Discover Bucks Museum

About

Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury is a vibrant cultural hub that traces the story of Buckinghamshire from the Ice Age to the present day. Its origins lie in the late 19th century, when local collectors and naturalists began assembling artefacts to document the county’s archaeology, wildlife, and social history. Over time, these early collections grew into a fully fledged museum, now housed in a historic complex that blends Georgian architecture with modern galleries. One of the museum’s most interesting features is its Discover Bucks Galleries, which showcase everything from mammoth bones and Roman treasures to medieval crafts and objects from the county’s coaching‑town era. The museum also highlights Buckinghamshire’s role in lace‑making, furniture design, and the development of the Chilterns landscape. A standout attraction is the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, an imaginative, hands‑on space inspired by the author’s stories, where science and creativity meet in playful, interactive exhibits.

Aylesbury United Kingdom
Discover Bucks Museum
Location

Discover Bucks Museum is located on Church Street in Aylesbury, the county town of Buckinghamshire, England. The museum sits in the historic heart of town, spread across several listed buildings including a medieval church hall and a Georgian townhouse. It tells the story of Buckinghamshire through archaeology, geology, social history, and art. Galleries cover the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, local furniture making, the Chiltern Hills, and changing exhibitions. The garden courtyard has Roman mosaic replicas and space for family activities, while the collections include everything from fossils and costumes to paintings and everyday objects from across the county. From the museum, Aylesbury town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. St Mary’s Church is right next door, with parts dating back to the 13th century and a churchyard that opens onto the square. The Kings Head, a National Trust coaching inn with medieval origins, is a short walk away and hosts events and a café. Queens Park Arts Centre and the Waterside Theatre provide music, comedy, and plays nearby. For green space, Vale Park offers lawns, a playground, and a lake just minutes from the museum. The Grand Union Canal runs through Aylesbury and has flat towpath walks toward the villages of Broughton and Marsworth. A short drive takes you to Waddesdon Manor, a French Renaissance-style château with gardens and collections, and to the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for country walks.

Waddesdon Manor Waddesdon Manor Manor Buckinghamshire County Museum Buckinghamshire County Museum Museum