Why this backstreet museum full of old computers is one of the UK’s greatest museums to visit in 2026

The other week, Time Out unveiled our 2026 guide to the greatest museums in the UK. There are roughly 2,500 museums across this small nation, so whittling it down to just 20 was no easy task. Nonetheless, Time Out’s writers and editors put their heads together to compile a list of the places that we think are must-visits this year. The result is an eclectic roundup of exceptional museums that cover everything from crustaceans to coal-mining.  

Bronze, silver and gold went to the Gladstone Pottery Museum, Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum and Margate’s Crab Museum respectively. Just missing out on a place on the podium was the Micro Museum, a brilliant shrine to vintage computers and retro gaming in Ramsgate.

The museum, found down a ‘dinky backstreet’ off the town centre, was launched in 2014 by Mike and Carol Deer. They’ve been collecting tech since the 1970s when computers first started moving beyond the offices and science labs and into everyday homes, and over the decades they’ve acquired hundreds of devices from the 1940s through to the early 21st century.

The Micro Museum was chosen for our list by Time Out UK editor Joe Mackertich, who 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).’

Visitors can learn all about the machines that shaped and revolutionised modern computing, discover the stories of the people who paved the way (from Ada Lovelace in the Victorian times to Tommy Flowers in WW2) and have a go at playing on classic games consoles. Adults can revisit old favourites and introduce their kids to the likes of Guitar Hero, Space Invaders and PacMan. 

At the moment, the Micro Museum is only open on weekends and some bank holidays – you can see its full list of opening dates for summer 2026 here. Entry is £7 per person and cash only (but under threes can go in for free). When you’re done there, head next door to Ramsgate’s new venue, This Museum is (Not) Obsolete, which houses a collection of obscure and experimental musical technology and is run by the UK’s 2026 Eurovision entry Sam Battle, aka Look Mum No Computer. 

🏛️ Check out Time Out’s full guide to Britain’s best museums in 2026 here.

Did you see that this stunning Edwardian swimming pool is getting a massive multi-million pound glow up?

Plus: One of Scotland’s most historic art galleries is getting a multi-million pound revamp.