I visited Eden Camp Modern History Museum on a school trip in primary school and it was one of my favourite school trips. It made such an impact on me as a child, so I was excited to be invited back and take my son. I had planned on taking him one day when he learns about World War II in school.
Eden Camp is in North Yorkshire, on the outskirts of Malton. It started as a prisoner of war camp during World War II, but later became an award-winning museum.
It was built in 1942, it first held Italian prisoners but later housed German POWs. The wooden posts and smaller barbed-wire fences kept the camp secure and farmers from nearby areas worked with prisoners for local agriculture needs. Over time, the site changed into an agricultural holiday camp before becoming a more permanent museum space showcasing different aspects of WW history.
From POW camp to museum
Eden Camp began as a POW camp during World War II. Prisoners lived in barrack huts and tents until they were released when the war ended in 1948. The camp was then bought in 1985 by a local businessman who invested money into creating the museum. In 1987, it reopened as Eden Camp Museum where you learn about everything from the rise of the Nazi party, prisoners of war and the end of the war.
What’s at Eden Camp?
At Eden Camp, 22 of the original huts have been transformed into exhibitions and reconstructions of scenes from wartime Britain. There are reconstructions of shops, people’s homes, a U-Boat and even a recreation of the Blitz which lets you experience the smells of life during the war, as well as the sounds of bombs and people screaming. It’s a bit harrowing to think that this is something that people lived through.
You can also see the cramped conditions of life inside the mess huts and how people experienced daily life during this time. The prisoners were treated very well there (especially considering how German POW camps were!) and there’s a section that shows their living quarters and some stories of prisoners who later came back to visit when it had re-opened as a museum.
You can learn about food ration efforts, about the war vehicles used, the women’s land army, the history of other wars as well as learn about how local people played a part. I particularly loved the hut that showed a high street and it had Yate’s Iron Mongers, which still stands today in Maltons as a hardware store and garden centre.
There’s also a German U-boat model to explore along with exhibits about later conflicts like the Korean War. The U-boat is one of the huts that really got my attention as a child – it’s very loud, and oppressive and gives you the feeling of what it’s like to be on a U-boat.
Military vehicles and artefacts
Gas masks and examples of air raid shelters were everywhere during the war, and you get to see them in real life at Eden Camp. It also displays military vehicles such as tanks, old cars and models of human torpedoes. There are uniforms, weapons and food products that were used back then. There’s honestly so much to see it’s hard to take it all in during just one visit.
Interactive displays for all ages
The interactive displays are great for all age groups, making the visit engaging for everyone. Younger children enjoy hands-on activities, while adults explore detailed wartime stories.
Special Events
- There’s often special events and workshops on, especially during school holidays so check before your visit!
- There’s Living History Weekends where reenactors dress up in period clothing around the camp.
- Eden Camp also offer school trips and educational visits.
On-site facilities and food options
Eden Camp has clean facilities, making it easy for families to enjoy their visit. There are toilets in key areas, baby-changing stations, and a “go” area for kids to stretch out. It’s free to use the car park.
A café on-site serves hot meals, snacks, and drinks—perfect after exploring the exhibits. We had a light lunch there, I had a scone with jam and cream, my mother-in-law had soup and my husband had a sandwich. We brought a packed lunch for my son.
You can also bring your own food to eat at one of the picnic spots around the camp.
Accessibility
The camp has ramps and wide paths for wheelchairs. Accessible toilets are also available on-site.
Eden Camp was open during the February half-term, it will open again for the 2025 season on the 29th of March 2025.