On the doorstep of Blenheim palace, Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum (SOFO) is a new take on the classic military museum, sharing stories of people affected by conflict, from soldiers on the front lines to ordinary people on the home front.
Supported by collections of two county regiments, the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and the Oxfordshire Yeomanry, we tell these stories through dynamic exhibits and interactive displays for all ages.
On a visit you can walk through a great war trench, sit inside Horsa Glider as it prepares to land on D-Day, and try your hand at decoding messages all while exploring our permanent exhibition space.
NEW Permanent displays for 2024:
A Woman’s War
A look at the evolution of women’s roles in the armed forces, from the early days of the Women’s Land Army and Second World War auxiliary services, to today’s women taking on front line combat and special forces roles.
Secret Agents, Secret Armies: Ian Fleming & Bond
Explore the shadowy world of spies and military intelligence through the lens of Ian Fleming and James Bond. See 007 film props and memorabilia alongside the real spy gadgets and hidden weapons used by agents of the Special Operations Executive in the Second World War.
Naomi & Arthur: Letters from Liberation
The Liberation of Bergen-Belsen Concentration camp is one of our most acclaimed displays, filled with powerful personal stories of camp survivors and the liberating soldiers. In 2024, see the letters of soldier Arthur Tyler and survivor Naomi Kaplan and discover a story of how a small act of kindness can have a life-changing impact.
Global Army: from the age of Empire to the modern day
Throughout time, British armed forces have been deployed in conflicts across the globe, many of these often forgotten or overlooked. While many know of The Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry’s airborne operations on D-Day and beyond, what about those who fought in Burma’s ‘forgotten army’? While we often imagine the mud and wire of the Western Front when we think of the Great War, what were troops doing in Mesopotamia?
Bloody Battles & Dangerous Diseases: Surviving the Front Line
A Horrible-Histories inspired look at military medicine through the ages, plus the vital survival equipment for life on the front line. Try on helmets and equipment, send coded messages, and reach inside the Mystery Box -if you dare!- in this interactive display.
Museum Opening Times: 11am - 5pm Tuesdays to Saturday, and 2pm - 5pm on Sundays.
Admission Prices: Adults: £6.00 / Concessions: £5.00 / Children: £3.00 (under 5s free)
Family tickets and Annual Passes also available.
Full admissions information at www.sofo.org.uk/visit-us/
Other Special Offers, Events, Promotions:
Online Talks:
The museum has held a series of online lectures with live Q&As - these can be viewed on our website with no need to register or sign in - but donations are welcome!
Offer for Blenheim Palace Annual Pass Holders:
Visitors with a valid Blenheim Annual Pass get free admission to SOFO Museum.isitors with a valid Blenheim Annual Pass get free admission to SOFO Museum - just let us scan your pass' QR code on entry.
01993 810 210
Park St, Woodstock OX20 1SN