Bletchley Park

Museums, History London
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Bletchley Park
Bletchley Park

Bletchley was the centre for codebreaking and military intelligence during WWII. An exhibition commemorates the capture by British forces of the Enigma machine and codebooks 70 years ago. Older children will be fascinated by talk of secret missions and the race to decode complex passwords and secret languages. There’s also a code trail that lets them have a go. The homefront displays and the small cinema showing wartime showreels are always a hit too. Small children will enjoy the display cases of period toys, as well as the playground and open spaces of the 29 acre site. There’s also a giant chess set in the gardens.

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Venue name: Bletchley Park
Contact:
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Address: The Mansion Sherwood Drive
Bletchley
MK3 6EB
Opening hours: Mar 1-Oct 31 9.30am-5pm daily; Nov 1-Feb 28 9.30am-4pm daily
Transport: Rail: Bletchley
Price: £17.75, £15.75 over-60/student, £10.50 under-18, free under-12, £46.25 family (two adults and two children).
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tastemaker

My cousin's came to the UK for my wedding and I wanted to take them somewhere a bit different that had history and something quintessentially English. This place was 100% perfect (they had already seen the big sights of the big smoke). 


We decided to take the slow train from Clapham Junction direct to Bletchley Park instead of trying to change at Euston with the whole family in tow. The train station is literally down the road from the Estate and this has not even changed from world war two. 


As soon as you enter you learn a lot about the difference between encrypting and encoding (sadly I now forget!!) but I loved the interactive learning stations that are great for kids and adults a like and there are a lot of immersive rooms in the huts which makes you think of what it would be like back then in world war two. 


There is so much to get through I must got back as I found it so interesting and I particularly was interested in Alan Turing and they handled his pardon very well. 


The cafe is really good here and they offer free water which is handy. 


My top tip is you should try and get onto a guided tour which are on the hour. You have to ask at the help desk (turn left on the far wall) as soon as you have finished paying. The tour itself is interesting and it says reading time :) 

Tastemaker

This place is absolutely incredible........if you are interested in history or machines or historical properties or, like me, all three, then you can't go wrong. Choose a sunny day and you can enjoy some time in the stunning gardens as well. 


As well the main house and history of it, you get to learn all about the amazing work of the code-breakers who resided here and helped win the second world war as well as wander through their offices and get a real feel for their life at the time. I particularly enjoyed some of the interviews and recollections by the residents taken in their older years - you can't imagine what life was like for them but you start to realise what a great sacrifice they made for the country.


There are also interactive machines so you can have a go at code breaking yourself, which is pretty fun, as well as a whole museum dedicated to the science side of things - though sadly I ran out of time to see this. Round the back, quite hidden are a couple of large car sheds containing a few vintage cars as well as a gorgeous vintage ambulance so look out for this too when you go. 

Finally you don't really even need to worry about food as they have a couple of decent restaurants with some seriously good cake. Plan for a whole day out and you'll have a truly fascinating time. 

tastemaker

Located just a 30 minutes train ride train from London. Bletchley Park is the perfect place for people interested in history and code breaking. Indeed, Bletchley Park during WWII was the workplace of code breakers and military intelligence whose aim was to intercept and decipher encrypted messages sent by rival forces. I found it extremely fascinating, and indeed I spent more than 3 hours wandering around the place and its buildings, as there is a lot to see. Upon entrance you’re given a paper map and a complimentary media guide. However, should you decide to go just for the paper map, all the information on panels is displayed in an interactive, accessible and easy way, so to keep interested adults and children alike. Should you be interested in live demonstrations, you won’t be disappointed, as there is one solely dedicated to the Bombe machine, an encryption machine whose aim was to crack the Enigma code. It is to say that the demonstration lasts about 40 minutes, but it’s extremely engaging and interesting. Lastly, if you’re a fan of the film ‘The Imitation Game’ you’ll be surprised to know that the real Alan Turing worked in Bletchley Park for years.

Bletchley Park is definitely worth a visit, there is so much to see and do, and perhaps you’ll even be surprised by what you’ll discover! Give it a go!



tastemaker

Thoroughly enjoyed a day out at Bletchley Park, and glad that the entry ticket is valid for another 12 months. Bletchley Park is where codebreakers, linguists and over 9000 British people worked during WW2 to decipher encrypted messages sent by axis power. It is packed with lots of historical and technological information, but presented in an easy to understand and interactive way. The museum spans across multiple sites and huts, and they were restored brilliantly. The star of the show is the Bombe, built to help crack the Enigma code - so make sure you stay for the live demonstration. The whole venue is also very access friendly, so bring your kids and older family members too!

Tastemaker

I found this place fascinating. Not sure what the other reviewer is going on about - the audio/video guide was brilliant, giving you options to watch a basic introduction to each part of the site or further videos to learn more. The guide was included in the entry fee, as was a paper map. Spent a good 2-3 hours wandering around the place. They also have a small but interesting exhibition about the film 'The Imitation Game' which is set there, with interesting props and costumes on display. Less than 2 hours from London and definitely worth a visit.


Not recommended if your hard of hearing and you cannot use the multimedia guide with headphones You don't get the opportunity to get a general map for the park (not availabie to buy). unless you buy the complete guide for a small A6 size map on the back Plus, it's extra price for the museums entrance hall with the colossus computer. Plenty of empty rooms in the huts and the mansion house is nearly empty too. Don't waste your time, just read about it on the internet !