Royal Signals Museum
National museum of army communications at Blandford Camp, telling the story of military signalling from the Crimean War to the present day.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Royal Signals Museum is the national museum of British Army communications. It was founded in the 1930s at Catterick in North Yorkshire and moved in 1967 to its present home at Blandford Camp in Dorset, where it forms part of the Royal Corps of Signals' base. An appeal raised one million pounds for a new wing, which opened in 1995, and the displays were completely refurbished before the museum reopened in its new form on 28 May 1997.
The collection follows the story of military communications from the Crimean War to the present day and the history of the Corps from the Telegraph Troop to modern operations, including the Second World War, Afghanistan and Iraq. Visitors see signalling equipment and uniforms through the ages, communications vehicles including despatch motorcycles, battle communication equipment, codes and code breakers, and a gallery of medals that includes a George Cross. There is also an amateur radio station.
Among the best-known objects are a chair used by Ashanti chiefs, items connected with the prisoner of war Eric Lomax, the Dickin Medal pigeon William of Orange, the Ptarmigan message centre and one of the last surviving cable wagons. A newer immersive and interactive exhibition, The Cold War: In the Shadow of the Bomb, deals with the nuclear age. In 2020 the museum marked the centenary of the Corps with an online project, the History of the Royal Signals in 100 Objects.
Highlights
- National collection of army communications from the Crimean War to today
- Medal gallery including a George Cross
- Cold War exhibition The Cold War: In the Shadow of the Bomb
- Communications vehicles, despatch motorcycles and signalling equipment
- Codes, code breakers and an amateur radio station
Permanent exhibitions
- Medal gallery – Gallery of medals awarded to members of the Corps, including a George Cross.
- The Cold War: In the Shadow of the Bomb – Immersive and interactive exhibition about the Cold War and the nuclear age.
- Founded
- 1967
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £10Children, veterans, people receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit and members of the Radio Society of Great Britain |
| Children & teens | £10Children pay the concession price. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Groups of 10 or more receive a 10 per cent discount; book by email. |
| Guided tour for a group of up to 15 (plus admission) | £30Price per group. |
| College group (per person) | £5 |
| School or youth group (per person) | £4.50 |
Blue card holders and residents and staff of Blandford Camp enter free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
There is a ramp at the front entrance and a lift between levels, and standard and accessible toilets are available. Blue Badge holders can drive through the camp barrier and collect a pass from the guard hut. Only guide and assistance dogs are allowed inside. Visitors can contact the museum for further help with access.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Hands-on stations
The museum describes itself as a family day out, with interactive activities for younger visitors and reduced prices for children and for school and youth groups.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Blandford Forum (bus)
The nearest railway stations are Salisbury and Bournemouth, about 40 minutes away by car. Buses run to Blandford Forum, about 2.5 miles from the camp, but not into the camp; the website lists service 20 (Salisbury) and X12 (Weymouth). Taxis drop visitors at the camp gates, about a 5 minute walk from the museum.
By car
Free parking
Free parking. Park in the outer car park before the barrier and book in at the gate to receive a pass. Visitors must use the designated museum car park spaces.
The museum is inside Blandford Camp. When driving through the camp, give way to marching soldiers and do not overtake them.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The shop at the entrance can be visited without a ticket and sells toys, gifts, books, souvenirs, Royal Signals items, uniform pieces and Dorset fudge. The Comms Cafe is currently closed.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | A free digital guide with audio insights, object stories and oral history recordings runs on the Bloomberg Connects app. Guided tours cost extra and are booked by email or phone. Schools, colleges and youth groups can visit at special rates. |
