiff
From modern art to natural history, this museum in a monumental building has something for everyone.
📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | 🎫 Cost: Free, Donations accepted | 🕕 Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Daily, Closed Mondays
The National Museum Cardiff is housed in a huge, impressive building in Cardiff’s civic centre. From Impressionist paintings to dinosaur skeletons, this museum has something for everyone! I particularly recommend the Evolution of Wales galleries.
The National Museum Cardiff is family-friendly, runs regular events, and has good facilities on site. Be sure to get a map at the start of your visit to help you navigate the many galleries!
National Roman Legion Museum
Discover artifacts and ruins from the site of one of the Roman Empire’s furthest outposts.
📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | 🎫 Cost: Free, Donations accepted | 🕕 Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Daily
The National Roman Legion Museum lies inside the remains of a Roman fortress in Caerleon, South Wales. You can explore the most complete Roman amphitheater in Britain and the only remains of Roman legionary barracks in Europe.
Check out the impressive ruins and artifacts and be sure to dress up as a Roman soldier!
There is an engaging indoor museum and good facilities on site. The National Roman Legion Museum hosts regular events, including everything from dementia-friendly tours to a Roman army boot camp.
National Waterfront Museum
Discover over 300 years of industrial and maritime history in this interactive museum in Swansea’s former docklands.
📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | 🎫 Cost: Free, Donations accepted | 🕕 Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Daily
You’ll find the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea Marina, a former commercial and industrial dockland. You can explore Wales’ industrial past and present in 15 themed galleries. From touch-screen displays to a real-life coal wagon, the whole family will be entertained!
There is a cafe and a shop onsite, and nearby parking in the city.
The Royal Mint Experience
Fancy stepping foot in a money factory? It’s all about the money in this unique attraction!
📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | 🎫 Cost: £5 to £17.25 Adults, Free to £13 Children | 🕕 Hours: 9.15 am – 4.15 pm Daily
The Royal Mint Experience is the visitor centre and museum for the world’s largest export mint. Learn about the Royal Mint’s 1,100 years of history and check out rare coins and medals in six different zones across the exhibition.
The Royal Mint Experience offers a range of tours and experiences, including striking your own coin and afternoon tea. I recommend buying a guided tour so you can step foot on the money factory floor!
The Royal Mint Experience is in Rhondda Cynon Taff, just 20 minutes from Cardiff by car.
National Slate Museum
Housed in the workshops at Dinorwig Quarry, this museum will take you on a journey through Wales’ slate industry.
📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | 🎫 Cost: Free, Donations accepted | 🕕 Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Daily, changes seasonally
The National Slate Museum in Llanberis captures the history of Wales’ booming slate industry. Learn about the craftsmanship and lives of quarrymen and local communities.
My highlights of visiting the National Slate Museum are the row of Quarrymen’s cottages and seeing a slate-splitting demonstration!
There’s also a great cafe and gift shop on site, with some lovely slate products.
Museum of Land Speed
Check out this modern beachside museum dedicated to the history of motoring and driving really fast on a Welsh beach.
📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | 🎫 Cost: £7 Adults, £4 Children | 🕕 Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tuesday – Sunday, changes seasonally
The Museum of Land Speed tells the stories of land speed record attempts, motoring, and innovation. The Museum of Land Speed is by Pendine Sands, a beach in Carmarthenshire which was once at the centre of attempts to the World Land Speed Record.
Expect interactive displays, exhibitions, and artifacts exploring the exciting (and fast!) events that have taken place on this beach since the 1920s.
The Museum of Land Speed is a very modern, family-friendly attraction with a gift shop. Head to the neighboring Caban restaurant for a bite to eat and views of the beach.
National Wool Museum
Get to know Wales’ woolly history and try your hands at traditional crafts in this engaging museum.
📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | 🎫 Cost: Free, Donations accepted | 🕕 Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Saturday
The National Wool Museum is in Dre-fach Felindre, a small village that was once at the heart of Wales’ booming woolen industry. Check out the restored mill buildings, machinery, and natural dye gardens to see how fleece was made into fabric.
You might even catch a demonstration of traditional skills and be able to try one out for yourself!
A trip to the National Wool Museum isn’t complete with browsing (and buying!) gorgeous woolen goods in the gift shop.
Museum of Modern Art Machynlleth
Get a dose of culture as you browse seven art galleries in a converted chapel in Mid Wales.
📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | 🎫 Cost: Free | 🕕 Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tuesday – Saturday
The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) Machynlleth has a fine collection of modern and contemporary art, predominantly from artists living and working in Wales. MOMA Machynlleth has seven art galleries, a cafe, a shop, and a concert hall.
The chapel-turned-museum has a calendar of cultural events, so be sure to check what’s on! You’ll find the Welsh MOMA in Machynlleth, a quirky town in Mid-Wales and one of the best places to visit in Wales.
Cardiff Story Museum
Learn about the Capital City of Wales in this interactive museum housed in an old library.
📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: Free, Donations accepted
The Museum of Cardiff, also known as the Cardiff Story Museum, is a family-friendly attraction dedicated to the city’s past and present. You can listen to people’s stories of Cardiff and see artifacts and displays related to Cardiff’s diverse communities, sports, protests…and much more!
The Museum of Cardiff is housed in an old library in the centre of Cardiff and is near lots of amenities. Don’t miss the historic Tiled Corridor on your visit!
Narrow Gauge Railway Museum
Dedicated to the 200-year history of these characterful and innovative railways, this museum is a must for train fans and families.
📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | 🎫 Cost: Free, Donations accepted | 🕕 Hours: Varies
The Narrow Gauge Railway Museum has over 800 items on display from the world of Narrow Gauge Railways. You can see everything from locomotives to tickets in this interactive and child-friendly museum.
Fans of the popular children’s book series Thomas the Tank Engine will love the displays about Reverend Wilbert Awdry, the series’ author.
The Narrow Gauge Railway Museum is in Tywyn Wharf station. I suggest combining a trip to the museum with a ride on the Talyllyn Railway, a Narrow Gauge Railway with stunning views.
Check opening times in advance as this museum is entirely volunteer-run.
Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery
This popular attraction set in 160 acres of parkland boasts great art collections, interesting artefacts, and displays about local history.
📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | 🎫 Cost: £2.50 Adults, Free for Children | 🕕 Hours: 10 am – 4.30 pm, Tuesday – Sunday
Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery has an eclectic collection of art, artifacts, and stories of local history. The museum is located in a former Ironmaster’s grand house in Merthyr Tydfil, once the Iron Capital of the World.
Make your trip worthwhile, and spend time exploring the 160 acres of Cyfarthfa Park. I recommend trying out the popular Tea Rooms and checking out the model railway!
Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery is suitable for a range of ages and interests.
FAQs
Does Wales have free museums?
It is free to visit Wales’ seven national museums including St Fagans National Museum of History and the National Museum Cardiff, and many other museums, such as MOMA Machynlleth. Free museums always welcome donations and may charge for parking and special exhibitions.
What are some family-friendly museums?
The most family-friendly museums in Wales are St Fagans National Museum of History, the National Waterfront Museum, and the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum. These museums have lots of child-friendly displays and activities and are very engaging for adults.
Is Wales known for good museums?
Wales has lots of good museums. There are over 90 accredited museums in Wales, including 7 national museums like the National Roman Legal Museum and the National Wool Museum. Museums across Wales are great places to explore the country’s interesting history and industrial and cultural heritage. Many museums are housed in historic buildings.
***
Scroll down to leave a comment with your favorite museum. Next up, check my guide to exploring castles in Wales.
