Preston Park Museum and Grounds
Step back in time on a recreated Victorian Street, explore local history, and enjoy expansive park grounds with playgrounds and walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy picnics and walks
Preston Park Museum and Grounds
Best Time
Enjoy picnics and walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time on a recreated Victorian Street, explore local history, and enjoy expansive park grounds with playgrounds and walks.
"A lovely day out with great price, pay once and can return for a full year!"
🎯 Annual Pass Perks
Buy a ticket and it lasts for a year! Great value for repeat visits to the museum and grounds.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the grounds and museum, so wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian Street
Preston Park Museum
A nostalgic journey through a recreated Victorian street, complete with shops and period details.
New Playground & Skate Park
Preston Park Grounds
Modern play areas for kids and a dynamic skate park for all ages, offering hours of active fun.
Butterfly World
Preston Park Grounds
An enchanting butterfly house set within the beautiful park grounds, a hit with families.
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Planning Your Visit
Victorian Charm & Modern Fun
Annual Pass Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Annual Pass Perks
Buy a ticket and it lasts for a year! Great value for repeat visits to the museum and grounds.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the grounds and museum, so wear comfy shoes!
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Plenty of spots for picnics on the grass or at tables. Bring your own food for a budget-friendly day.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy completely free parking, a rare bonus that makes visiting even easier.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Annual Pass Perks
Buy a ticket and it lasts for a year! Great value for repeat visits to the museum and grounds.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the grounds and museum, so wear comfy shoes!
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Plenty of spots for picnics on the grass or at tables. Bring your own food for a budget-friendly day.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy completely free parking, a rare bonus that makes visiting even easier.
🦋 Butterfly House Fun
The Butterfly World is a must-visit, especially for kids. It's always a hot spot!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Preston Park Museum and Grounds for its excellent value, especially the free parking and affordable annual passes. The combination of the nostalgic Victorian Street, engaging museum exhibits, and extensive outdoor facilities like the new playground and skate park makes it a hit for families and individuals alike. Some minor construction may be present during expansion phases, but overall, it's a highly recommended destination for a fun-filled day out.
"My children had a great time playing for hours at the park here. There is so many different things to play on and its been done up since my last visit which i didn’t think could be improved and it was so over the moon.
Lovely cafe here reasonably priced food and drink and nice clean toilets to use.
They also have a big skate park here where it can be used for skates, skate boards, bikes and scooters. Absolutely brilliant fun for most ages, probably 5+. Lots of places to eat a picnic on the grass or tables and lots of walks to do here. Right by the water gives you lively views to enjoy also. The Museum is great place and the children will enjoy that too walking down a victorian street.
Parking is free, which can only be a bonus as there are not many places that do that anymore. So come to Preston Park!!!"
Michaela Cavaney
"New playground area is lovely, good for all ages. The cafe is now renovated with modern toilets as always a bonus. Butterfly world is always a hot, they live the meercats and other creatures inside. The museum is very affordable to get into, an annual family pass is worth it. Kids love the old street and especially the sweet shop. There is a river walking distance that they can go and feed the ducks. The skate park also excellent for all ages, scooters and bikes."
May Y Frost
"What a lovely day out! Great price, pay once and can return for a full year!
There are some great exhibitions on lots to see!
The mock street was so fascinating.
Lovely grounds to walk around and have a picnic too!
Highly recommend."
Alexandra Norman-Golding
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Preston Park Museum and Grounds is located in Stockton-on-Tees. It's accessible by car with free parking available. Public transport options include local bus routes that stop nearby. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there is a completely free car park at Preston Park Museum and Grounds, which is a significant bonus for visitors. However, it can get quite packed, especially during school holidays or weekends. +1
Absolutely! The park grounds are ideal for cycling, and there are often bike racks available. It's a great way to enjoy the scenic routes leading to the museum.
Local bus services do operate in the vicinity of Preston Park. It's recommended to check with local bus operators for specific route numbers and timetables that serve the park area.
The nearest train station is likely in Stockton-on-Tees. From there, you would need to take a bus or taxi to reach Preston Park Museum and Grounds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the museum is very affordable, and purchasing a ticket often grants you access for a full year, making it excellent value. +1
While booking in advance might not always be necessary, it's a good idea to check the official website, especially for special exhibitions or events, to ensure availability and avoid disappointment.
Yes, an annual family pass is highly recommended for families, offering great value for multiple visits throughout the year.
While the park grounds are free to access and enjoy, there is an affordable entry fee for the museum itself. However, the value is exceptional, especially with the annual pass option.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Preston Park Museum and Grounds website for the most current information on daily opening times and any seasonal variations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the recreated Victorian Street with its charming shops, discover local history exhibits across three floors, and visit the fascinating Butterfly World. The museum offers a journey back in time, akin to a smaller Beamish Museum. +1
Absolutely! Children love the Victorian Street, especially the sweet shop. The new playground and skate park in the grounds are also huge hits. Butterfly World is another favorite. +1
The grounds are beautiful, featuring river and woodland walks perfect for exploring, dog walking, or running. There's also a lovely walled garden and a natural playground. +1
Yes, there's a lovely new playground area that's good for all ages, as well as a skate park suitable for skates, skateboards, bikes, and scooters. +1
Yes, the woods and grounds are beautiful and peaceful, perfect for dog walking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe that has been renovated with modern toilets. It offers reasonably priced food and drink, making it a convenient spot for a break.
Definitely! There are lots of places to eat a picnic on the grass or at tables, making it a great option for a budget-friendly day out.
The park offers numerous spots for picnics, both on the grass and at designated tables, allowing visitors to enjoy their meals amidst the scenic surroundings.
The cafe offers reasonably priced food and drink. While specific menus can change, it's a good place to grab a snack or a light meal during your visit.
While the onsite cafe is convenient, there are also dining options available in the wider Stockton-on-Tees area if you prefer to explore local eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
The recreated Victorian Street offers fantastic, atmospheric shots. The park grounds, especially along the river and in the woods, provide beautiful natural backdrops. 
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside the museum, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions, especially in areas with delicate exhibits.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and around attractions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's advisable to check with the park management for any specific drone policies.
Visitors often capture the charm of the Victorian Street, the natural beauty of the park grounds, and family moments. The Butterfly World also offers unique photo opportunities.
The picturesque grounds and the unique Victorian street setting can make for lovely engagement photo backdrops. Ensure you check any photography permit requirements if planning a professional shoot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing an annual family pass for excellent value, allowing you to revisit throughout the year. The free parking and reasonably priced cafe make it an affordable day out. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful grounds, and let the kids explore the river and woodland walks.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Bring your own picnic to enjoy in the scenic grounds, saving on food costs.
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Victorian Street
The attention to detail in the Victorian Street is remarkable, offering a glimpse into daily life during that period. It's more than just a display; it's an invitation to imagine the bustling atmosphere and the stories held within each shopfront. The sweet shop, in particular, is a highlight for many, evoking fond memories and offering a touch of old-fashioned delight.
This recreated street is a core attraction, providing a unique educational and entertaining experience that sets Preston Park Museum apart. It’s a perfect spot for capturing evocative photographs and for sparking conversations about history and heritage.
The Expansive Park Grounds
For families, the park boasts a newly renovated playground that caters to various age groups, ensuring fun for younger children. Adjacent to this is a dynamic skate park, a popular spot for skaters, skateboarders, and scooter riders of all ages, adding an element of active recreation to the park experience.
Beyond the play areas, the park also features Butterfly World, an enchanting butterfly house that is a particular hit with families. The grounds also include a walled garden and ample space for picnics, making it an ideal destination for a full day out, combining cultural exploration with outdoor enjoyment.
Museum's Recent Renovations and Exhibitions
This expansion aims to bring dynamic and diverse cultural experiences to the region, enhancing its appeal as a cultural hub. These new exhibition spaces are purpose-built to host major touring shows, ensuring a fresh and exciting lineup of attractions. Visitors can expect a variety of themes and artists, making repeat visits worthwhile to catch the latest displays.
The museum itself offers a journey through local history, with exhibits spread across three floors, providing a comprehensive look at the area's heritage. While the Wallace & Gromit exhibition was a major draw, the museum's ongoing commitment to hosting significant exhibitions means there's always something new and engaging to discover.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit