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There are plenty of interesting museums and attractions across the UK that can teach us about art, history, and culture. But, sometimes, it’s the more unusual and eccentric ones that leave a lasting impression.
Home to quirky hidden treasures and bizarre stories, these off-the-beaten-track exhibits can help you uncover a more peculiar side of our small island. Plus, because they’re so specific in focus, they often have shorter queues.
With that said, we’ve pulled together seven weird and wonderful museums to visit in the UK.
1. The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art, and UnNatural History, London, England
The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art, and UnNatural History boasts interesting exhibitions on classic curiosities. Set in a basement, this tiny museum is run by the enigmatic Viktor Wynd and his eccentric group, The Last Tuesday Society.
Some of the most intriguing departments here include Human Hair, Erotica, Magick and the Occult, and the Cabinet of Monsters (showcasing the largest public display of animal monsters in the UK).
The museum is also famous for its Absinthe Parlour, which sells unconventional spirits and cocktails. The entire experience is designed to connect the old world with the new and test the boundaries of time and reality. Plus, the museum hosts a range of lectures and events – and many are online, so you can learn from the comfort of your home.
You can book tickets on The Last Tuesday Society website.
2. The Scottish Crannog Centre, Kenmore, Scotland
If you’re a history buff or fancy being transported back to Scotland during the early Iron Age, the Scottish Crannog Centre is one to add to your bucket list. The museum aims to showcase the lives of ‘Crannog Dwellers’ from around 2,500 years ago through artefacts, live demonstrations, and guided tours.
Crannogs are small, hut-like houses that traditionally stood upon artificial islands on water. By conserving and reconstructing these unique structures, the Crannog Centre gives insight into the lives of the people who lived here.
The museum also hosts various events throughout the year, such as traditional Celtic festivals, live music, and pottery celebrations.
Note: Due to a fire in 2021, there’s not currently a crannog over the water. However, the first of the three new crannogs is set for completion this spring.
3. Morbitorium, Pontywaun, Wales
Just 30 minutes from Cardiff, the Morbitorium makes for a peculiar day out. While encompassing only three rooms, every inch of space is filled with a huge range of oddities and curiosities – from antique lobotomy tools and Ouija boards to mummified cats and Victorian sex toys. Considered “Wales’ weirdest day out”, it’s sure to be unforgettable!
For a more personal experience, why not attend an ‘after-dark’ viewing of the collection? Not only will you get a private tour of the museum, but you’ll also see some items that can’t be displayed throughout the day…
After checking out the museum, you can wander around the shop, which sells anything from incense to vintage prosthetic teeth.
The Morbitorium is also known for its workshops and classes, led by the experienced witch and Wiccan high priestess, Delphi Nile. Or you may like to book a private tarot, oracle, or rune reading.
4. The Horniman Museum, London, England
The Horniman Museum was opened by English tea merchant Frederick Horniman in 1890 to share his personal art collection with the public. Today, it boasts an incredible range of exhibitions on anthropology, natural sciences, and musical instruments.
If you’d like to get outside, check out the Living Collection’s Animal Walk, which explores the connection between domesticated and wild animals and questions why we choose to live alongside animals. You’ll also have the chance to see rabbits, alpacas, and guinea pigs!
So, if you fancy learning what an ear ornament is, looking at a churchwarden’s pipe, or seeing some furry-faced alpacas, you can plan your visit on the website below.
5. Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Despite being a less-than-traditional combination, the Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum manages to blend Irish railway history with a fully functioning barbershop.
Founded by brothers Gordon and Nigel Johnston, this one-of-a-kind experience takes you on a journey through Fermanagh before the railway line closures in 1957. You’ll begin your tour at a reconstructed booking office where you’ll be invited to ‘step on board’ by a ticket inspector, before exploring the museum.
Inside, you can examine old train tickets, uniforms, and photographs, which former railway employees and enthusiasts have carefully collected.
Plus, the on-site barbershop is renowned for its traditional barbering style, treating each customer in an attentive and gentlemanly fashion.
This blend of history and hairdressing certainly promises a unique day out. There’s no need to book, and museum admission is completely free.
6. The True Crime Museum, Hastings, England
The True Crime Museum in Hastings, East Sussex, will open your eyes to some of the darkest events in history. While troubling at times, you’ll learn about everything from serial killers and forensics to gangsters and poisoners.
Each exhibition houses shocking objects and artefacts involved in horrific crimes, with accompanying information offering insights into the minds and lives of killers. For example, expect to see the acid barrels used by John George Haigh and love letters written by The Night Stalker while in prison.
While definitely not suitable for children, this museum is an interesting and one-of-a-kind experience. And, with various interactive games, events, and a surround-sound cinema cave, it’s sure to make a lasting impression.
Or, if you’re interested in the dark and gritty, check out our true crime section, which features everything from 10 dark tourism destinations to visit in the UK to 8 unsolved mysteries from the last century.
7. Abbey House Museum, Leeds
Abbey House Museum in Leeds explores the social history of the city’s Victorian era through realistic recreations of streets, shops, and houses. Notably, the Hark to Rover Inn, a traditional Victorian drinking house exhibit, is highly recommended by visitors.
Plus, with galleries filled with childhood memorabilia, you can discover 19th-century toys, dolls, and games. You can also try to spot iconic toys from your childhood, making for a nostalgic day out.
This museum is a popular filming location for shows such as Most Haunted and Murder, Mystery, and My Family.
Final thoughts…
Museums are sometimes seen as stuffy and boring, but we hope that this article has offered a few unique options. Each of these fascinating locations gives visitors a glimpse into topics beyond the mainstream and will no doubt offer a day out to remember.
For more ideas of museums to visit, check out our article: 14 UK museums you won’t want to miss. And, for other day trip ideas, head over to our travel section.
Have you visited any of these museums before? Or are you planning to? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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