Eden Camp is a unique museum in North Yorkshire that offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during World War II. Located on the site of a former Prisoner of War Camp, the museum is an immersive experience that takes visitors on a journey through wartime Britain. Originally a World War Two prisoner of war camp, Eden Camp was built in 1942 to house Italian prisoners of war (PoWs). The camp is now a privately run museum with the huts full of displays charting the course of the war both for the military and civilians a like. At its peak, the Camp housed around 1200 prisoners at any one time. The Italian prisoners gave way to German POW in the summer of 1944, with the successful Allied invasion of Normandy. Eden Camp remained operational until 1948, when the last of the prisoners of war were finally released, 3 years after the war had ended.
Here are some of the top reasons why Eden Camp is a must-visit destination as a part of any holiday at Cliff House Holiday Cottages:
- Historical Significance: Eden Camp is a living museum that tells the story of the war years in a way that is engaging, interactive, and educational. With over 30 indoor exhibitions and over 100 reconstructed scenes, visitors can experience what life was like during wartime Britain and gain a deeper understanding of the events that shaped our world.
- Interactive Exhibits: The museum’s exhibits are designed to be immersive and interactive, with plenty of hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. From a reconstructed air raid shelter to a realistic street scene, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Authentic Atmosphere: With its authentic wartime setting and attention to detail, Eden Camp offers visitors a unique and immersive experience. From the sounds of air raid sirens to the smells of rationed food, the museum transports visitors back in time to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of wartime Britain.
- Family-Friendly: Eden Camp is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities and exhibits designed for children. Kids will love exploring the museum’s recreated street scenes, discovering wartime secrets, and learning about the experiences of ordinary people during the war.
- Location: The museum is located in the heart of North Yorkshire, making it a great destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. With plenty of nearby attractions, including the historic city of York and the stunning North York Moors National Park, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in the area.
Eden Camp is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of World War II. With its immersive exhibits, authentic atmosphere, and family-friendly activities, it’s a great destination for visitors of all ages. So why not plan a visit and discover the stories of wartime Britain for yourself?
The Camp is about a 20 minute drive from our self catering cottages in the Vale of Pickering. With its location, you could visit Eden Camp first thing (doors open at 1000hrs) before heading in to Malton (the food capital of Yorkshire) for lunch in one of the many pubs or cafes.
For more details, visit the Eden Camp website.
