Some people think that museums can be boring, but the UK has a wide and varied history and the British have a reputation for being a little eccentric and quirky, so it makes sense that there would be some rather unusual museums to visit in the UK and learn something new and interesting.

Unusual Museums to Visit in the UK

National Railway Museum

Leeman Road, York, 

The National Railway Museum (NRM) is devoted to telling the story of rail transport in Britain and its impact on society. The museum holds the national collection of historically significant railway vehicles and collections of other artefacts of social, technical, artistic and historical interest. The museum houses over 100 locomotives and almost 300 other items of rolling stock, almost all of which either ran on the Great Britain railways or were built there.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Great Western Dockyard, Bristol

Brunel’s SS Great Britain is a museum in Bristol. The museum features exhibits related to: trade and commerce, land transport, science and technology, maritime, industry and social history.

Old Operating Theatre Museum

St. Thomas Street, London

Tucked away up a very narrow spiral staircase in a centuries-old church attic in the shadow of the Shard is one of London’s most fascinating tiny museums. An old operating theatre, complete with original viewing steps in the round, and a museum of old surgical equipment. It’s a taste of London’s gory past. Check out their weekly events and talks too.

Dog Collar Museum

Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent

If you’re a lover of man’s best friend, take a trip to the Dog Collar Museum in Leeds Castle, where examples of canine neckwear spanning five centuries are housed. The Museum houses over 130 rare and valuable collars, including a Spanish iron herd mastiff’s collar from the late 15th century, worn for protection against wolves and bears.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Occupying five floors, at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions has the prime location for taking in the city from a unique perspective. In the towering space, visitors interact with 150 illusions and an inbuilt camera obscura which regularly dazzles spectators.

Derwent Pencil Museum

Southey Works, Keswick

The world’s first lead pencil was made in 1564 in the market town of Keswick in the Lake District. Pencil making has been a thriving industry in Keswick since the 1800s and today, the Derwent Pencil Museum stands on the site of the original factory – paying homage to the invention. As well as offering a chance to learn all about the history, the museum offers art workshops for both adults and children, and has a gift shop full of drawing materials to take home.

House of Marbles

Pottery Road, Bovey Tracey, Devon

Adults and children alike can find themselves mesmerised by the hypnotic journey of marbles making their way down the giant runs at House of Marbles, a working glass and games factory in Devon. Here, you can interact with marble runs, discover how the pretty little glass balls are made and check out the array of other vintage games housed within the museum.

Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising

Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, London

The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising is devoted to the history of consumer culture from Victorian times to the present day. The collection of the museum consists of over 12,000 items, including domestic everyday products, such as packaging, toys, posters, games, and more that show how brands evolved and how our shopping habits changed.

Titanic Museum

Queen’s Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast

The world’s largest Titanic visitor experience is located where the famous ship was built, in a specially designed iconic building. Explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Titanic, as well as Edwardian Belfast and the local lives that played their parts in her construction. Get to know the personal, heart-moving tales behind the crew and passengers, from first to third class.

Museum of Witchcraft and Magic

The Harbour, Boscastle, Cornwall

Cornwall might be better known for its quaint towns and rugged landscapes, but its also home to the world’s oldest and largest collection of items relating to magic and witchcraft. The museum, dedicated specifically to European witchcraft, can be found in the village of Boscastle. Spread across two floors, the 25 permanent displays harbour over 3,000 objects between them, including: ouija boards, spell books, stuffed cats and intriguing potion bottles. The museum has been open since 1960 and today runs workshops for those wanting to read natural elements, including the moon and tide.

Cuckooland

Chester Road, Knutsford, Cheshire

Cuckooland in Cheshire is a museum dedicated to the history of clocks. Between them, the 600 timekeepers on display cover over 300 years of clock-making history. The museum was established by the Piekarski brothers, a pair of clock makers from Manchester, and boasts some of the rarest examples of cuckoo clocks from around the world. Expect a soundtrack of ticking and chirping to accompany your visit.

The Fan Museum

Crooms Hill, Greenwich, London

The Fan Museum in Greenwich is the first in the world dedicated to the preservation and display of fans. Located within a pair of grade II listed buildings erected in 1721, the museum harbours a collection of over 3,500 fans – the oldest of which date back to the 11th century. Browse beautiful examples of what was once a coveted fashion accessory, take part in a fan-making workshop or listen in on a talk delivered by an exhibition curator.

What are your favourite unusual museums to visit in the UK?

Let me know in the comments.