Time Out has revealed its top 20 museums in the UK for 2026, and the winner is a hidden gem in a backstreet in Ramsgate, Kent. The Micro Museum, dedicated to vintage computers and retro gaming, has taken the top spot, surprising many who expected a larger institution like the British Museum or Natural History Museum to win.
A Labor of Love
Founded in 2014 by Mike and Carol Deer, the Micro Museum is a collection of technology amassed since the 1970s. The couple began saving devices when computers first became available to the public, and their mission is to preserve machines that might otherwise be scrapped. The museum features devices from the 1940s to the 21st century, offering a nostalgic journey through the evolution of technology.
Time Out editor Joe Mackertich personally selected the museum as the UK's best, describing it as a true labor of love. He said: "The love that's gone into this place is palpable, and even if you're not remotely interested in ZX Spectrums or Video Genies you'll have a great time gawping at all the elegant and rare machines (many saved, by Mike and Carol, from the scrap heap)."
Hands-On Experience
Visitors can interact with the technology, playing classic games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Guitar Hero. The museum offers a hands-on experience that provides insight into the machines that shaped modern culture.
One recent TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: "Charming little museum run by a lovely couple, whose enthusiasm is contagious. Inside is one of the most extensive collections of retro computers and consoles I've ever seen. Including some rarer items like an Amiga 3000, electromechanical calculators, a Sinclair C5, early consoles like Atari 2600. Best of all you can have a go on most of it."
Practical Information
The museum is open on weekends and bank holidays only, making it an ideal day out during a coastal getaway. Admission costs £7, with under-threes entering free. The museum only accepts cash payments. It is located on Church Hill, just off the High Street in Ramsgate, with no parking on the street. No prebooking is required.
