A fun day out at the British Schools Museum in Hitchin

I’ve visited plenty of museums where you shuffle around, peering through glass cases, and reading information panels before moving onto the next exhibit. The British Schools Museum in Hitchin isn’t like that at all. 

From the moment I walked in, I felt like I’d stepped back in time and actually into a Victorian school. Which is probably because that’s exactly what this museum is: a truly immersive experience in original Victorian buildings, where you can cane your parents (playfully, of course), make your friend wear the dunce hat, and wince at the sound of chalk on a blackboard. This is the British Schools Museum in Hitchin, and it’s one of the most fun things to do for families in Hertfordshire. 

History you can feel and smell

One of the first things I noticed was the nostalgic smell. You know the one, from your primary school days, blue paper towels and canteen lunches. We started our tour in the Georgian ‘Monitorial’ classroom, polished and orderly, with classic gymnasium flooring and neat rows of benches.

It was fascinating learning about the ‘monitorial’ system, which I’d never heard of, and discovering what the Georgian school experience was like. Interesting touches like lessons pinned to the walls and humiliation rituals made me realise my time at school could have been a lot worse.

My favourite was the Victorian classroom. Small and intimate, with rows of dark wooden desks rising to the back of the room. A cane sat on the blackboard just waiting to be used, with the comically large white dunce hat placed on a wooden stool. You can try your hand at writing in ink (just don’t get it all over your hands like I did) and experience an authentic Victorian lesson. Kids will love it, parents will find it surprisingly relatable.

More to explore in the Headmaster’s House

The Headmaster’s House is where everyday Victorian history really comes to life. Walking through, I could totally imagine the experience of the headmaster and his family at the turn of the century. Every detail has been preserved: the patterned wallpaper that hints at its arsenic-laced history, a cribbage game on the table, and there’s even an outdoor lavatory and Victorian washing machine. I kept finding little things to marvel at, from the arrangement of furniture to the way the rooms were lit. I had recently visited the Panacea Museum in Bedford which preserves and presents living local history in the same way.

After a couple of hours exploring, I paused at the on-site café. Comfortable chairs, good coffee, and a calm atmosphere make it easy to recharge before diving back in, or just sit and enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere.

Why you’ll want to visit

The British Schools Museum isn’t just a museum, it’s an adventure through time you can touch, smell, and experience. From kids giggling in recreated classrooms to grandparents reminiscing over familiar desks and blackboards, it sparks conversations across generations. If you love history, hands-on learning, or just want a genuinely fun day out, this museum is perfect.

Plan your visit to the British Schools Museum

You could spend a whole afternoon exploring the British Schools Museum and still not catch everything. There’s plenty on, from craft workshops to historical tours, and even yoga in the Monitorial classroom. 

Getting there couldn’t be easier. Hop on a Great Northern train to Hitchin, and the museum is either a short walk or a quick bus ride from the station.

Tickets are £6.50 for visitors aged five and over, with free entry for carers. You can buy them on arrival at the Entrance Desk or book in advance online. The museum is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with last entry at 3pm and closing at 4pm, perfect for a leisurely visit that lets you soak in all the details. 

Every penny goes towards preserving these historic buildings and their incredible collection. If you’re looking for fun, new things to do in Hertfordshire, make sure to add the British Schools Museum to your list.

Address: 41-42 Queen Street, Hitchin, SG4 9TS

Phone: 01462 420144

Official website: britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk