Each year we celebrate museums, galleries, historic homes or heritage sites in the UK that go above and beyond in welcoming children and delivering truly memorable experiences for families.

Throughout April and May, hundreds of families across the country voted for their favourite heritage attraction on our website. A panel of museum experts, children and young people then whittled down the nominations to the shortlist announced today.

This year’s shortlist recognises the extraordinary work that’s been delivered by frontline museum staff and celebrates the imagination and innovation demonstrated by a sector that is offering more engagement, interaction and inclusivity than ever before.

What set the venues on our shortlist apart was that they not only created an excellent visitor experience for families, but also showed a great commitment behind the scenes to respond to family feedback and improve access, especially for those who are not regular visitors.

Philip Mould, President of Kids in Museums, said: “We all know our wonderful museums here in the UK provide memorable and immersive learning experiences and time for connection with family members. Here at Kids in Museums we think it has never been more important to celebrate this. More than just dynamic learning, this shortlist demonstrates the unbridled delight and joy that our museums can unlock in children and families. They can be the foundations for families to connect to the world around them.”

The shortlist for the Family Friendly Museum Award 2022 is:

Best Large Museum

  • National Maritime Museum, London
  • Riverside Museum, Glasgow

Best Medium Museum

  • Discovery Museum, Newcastle upon Tyne
  • Museum of London Docklands
  • Museum of Making, Derby
  • The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent

Best Small Museum

  • The Egypt Centre, Swansea
  • Ely Museum
  • London Museum of Water and Steam
  • National Emergency Services Museum, Sheffield
  • The Story Museum, Oxford

Best Accessible Museum

  • Colchester Castle
  • Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre
  • National Maritime Museum, London

Best Family Engagement Team

  • Culture Coventry
  • PK Porthcurno
  • University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge

Philip added: “We also want to offer a platform to the museums who are working so hard to make their buildings truly accessible and feel inclusive to everyone. These museums are always here for us to help entertain and inspire children and families. With the long summer holidays just around the corner, our museum sector could really could be a priceless asset for parents right around the country.”

The award is the only museum award to be judged by families and puts the decision of who wins in visitors’ hands.

Over the summer holidays, undercover family judges will visit the shortlisted museums and judge them on how well they meet the Kids in Museums Manifesto. Their experiences will decide a winner for each museum category and an overall winner of the Family Friendly Museum Award 2022. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London in October.

The Best Family Engagement Team category will be judged entirely by an expert panel.

Follow the Family Friendly Museum Award on social media by following @kidsinmuseums and the hashtag #FamilyFriendlyMuseum.