Oxford’s most magical museum just got a digital upgrade! Whether you’re in a classroom in Camden or a living room in Leyton, The Story Museum’s brand-new (and totally free!) online collection is bringing a world of imagination right to your fingertips. Just in time for the National Year of Reading, we explore the digital “treasure chest” every young reader needs to know about.
If you’ve ever stepped foot inside The Story Museum in Oxford, you know it’s not your average museum. There are no dusty display cases or “shushing” guards. Instead, you’ll find a “Whispering Wood” where trees tell tales and a wardrobe that leads to Narnia.
But for those days when a trip to Oxford isn’t on the cards, the museum has found a way to “bottle the magic.” This month, they’ve officially launched 1001 Stories, a massive, free-to-access digital resource designed to spark a love of reading in the next generation.
“We want to ensure that every child can access the best of what The Story Museum has to offer,” says CEO Conrad Bodman. “1001 Stories showcases our collection of great stories to grow up with.”
Your digital backstage pass
Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, 1001 Stories is an ever-growing collection that celebrates the power of narrative in all its forms. It’s not just a list of books it is a multi-media experience. On the site, you can:
- Meet the storymakers: Hear from modern greats like Katherine Rundell, Joseph Coelho, and Caz Lester. They share tips on everything from finding story inspiration to bringing poetry to life.
- Dive into the classics: Revisit timeless legends like Alice in Wonderland and The Chronicles of Narnia through a fresh, interactive experience.
- Hear it out loud: The collection features oral storytelling audio recordings, reminding us that stories began as voices in the dark long before they turned into ink on a page.
More than just a reading list
For parents and educators, this is the ultimate “cheat code” for the National Year of Reading 2026. Each story in the collection comes with a synopsis and “supporting resources”—think lesson plans, home activities, and even zines and podcasts created by young people.
The aim is to make reading more active active. If a story catches your eye online, the site often links it back to physical objects and displays you can see in the museum’s galleries, making your next real-world visit feel like a scavenger hunt for your favourite tales.
Why reading stories matter
With the National Year of Reading in full swing, there is a big push across the UK to rekindle our love for books. As Stuart McLeod from the National Lottery Heritage Fund explains: “Stories are an important part of our shared heritage.” By making these treasures accessible to everyone for free, The Story Museum is helping preserve that heritage while making it relevant for the TikTok generation.
How to start your quest
The best part? You don’t need a membership or a password. You just need curiosity and time to encourage the young generation of readers to explore through the 1,001 great stories. The stories will appeal to all ages from birth to 18.
Ready to start your own story quest? You can explore the collection now at storymuseum.org.uk/1001stories.
Visit our events and activities area for more ideas of things to do with kids in London this season. or have a look at our theatre and dance page to see our selection of family friendly shows.