Ten of the most unusual and quirky museums in the UK

Dog Collar Museum, Leeds

If you’re a lover of man’s best friend and all things dog related make you happy, take a trip to the Dog Collar Museum in Leeds Castle, where examples of canine neckwear spanning five centuries are housed, each offering a chance to glean an understanding of the history of dog ownership at that time. 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.

See also the ornate gilt collars of the Baroque period, finely-chased nineteenth century silver collars and examples of fashion-forward contemporary collars made with tyres, beads and plastic. Unfortunately, your four-legged friend will have to wait outside while you browse.

Booth Museum of Natural History, Brighton

Brighton’s Booth Museum boasts one of the largest Victorian taxidermy collections in the world. Founded in 1874, the collection belonged to Edward Thomas Booth, a local man and keen hunter who was taught the skill of stuffing animals as a child. The museum specialises in birds, insects, fossils, bones and skeletons – and houses a total of around 600,000 species. Head here to see the wildlife of the 1800s, preserved in glass cases which have been dressed to resemble the specimen's natural habitat.

The Smallest House, Conwy

Nestled in the town of Conwy on the north coast of Wales is the UK’s tiniest house. The miniature house dates back to the 16th century and measures at just ten feet tall and six feet wide. Stand outside and take a photo of yourself towering over its unmissable red door, or pay the modest entry fee of £1 to peek inside its shrunken bedroom and living area. Take the opportunity to browse the photos and other household items to find out more about its history.

Derwent Pencil Museum, Keswick

You may or may not be aware that the world’s first lead pencil was made in 1564 in the market town of Keswick in the Lake District. It came about thanks to the discovery of a graphite mine in the Borrowdale Valley. 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 and gawp at the world’s largest example of a pencil, the museum offers art workshops for both adults and children, and has a gift shop full of drawing materials to take home.

The Derwent Pencil Museum a great alternative to a day of walking when you're holidaying in the Lake District but the weather is not exactly in your favour. In fact, it's probably a desperate search for a plan B that leads most holidaymakers to discovering this gem – but you heard it here first.

House of Marbles, 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. While you're there, charge the eagle-eyed person in your party with finding the hidden door in the garden and discover what lies behind it.

The flea collection at Tring Natural History Museum

Arguably the most bizarre museum collection of all, Tring Natural History History Museum houses a giant assemblage of Siphonaptera – commonly known as fleas. The collection of around 260,000 species was donated to the museum in 1913, following the death of its collector, Charles Rothschild. The highlight of the exhibition is undoubtedly a posse of fleas dressed as Mexican dancers, which date back to 1905. You’ll have to peer through a microscope to see their costumes. The museum also houses one of the world’s largest taxidermy collections, featuring a polar bear, emperor penguins, gorillas and more, thanks to 19th century collector Lionel Walter Rothschild.

Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Cornwall

While Cornwall might be better known for its quaint towns, rugged landscapes and surf, 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, Cheshire

One for budding (or indeed established) horologists: 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.

Southwold Pier arcade, Southwold

Far from existing as the embodiment of a seaside town in decline, Southwold Pier is a gem of the east coast, thanks in large part to its quirky and endlessly fascinating arcade. The pier has mercifully resisted the urge to attempt to ‘keep with the times’ by offering cheap thrills and grotty gambling machines. Instead, its arcade is in part a portal back to the 80s, featuring retro games of the Pac-Man variety.

Elsewhere, machines created by English engineer, cartoonist and artist Tim Hunkin present themselves as unusual fairground attractions, and VR headsets offer the chance to experience life as a fly or someone reliant on a Zimmer frame. Arguably best of all, though, is the ‘Whack a Banker’ machine – you've guessed it, the classic game but with the heads of financers standing in for moles. Outside, the Wacky Walk of Mirrors charms all and provides an excellent opportunity for selfies.

The Fan Museum, Greenwich

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 errected 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.