Northwest Computer Museum — Attraction in Wigan

I visited the Northwest Computer Museum today, as part of a large home education group. Despite there being almost 40 children and their parents/guardians, which could have been chaos, everything was so well-run and the day was fantastic.

As a late-30s mum that was a massive computer geek in childhood, walking into this museum was an experience filled with nostalgia. I found my old games consoles, the first computer we ever had at home, and examples similar to the computers I used at school - plus, so much memorable software on display! Meanwhile, whilst I looked around and the memories flooded back, my daughter enjoyed being able to actually touch things, play games, test keyboards, press buttons, and not have to listen to people telling her not to go near things. Such a welcome experience - she was able to really see and feel what the computers and consoles were like, instead of just staring at them and reading about them!

The owner gave a fantastic and fun tour, filled with interesting facts, so adults and children alike came away with new knowledge, and the children had a chance to enjoy a short coding lesson on the old computers, which was at the perfect level for them.

It was clear that everyone at the museum was passionate about what they were doing, and about sharing valuable knowledge with visitors. It's so good to see a museum where the staff aren't just staff, but people that actually light up when they talk about the collection.

Also worth noting are the food prices. We ate before our visit as I wasn't sure we were getting a designated eating time, but this was built into our visit and I noticed that the café prices were very reasonable. Often we try to avoid eating out at museums and attractions, because as a home educating family visiting several places a week the costs really mount up and so many places are over-priced, but this clearly isn't one of those places. I ended up choosing to buy snacks, and will definitely buy meals next time we visit.

Looking forward...

Wow! What an amazing museum. If you're into your computer history, then this is the place to go. There must be over 40 different computers from all decades on display here and even better, they're mostly all switched on for visitors to explore. It's great that in some cases, the original manuals are right beside them for you to flick through and have a go at coding.

Kids will love the retro arcade machines and more modern gaming consoles. In fact, there is an entire cupboard full of retro games and you can ask the staff to install them on the relevant machine.

Surrounding the large space are info boards charting the history of computing and the pioneers of the computer industry. We had the most fun playing with the virtual reality sets of which there were a few to try out. There is also a separate room with original BBC micro computers for you to have a go coding on too.

Finally there is a well stocked cafe serving hot and cold food plus a variety of beverages and a small shop selling merchandise. We spent over 5 hours having fun in this place and could easily have spent more time there.

I'd say this is one of the best hands on computer history museums in the UK and I would thoroughly recommend a visit. We will definitely be back for a return visit if we're...

I asked ChatGPT to write a review of the museum, and what it came up with is one hundred percent spot on, I couldn't put it any better:

The Northwest Computer Museum is a hidden gem and an absolute must-visit for tech enthusiasts and history buffs alike. From the moment you step in, you’re transported through decades of technological innovation. The museum boasts an impressive collection of vintage computers, gaming consoles, and fascinating artifacts that tell the story of how computing has evolved over the years.

What sets this museum apart is its interactive nature. You’re not just looking at displays—you can engage with many of the exhibits, from using old machines to playing classic video games. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, always ready to share stories and insights about the collection, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

Whether you grew up during the early days of computing or are simply curious about how far we’ve come, the Northwest Computer Museum provides a unique and nostalgic journey. It’s a perfect outing for families, school groups, or anyone who appreciates the marvels of technology....