The Museum of Classic Sci-Fi — Attraction in Allendale

What a truly wonderful accomplishment this museum is! The owner has transformed the cellar of his home into a showcase of classic sci fi costumes and props, we were amazed by how much stuff he’s managed to fit inside and the clever maze like system of corridors means there’s stuff to see everywhere you look. Each piece has a beatifically designed detailed card explaining its origins. The entrance section focuses on general classic sci fi from both here and the USA, then there is a larger section dedicated to classic era Doctor Who (that’s 1963 to 1989). Particular care has been taken in lighting the exhibits and there’s also an atmospheric ambient soundtrack of general sci fi eeriness interrupted by messages from Daleks and their creator Davros. The owner also produces magazines detailing the history behind particular items in the collection - perfect if you’re really interested in the niche production details (like I am). Finding the museum is easy and the roads there are extremely scenic. There is plenty of parking available in the Georgian village of Allendale. We drove 2 hours to visit this museum and my only disappointment was that I wasn’t able to meet the owner himself, he was out teaching, but his wife was very kind...

If you are a sci-fi aficionado then you will be like a pig in muck at Neil’s museum. The detail is astounding, it is a beautifully curated collection organised in a way which tells a compelling story about the history sci-fi in visual media.

If you are just an ordinary punter like me with a dabbling in sci-fi, this turns out to be a remarkable trip down memory lane from those old Dr Who episodes...in the days when it actually was scary, and when it was genuinely family teatime entertainment. Neil has a passion and knowledge which drips off every display card. His skill in preserving many of these props is entirely evident, but you leave with a sense that this is more than skill. It is a lifetime’s passion, maybe obsession, realised.

As such there’s something hugely aspirational about this little museum. Yes... it’s a sci-fi museum, and that’s quirky and fun. But there’s a spark behind it which ensures you leave with a spring in your step, an idea that you might be able to fulfil some of those bucket list dreams, and a plan to return to Allendale for another look!

Great value... highly...

An absolutely wonderful museum, the passion of the owner is obvious and it emanates from every nook and, colourful, cranny of this fascinating place. It isn't the largest of exhibitions but through clever design, and thoughtful presentation, you feel like you are experiencing something much, much larger, it certainly has a 'TARDIS' from Doctor Who feel about it. The distance from where we live means we can't visit as often as we would like but the trip from Devon to Allendale was certainly worth it, Allendale is a lovely village to have lunch in as well. Congratulations to Neil and his family who have, against multiple odds, put together the most amazing exhibition of Sci-Fi movies and TV, it felt very reminiscent of the old Doctor Who exhibitions at Longleat, Llangollen and Blackpool. We loved seeing all those wonderful things and learnt so much about the shows and movies we love. We look forward very much to a return journey, all the best going forward,...