Polar Museum Guided Tour

A 45-minute guided tour through the Scott Polar Research Institute's museum, displaying artifacts from Captain Scott's Antarctic expeditions and broader Arctic exploration history. The collection includes original equipment, photographs, and documents from early 20th-century polar expeditions, offering insight into historical exploration methods and conditions. The small museum (can cover in 45 minutes) pairs well with other Cambridge activities and suits those interested in adventure history or geographical exploration. Best for adventure history enthusiasts and geography students. This is a easy activity lasting 45 minutes. Group size: 5-15. You meet at Lensfield Road entrance. Key highlights: Captain Scott's original sledge and navigation instruments from the 1910-1913 Terra Nova expedition, Personal journals and letters documenting final days at the South Pole, Original expedition photographs and theodolite surveying equipment.

Price: £8

Duration: 45 minutes

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 5-15

Best for: adventure history enthusiasts and geography students

Best time: Any time of day. Tours run Tuesday-Friday, 2:00-3:30pm slots available. Less busy on weekday afternoons. Book 1 week in advance.

Meeting point: Lensfield Road entrance

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Start Meet at Lensfield Road entrance; guide introduces Scott's expeditions - Brief overview of Scott's three Antarctic voyages (1901-1904, 1907-1909, 1910-1913) and exploration objectives.

First 15 minutes Equipment and clothing displays - Examine sledges, tents, sleeping bags, and thermal wear used in Antarctic conditions. Guide explains engineering challenges of polar exploration.

15-30 minutes Scott Expedition documentary and photographs - View original photographs from expeditions, maps, and journals documenting daily life in Antarctic camps.

30-40 minutes Arctic exploration section and broader polar research - Displays covering Inuit cultures, modern Arctic science, and international polar cooperation beyond Scott's era.

Final 5 minutes Q&A and tour conclusion - Guide answers questions and directs visitors to museum shop or independent museum exploration.

The whole experience takes 45 minutes. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Lensfield Road entrance.

• Captain Scott's original sledge and navigation instruments from the 1910-1913 Terra Nova expedition
• Personal journals and letters documenting final days at the South Pole
• Original expedition photographs and theodolite surveying equipment
• Inuit kayaks and traditional Arctic hunting tools showing indigenous polar exploration
• Modern polar research displays explaining contemporary climate science
• Accessibility: Museum entrance on ground level, fully wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilet facilities available. Ramps and level access throughout galleries.

What is included: Guided tour by institute staff or trained guide, Access to museum galleries and exhibits, Expert commentary on artifacts and expedition history, Answers to questions about polar exploration.

Not included: Museum shop purchases, Refreshments or drinks, Research library access (available separately by appointment). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Notepad for recording interesting facts, Camera (photography permitted without flash). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Any time of day. Tours run Tuesday-Friday, 2:00-3:30pm slots available. Less busy on weekday afternoons. Book 1 week in advance..

Tip: Small museum best combined with other activities

Tip: Free entry without guided tour

Accessibility: Museum entrance on ground level, fully wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilet facilities available. Ramps and level access throughout galleries..

Operator: Scott Polar Research Institute | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 1223 336540

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Cambridge University Botanic Garden (8 min walk)
• Fitzwilliam Museum (10 min walk)
• Mill Road Cemetery (12 min walk)

This activity is run by Scott Polar Research Institute.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48 hours before scheduled tour; cancellations within 24 hours subject to £8 fee.

Accessibility: Museum entrance on ground level, fully wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilet facilities available. Ramps and level access throughout galleries..

Best time to go: Any time of day. Tours run Tuesday-Friday, 2:00-3:30pm slots available. Less busy on weekday afternoons. Book 1 week in advance..

Is the Polar Museum suitable for children?

Yes, children age 6+ generally find the polar expedition story engaging. Equipment displays and photographs capture attention without requiring extensive reading. Younger children may lose interest during the 45-minute tour; consider shorter independent visit instead.

What's included in the £8 guided tour fee?

The £8 fee covers the guided tour with museum staff providing expert commentary on artifacts and expedition history. Museum entry is free without guide, but the curated 45-minute tour saves time and adds context you wouldn't get independently.

How does the Polar Museum fit into a Cambridge day trip?

The museum's 45-minute tour duration makes it ideal for combining with other activities. Located 10-15 minutes from city centre museums and colleges, visitors often pair it with Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge Botanic Garden (8 min walk), or a punting session afterward.