The National Videogame Museum
BEST FOR
Ages 0+
ENTRY
from £11
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Sheffield
What it’s like
A hands-on museum of games history where the kids play over 100 machines rather than just look at them behind glass.
This isn't a look-but-don't-touch sort of museum. There's over 100 interactive games to actually play, a wall of retro arcade cabinets, and bits on the history and culture of videogames that give the grown-ups something to nod along to while the kids just want another go on the machines. There's also a section where kids can have a crack at making their own game, which is the sort of thing that sounds educational but is really just another excuse to sit at a screen, in a good way.
It's all on one floor and step-free, so buggies and wheelchairs aren't an afterthought here. Under 5s go in free, though they still need a ticket booked, and anyone under 16 has to be with an adult, so this isn't a drop-and-go for teenagers on their own. Adult tickets are £14, kids £11, and the family ticket at £45 for two adults and two kids works out a bit kinder if there's four of you going.
The opening hours are worth checking twice before you plan around them. Thursdays and Fridays it's only open 1pm to 4pm, weekends give you a longer run split into two sessions either side of lunch, and it's shut Monday to Wednesday outside school holidays. Tickets are for the exact date and time you book, and they can't be swapped or reused, which is a faff if plans change on the day.
There's no café on site, just soft drinks at the front desk, so you'll want to eat before or after. Greggs is across the street and there's a coffee shop a minute away if you need a proper sit-down. Parking isn't on site either, but the nearest multi-storey is two minutes' walk and there's a discount if you book ahead.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 5 to 16, with under 5s welcome too but needing a ticket
- Booking
- Advance booking recommended. Tickets available on the day subject to capacity
- Parking
- No on-site parking. Nearest multi-storey (Euro Car Park – Hartshead Square) is 2 minutes walk away
- Food
- No on-site café. Soft drinks for purchase at front desk
- Pushchairs
- Fully accessible for prams and buggies
- Wheelchairs
- Step-free access, all on one floor, light cube seats can be moved for wheelchair access, free ear defenders at reception
- Dogs
- Guide, assistance and companion animals welcome if working and wearing tabards/harness
- Getting there by bus or train
- 8-minute walk from Sheffield train station
- Parties
- Birthday parties for ages 6-16, minimum 8 children, maximum 30 children, 1 adult per 4 children, party area provided with space, plates
- Worth knowing
- Under 5s go free but require a ticket
- Tickets are date and time specific and can't be reused if you change your mind
- No café on site, so eat before or after, Greggs is right across the street
- There's no annual pass option here, each visit needs its own ticket
- Free ear defenders are available at reception if the arcade noise gets a bit much
- Parking isn't on site but the multi-storey two minutes away does a discount with advance booking
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£14 for an adult, £11 for a child, £12 concessions. A family ticket for two adults and two kids is £45, or £35 for one adult and up to three kids.
Do we need to book in advance?
You can buy on the door, but they can't guarantee entry if it's full, so booking ahead is the safer bet.
What are the opening hours?
Thursday and Friday it's 1pm to 4pm, weekends are 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Closed Monday to Wednesday outside school holidays, though it opens every day during Sheffield school holidays and on Bank Holidays.
Is it suitable for a toddler?
There's no minimum age and it's fully step-free for prams, so a toddler can come along, though the games themselves will suit older kids more.
Can my ticket be used another day if plans change?
No, tickets are valid only for the date and time you booked and can't be reused or swapped.
Do under 5s need a ticket?
Under 5s go free but still need a ticket booked for them.
Can teenagers visit without an adult?
Anyone 16 or over can come without an adult. Under 16s need to be with someone over 18.
Is there food on site?
Café, just soft drinks at the front desk. Greggs is across the street and there's a coffee shop a minute's walk away.
Is there parking?
No on-site parking, but the nearest multi-storey is two minutes away on foot and there's a discounted rate if you book in advance.
Do you do birthday parties?
For ages 6 to 16, minimum 8 children up to 30, with one adult per 4 kids. It includes a party area with plates, cups and juice plus a 3-hour open session.
Are dogs allowed?
Guide, assistance and companion animals are welcome if they're working and wearing a tabard or harness, with ID for Assistance Dogs UK.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs?
It's all on one floor with step-free access, seats can be moved to make room, and there are free ear defenders at reception.
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