A tiny seaside museum dedicated to retro technology has been named the best in the UK, beating London's most famous institutions. The Micro Museum in Ramsgate, Kent, was crowned the top museum by Time Out in its 2026 list.
A hidden gem in Ramsgate
Tucked away in a backstreet in the town centre, the museum is only open a few days a week. It was established in 2014 by Mike and Carol Deer, who began collecting technology in the 1970s when computers first became available to the public. Their collection spans devices from the 1940s to the 21st century, showing how technology has evolved.
Time Out editor Joe Mackertich personally selected the museum as the best, describing it as a labour of love. "The love that's gone into this place is palpable," he said. "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."
Hands-on experience
Visitors can interact with the technology through hands-on experiences, playing classic titles like Pac-Man, Guitar Hero, and Space Invaders. The museum's mission, according to Mike and Carol, is to save devices from being lost or scrapped.
The museum is open on weekends and bank holidays, making it ideal for a day out during coastal breaks. Admission is £7, with free entry for under-threes, and only cash is accepted. It is located on Church Hill, just off the High Street in Ramsgate, though street parking is not available.
Visitor reviews
A recent TripAdvisor visitor praised the museum, writing: "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." The collection includes rare items like an Amiga 3000, electromechanical calculators, a Sinclair C5, and early consoles like the Atari 2600.
