quirky museums
For tech heads Where The Centre for Computing History, Cambridge What’s the story? Speed-swiping through photos, movies and games on your palm-sized tablet, it’s easy to forget that 30 years ago hardly anyone owned a personal computer. But this museum has been keeping score: see how keyboards, monitors and games consoles went from clunky to compact – and get ready to feel old as you watch kids gawp at the 20th-century models. Don’t miss The retro arcade games, such as Space Invaders – fun for those playing for both the first and the second time around. In the area You’re not far from the hallowed halls of Cambridge University. Hop on one of the daily tours from the Visitor Information Centre (visitcambridge.org). Website computinghistory.org.uk Nearest station Cambridge
DID YOU KNOW? The first personal computer was called the Altair. It was developed by a small firm named MITS in 1974 and was sold in kit form
“It’s ea sy to forget t hat 30 yea r s a go ha rd ly a nyone ow ned a per so na l co m puter”
For music lovers Where Cotton Mechanical Music Museum, Cotton, Suffolk What’s the story? This unmistakably British, antiques-stuffed barn houses everything from music boxes to pianolas and fairground organs – all in full working order – along with lashings of Union Jacks and china teapots. Ask house organist David Ivory for a particular tune and he might just oblige. Don’t miss The mighty Wurlitzer, an elaborate organ played live to soundtrack the silent movies of the 1920s and 30s. It makes quite an entrance on the museum tour. In the area Candy-pink pub The Trowel & Hammer is just a five-minute walk away, with hearty pies, steaks and fish and chips on the menu (trowelandhammercotton.com). Even more music to your ears. Website mechanicalmusicmuseum.co.uk Nearest station Stowmarket
For families Where Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, London What’s the story? Well… stories themselves. Your little ones will fall straight into the pages of children’s books on a ground floor designed by a children’s book illustrator, as they clamber on to a pirate ship and slide down a monster’s tongue in the outdoor playground. Meanwhile, an exhibition takes you through fantastic creatures, from gruffalos to fire-breathing dragons, and you can see original artwork from Axel Scheffler, illustrator of Room on the Broom and Zog. Don’t miss Immersive story times, film screenings and even visits from the gruffalo himself. Find out what’s on at discover.org.uk/all-events. In the area The bizarre, helix-like structure of the ArcelorMittal Orbit tower in the Olympic Park. Take the world’s tallest and longest tube slide down it, if you dare (queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk). Website discover.org.uk Nearest station Stratford
22