Natural History Museum at Tring — Attraction in Dacorum

Beautiful exhibits and fascinating facts, but far too busy for such small walkways! We were advised to book tickets as there is a limit of people who can enter at any given time. When we arrived that was not the case, it was overcrowded and full of badly behaved children and idiotic parents who weren't doing anything to stop them. The conditions were awful, no proper air conditioning or ventilation, just stupid little fans that did nothing to cool the air of such a cramped space.

There were signs telling visitors that the elevators were for people with accessibility needs, yet they were full of entitled parents with their little 'darlings' not allowing people with wheelchair visitors, (like myself) to use them. Children were playing in them, there was no security on each level to control this.

The handing out of worksheets and clipboards to children is a terrible idea, you end up with them all over the floor shouting, pressing up against the glass so people can't see and screaming at the top of their lungs that they can see a polar bear.

The gift shop was a joke, £6 for a tiny keyring, I know these places have to make some money but at least have attractive and reasonable prices.

The layout of exiting and entering is too small, we were forever having to squeeze our way through with our wheelchair and there was no space to turn around. The paths outside were bumpy, not wheelchair friendly and need a good resurfacing.

Overall, a nice day out but not during school holidays unless you want a free headache, clothing soaked in sweat and an overpriced generic animal plush that you could find...

I used to go here as a kid and now took my little one. This is a fantastic free place to visit, although a little donation helps the museum out. I pre booked tickets online to make it easier upon arrival. You can pay a donation online or there are places in the museum you can put some money in. My 2 year old and loved walking around looking at all the animals with her cousin, especially the dogs. As an adult it's still fascinating to look at too. Very educational. We had a lovely morning out and will definitely go back again.

We went on Saturday morning and it was very busy, can be a bit of a squeeze to get round in some places but we managed. It has a gift shop which is OK, there isn't a lot of items with Tring museum on for example I wanted a magnet with Tring museum written on it but couldn't find anything like that in there. Car park is free and if the one at the side of the museum fills up they have another just over the road, which has a great little wood walk in between.

There are toilets, small cafe and a indoor picnic area located outside in the car park at the side of the building, we got a take out drink and sausage roll and sat in the picnic area to eat our other lunch bits we brought with us. This can fill up quite quick too. The cafe sells sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, pasties, cakes, biscuits and more. It's reasonably price for this day and age but don't go in expecting Greg's prices. The staff got some abuse about being expensive but I think people forget this isn't a chain cafe, and prices reflect the current day rise in everything.

I would highly...

If you're looking for a great way to spend the day/couple of hours with kids or just by yourself go to Tring museum. Book online for free entry. There is parking on a side road but also a car park right next to the Museum. I went with my daughter and her friend. There are clipboards available and slips of paper to draw or make your own activity (Alphabet game or you can buy slips of paper already prepared for £1 - visually colourful and suitable for younger kids). The girls (mine especially) were a bit squeamish at first and also emotionally about the animals having died but both were appreciative of the chance to see such animals so close up and understanding that some my be extinct by the time they have kids. 😔 I found the museum calm (apart from my shrieking girls, especially upstairs by the fishes). They didn't want to enter at first but we made it through and they both were glad they saw everything. Due to the age of the building and steps, most parts are not suitable for wheelchair users. There are toilets which are handy and a small gift shop. Outside there was a nice guy selling delicious ice cream... a great way to end your trip. Only thing is I wish the girl at the front desk had mentioned there were children's activities on and at what time as the girls were disappointed to to have missed the opportunity to make a butterfly 🦋 This isn't a deal breaker but something to take on board for staff. Staff were approachable if a bit quiet. The girls said they would like to visit again so I'll plan a trip for...