One of the best things about living in the UK isn’t just the castles, the cream teas, or the fact that people queue like it’s an Olympic sport, it’s the weird museums. And I mean properly weird. I’m talking about places dedicated to things like lawnmowers, dog collars, and even Bakelite (that old plastic stuff your gran probably had in her kitchen).
I didn’t plan to fall down this rabbit hole of eccentric British collections, but once I went to my first one, a tiny museum tucked behind a teashop with 8,000 teapots (yes, eight thousand), I was hooked. There’s something so charmingly bizarre about these places. They’re usually run by passionate people with very specific interests and zero chill, and honestly? That’s what makes them amazing.
So if you’ve already ticked off the Tower of London and the British Museum and you’re in the mood for something totally different, maybe even a bit unhinged, this list is for you. Whether you’re into spooky magic, vintage plastic, or just want to say, “I once spent an afternoon in a pencil museum,” I’ve got you covered.
Ready to get weird? Let’s go. Just trust me on this.
1. The Dog Collar Museum – Kent
Alright, so picture this: I’m wandering around the stunning Leeds Castle in Kent (already feeling very regal), and I see a little sign that says “Dog Collar Museum.” Naturally, my curiosity wins. I mean… a whole museum just for dog collars? I had to see it.
And wow — it was oddly brilliant.
This little gem is tucked right inside the castle grounds, and it’s got over 100 collars spanning five centuries. We’re talking chunky iron collars from medieval times (used to protect hunting dogs from wolves, no less), all the way to blinged-out leather numbers that would put your average punk rocker to shame.
It’s one of those museums that makes you giggle at first, but the more you look around, the more you start to go, “Wait, this is actually kind of fascinating.” There’s history, craftsmanship, and even some pretty touching stories about how deeply humans have cared about their dogs for centuries.
Would I recommend going out of your way for it? If you’re even mildly a dog person, absolutely. Plus, the castle is beautiful, there’s a maze, a moat, and you can pretend you’re in a BBC period drama. What more could you want?
2. The British Lawnmower Museum – Southport
Okay, this one sounds boring. I know. “A lawnmower museum? Seriously?” But trust me, it’s weirdly entertaining. I went expecting to be mildly amused and ended up staying way longer than I thought, completely absorbed in the world of grass-cutting history. Who am I?
The British Lawnmower Museum is tucked away in Southport, up in Merseyside, and it’s honestly a national treasure in disguise. There are hundreds of old mowers on display, from antique push-mowers to high-tech (and slightly terrifying) petrol beasts. They even have mowers owned by celebrities, including Prince Charles and Brian May from Queen. Because apparently, everyone has to mow the lawn at some point.
What I loved most was how proudly eccentric it all was. The museum leans into the absurdity of it, with fun facts, cheeky signs, and even audio guides featuring commentary by celebrities who donated their mowers. It’s part nostalgia trip, part comedy sketch, and part genuine deep-dive into something most of us completely take for granted.
So yeah, if you ever find yourself near Southport, skip the spa and go check out some celebrity grass cutters. You’ll leave with a strange sense of joy and a whole new respect for the humble mower.
3. The Cumberland Pencil Museum – Keswick
I know, I know — you’re probably thinking, “A pencil museum? Are we just touring stationary cupboards now?” But stay with me, because this place in Keswick completely surprised me. I went in half as a joke and came out low-key fascinated (and now weirdly protective of pencils).
The Cumberland Pencil Museum is where the very first pencil was made — a fun little claim to fame for this Lake District town. You walk in through a replica graphite mine (because drama), and suddenly you’re immersed in the surprisingly intense world of pencil-making. Like, did you know pencils were used by WWII spies to smuggle maps? Yeah. This isn’t your average “back-to-school supplies” tour.
There’s even a pencil that’s 8 metres long — the world’s largest — just hanging out like it’s totally normal. And the museum does a great job balancing quirky exhibits with actual history and craftsmanship. I left genuinely impressed and slightly emotional over how much effort goes into something I usually lose under the sofa.
If you’re up in the Lake District and it starts raining (so, basically anytime), duck into the pencil museum. It’s cozy, oddly gripping, and makes a great story to casually drop into conversation later: “Oh, did I tell you about the spy pencil I saw last weekend?”
4. The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic – Cornwall
Alright, this one is seriously cool, and a bit creepy in the best possible way. I found it on a coastal wander through Boscastle, a tiny fishing village in Cornwall, and let me tell you… this museum completely enchanted me. Literally.
The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic is one of the largest collections of witchcraft-related objects in the world. We’re talking centuries’ worth of spell books, ritual tools, protective charms, poppets (creepy little wax dolls), and even full-on altars. It feels like you’ve stepped into a real-life Hogwarts but with more candle wax and a lot more shadowy vibes.
The thing is, it’s not cheesy or cartoonish. It’s a deeply thoughtful museum that takes the subject seriously, covering everything from pagan traditions and folklore to the real persecution of “witches” throughout history. And yeah, some of the stuff is definitely haunted-looking. There were moments I got goosebumps. No regrets.
Also, it’s beautifully curated. You’ll learn loads, whether you’re into the occult, folklore, or just want to understand why people used to bury shoes in walls to ward off evil spirits (true story).
If you’re ever near Cornwall, or even if you’re not, make a trip to Boscastle. The museum is weird, magical, and weirdly magical. And the village itself is gorgeous. Bring snacks, maybe not a Ouija board.
5. The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities – London
Okay, I don’t even know how to properly describe this place… but I’ll try. Imagine if a Victorian cabinet of curiosities, a haunted art gallery, and a punk rock crypt had a baby, that’s the Viktor Wynd Museum in Hackney. And yes, I’ve been. And yes, it was glorious chaos.
From the moment you walk in, it’s sensory overload in the best way. There are shrunken heads, two-headed kittens, skeletons of who-knows-what, weird art, taxidermy galore, a jar labelled “unicorn remains” (sure), and even some truly eyebrow-raising erotic oddities that’ll have you saying “Well… that’s new” about twelve times.
But here’s the thing, it’s weird on purpose. This isn’t a typical museum with signs and glass cases and polite nodding. It’s deliberately overwhelming, full of strange objects packed into every nook, and you’re just meant to explore, gasp, laugh, and maybe feel a little uncomfortable.
And bonus: there’s a cocktail bar downstairs. A gothic, candlelit little hideaway that feels like you’ve entered another realm entirely. Highly recommend getting a drink after you’ve stared into the eyes of a taxidermy mermaid for too long.
So yeah. If you want a museum that’s more “WTF” than “BBC documentary,” this one’s for you. I’ve never been anywhere like it, and honestly, I kind of want to go again just to see what I missed the first time.
6. The Fan Museum – London
So, confession: I went to this place as a bit of a joke. I thought, “A whole museum for fans? How thrilling…” (read that in your most sarcastic inner voice). But ohhh my days, I ate my words real fast. This little gem in Greenwich turned out to be one of the most elegant and unexpectedly delightful places I’ve ever wandered into.
First of all, it’s in a gorgeous Georgian townhouse. The kind that makes you feel instantly more cultured just walking through the door. And second, who knew fans had so much drama?
We’re talking centuries of fashion, flirtation, and even espionage, all told through the dainty but deadly art of fan-waving. Some of them are absolute masterpieces, with hand-painted silk, ivory sticks, delicate lace, and little hidden details that tell full stories. (I saw one from the 1700s that low-key looked like a Bridgerton prop. Swoon.)
There’s also a bit about how fans were used to communicate in secret during courtship, like if you held it a certain way, it meant “come hither,” and another way meant “back off, I’m with my cousin.” Incredible.
And don’t even get me started on the tearoom. After strolling through all that high-society glam, you can have a cuppa and a slice of cake in the orangery, which feels like the fanciest way to end a visit to a fan museum ever.
Would I go again? 100%. Would I now consider myself a fan of fans? Tragically, yes.
7. The House of Marbles – Devon
Alright, if you ever find yourself in Devon and you’re craving something that’s equal parts whimsical, nostalgic, and slightly unhinged, you need to check out the House of Marbles. I stopped by on a whim during a road trip (lured in by a sign promising a “giant marble run.” How could I not?), and I left in a weirdly good mood and slightly obsessed with marbles.
This place is technically a working glass and games factory, but it’s also a free museum full of the most random treasures. The big highlight? The giant marble runs, these intricate, clanking, looping contraptions that spit marbles out with the drama of a soap opera. They’re mesmerizing. I could’ve watched them for hours.
But it doesn’t stop there. There’s also an exhibition of vintage board games, old-school toys, glassblowing demos, and the pièce de résistance: a mechanical marble-powered farting machine. Yes, you read that right. It makes very deliberate, very ridiculous fart noises at full volume. I almost choked on my coffee from laughing.
Also worth noting, the gift shop is excellent. It’s like a sweet shop, toy shop, and nostalgia trip all rolled into one. You’ll walk out with at least one thing you absolutely didn’t need (I now own a glass duck. No regrets).
Honestly? It’s joy in museum form. Weird, random joy. And we all need more of that.
Embrace the Weird
So, here’s the thing: Britain does weird really, really well. While the big-name museums are great (love you, Natural History Museum), there’s something extra special about these odd little places hidden in corners of the country. They’re quirky, personal, and often run by people who are wildly passionate about something super niche, and that passion? It’s contagious.
I didn’t expect to become the kind of person who gets excited about a pencil’s backstory or coos over a 17th-century fan, but here we are. Each of these museums surprised me, made me laugh, and reminded me that you don’t always need blockbuster exhibitions or ten thousand steps on a tour guide’s app to have a memorable experience.
So next time you’re planning a UK trip, or even just fancy a random day out, consider swapping the big sights for something a bit weirder. You might just find a new favourite obsession… or at least leave with a great story to tell at the pub.
And hey, if you do end up at a museum dedicated to dog collars or farting machines? Take a picture. Tag me. Let’s keep this wonderfully weird tour going.
