We have written about nearly 1,000 museums on our website and during our research we have found a few, somewhat, unusual museums. How about visiting a museum dedicated to lawnmowers or learning all about Colman’s Mustard? Find a selection of some rather different places to visit below.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not, London
**Get 4 tickets for only £48 when you book through Picniq**
For something weird and unusual visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Mr Ripley was a cartoonist, explorer, reporter, adventurer, illustrator, collector and seeker of the odd and unusual. The collection currently has over 700 objects and there are many very unusual pieces to admire and an interactive mirror maze. Buy here.
British Lawnmower Museum, Southport
This museum is dedicated to collecting vintage lawnmowers and antique garden machinery. You can even book a guided tour to learn all about the history of the garden machine industry. Find out more.
The Pen Museum, Birmingham
Discover the history of steel pen making at The Pen Museum. This museum tells the story of the steel pen trade through its huge collection of 5,000 objects, interactive displays and museum trails. Find out more.
Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford
The Pitt Rivers Museum is a fascinating place to visit and learn all about anthropology and world archaeology. There are collections from various cultures around the world, including a Tahitian mourner’s costume, Hawaiian feather cloaks, shrunken heads, hand-woven textiles, masks from Africa and many other curious objects. Find out more.
The Dog Collar Museum, Leeds Castle, Kent
The Dog Collar Museum in Leeds Castle, Kent, has a collection of canine neckwear that spans six centuries. There are collars from the 15th century which were worn to help protect pooches from the wolves and bears and also avant-garde leather collars from the 18th century. Sadly, no dogs are allowed in the museum. Find out more.
Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum, Norfolk
Everybody (well most people) loves Colman’s Mustard and this shop and museum is a great way to find out the history of this popular condiment and business. Step back in time and discover how Jeremiah Colman started the empire. You’ll even learn how the famous mustard is made as well as getting to sample some delicious flavours. Find out more.
The Mill Toy & Pedal Car Museum, Northiam, East Sussex
This museum is in the Guinness World Record Book 2014 for having the largest collection of pedal powered model vehicles. There is plenty to look at as the miniature versions of cars are captivating. You can see models by Bugatti, Jaguar, Maserati, Mercedes, Lotus, Triumph and many more. Find out more.
Museum of Witchcraft, Boscastle, Cornwall
Inside this museum you will discover the world’s largest collection of witchcraft related artefacts and regalia. The fascinating, mystical and sometimes scary artefacts and relics tell stories of magic and show the history of witchcraft. Find out more.
The Shell Grotto, Margate
The Shell Grotto is a series of underground rooms and passageways covered by 2,000 sq. ft. of mosaics created with 4.6 million shells. No one really knows why the grotto was built, could it be a shrine? Visit with the family to marvel at the magic of these underground rooms and decide for yourself. Find out more.
Thackray Medical Museum, Leeds
Bring the family here for a day full of educational and gory fun. A medical museum with interactive displays that show the history of childbirth & surgical techniques plus you can also explore your own body in the Life Zone gallery. As you make your way around you can learn many fascinating facts such as what happens to a pea once it is swallowed. Find out more.
Do you know other weird yet fab museums near your area? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or by tagging us on Instagram so we can share it to other parents! 🙂
