You know how some people go on holiday to lie on a beach and sip cocktails? Not me. I like to get elbow-deep in the bizarre and bonkers world of quirky museums that the UK has to offer. Seriously, if you’ve never spent a rainy afternoon surrounded by oddities, you’re missing out on the true essence of being British. So grab your cuppa—or don’t, because, let’s talk about terrible tea later—and let’s wade into these wonderfully weird museums showcasing the UK’s quirky heritage.
First up, let’s chat about a place that will make you feel all the feels. The Museum of Broken Relationships in London takes heartbreak and gives it a home. You’ll find objects donated by people who have endured everything from splendid love affairs to utterly dismal breakups. Each item comes with a story, which can range from the painfully poignant to downright hilarious.
One exhibit features a rusty old guitar that someone’s ex used to serenade them. A nice touch, I suppose, but let’s just say, “wedding bells” was less rock’n’roll and more “it’s complicated.”
The absolute highlight was reading a letter someone had sent their ex that had been crumpled up and tossed aside. You know those moments when you read something so cringe-worthy that you have to fight the urge to cover your face? Yeah, that was me.
A tip: do visit in the afternoon when it’s less packed. You’ll want to spend time with the stories instead of jostling for space next to some overly enthusiastic tourists snapping selfies.
Now, picture this: the smallest house in Britain. Yes, it exists, and it’s in Conwy, Wales. I shuffled over to The Smallest House after a few too many Welsh cakes (I told myself to ‘stop’ after three, but if you’ve had them, you understand).
At just 3.05 meters high and 1.8 meters wide, the house showcases a simple bed, a fireplace, and a lovely view of the harbour, not that you’ve got much room to look. The sheer audacity of living in such a pint-sized space is almost inspirational. The last tenant was a fisherman who lived there until 1900, and can you imagine the conversations he had with guests? “Oh yes, I live here. Please don’t mind the cramped quarters while I prepare the catch of the day!”
Climbing up into the place does feel a little like playing house as a kid. You half expect a doll to pop out of the wardrobe. Just be prepared for the awkward moment when you realize you need to reverse out because there’s no room to spin around. Thanks, architecture!
Alright, here’s one that blew my socks off—literally. I didn’t know I needed to visit The British Lawnmower Museum until I did. This gem is dedicated entirely to lawnmowers! Yup, you read that right. As it turns out, there’s an entire history behind those things used to trim your neighbour’s grass (which will promptly grow back tougher and thicker).
When you enter this delightful space, you’ll discover lawnmowers from the Victorian era to the more recent models that look like they could have come straight out of a sci-fi film. It’s insane! They even have one that magically mows the lawn itself. I half expected it to start reciting Shakespeare, but alas, it just sat there and looked pretty.
Don’t forget to check out the crazy lawnmower races they sometimes host. I showed up, confident I was about to witness some ruthless competition akin to the Olympics, only to find out it’s all in good fun. I can’t lie—I was disappointed when the racers all behaved like they were at a picnic rather than a high-stakes sport.
For those of you who feel a special connection to the supernatural (or if you’ve just watched one too many episodes of "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina"), the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle is like a spellbinding time capsule of all things witchy.
As I wandered through, I encountered everything from potion bottles to a disturbing number of charms against evil spirits that looked like they came straight out of an Eighth Grade art class. Have you ever walked through somewhere and just thought, “Well, this is a right old mix of history and hilarity”? That was my experience, especially when I stumbled upon a broomstick exhibition. Turns out, not all brooms were created equal.
Tip: make sure you’ve got a strong stomach if you happen to wander in without knowing you’re about to see a display of “witchcraft trials.” Trust me. I wasn’t prepared and spent a solid five minutes just trying to wrap my head around how people managed to convince society that someone’s “suspected” ability to boil water was grounds for execution. Honestly, who knew being able to boil an egg could be fatal!
Desserts are basically like hugs for your taste buds, and The Pudding Museum in Birmingham takes that delightful sentiment and runs with it. If you’ve ever dreamt of swimming in a sea of sticky toffee pudding, this is your chance—metaphorically speaking, of course.
You’ll find exhibits dedicated to the history of British puddings. I’m telling you now, the samples they offer during the “taste testing” session are so generous that it could be considered a full meal. I may or may not have gone back for seconds… and thirds. No judgement, please.
Both the interactive elements and the amusing writing on the walls made the experience a riot. And let’s just say, I left there with more than sugar in my blood; I had a new appreciation for the centuries-old traditions of British desserts. Also, I could feel my waistline conducting a “Woe is me” lament.
So there you have it! A cheeky little peek at some of the UK’s quirkiest museums, showcasing heritage with a twist. There’s something so authentically British about celebrating the oddities of life, and these places do just that. I came away from each with a bucketful of stories and a few historical nuggets that I never knew I needed.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Have you visited any quirky museums that left a lasting impression? Or do you have an experience of awkward self-reflection from a heart-wrenching exhibit? Drop a comment below! Let’s chat about the weird and wonderful bits of our heritage.
