Crime Through Time Museum

Crime Through Time Museum sits just outside Mitcheldean in Herefordshire, and it's the kind of place that shouldn't work but somehow does. The collection traces British criminal history from medieval times through to the modern day - all the grim bits that don't make it into polite conversation. You'll find Victorian-era weapons, information on notorious cases, and exhibits that lay bare how justice has evolved over centuries.

It's genuinely interesting if you're the sort who reads true crime books or gets absorbed in historical oddities. The museum doesn't sensationalise things, which is refreshing - it's straightforward and matter-of-fact about some truly dark stuff. Kids under about thirteen will probably find it too heavy going, but teenagers with an interest in history or forensics will get proper value from it.

You'll want to allow a couple of hours to do it justice without rushing. The location means it works well as a half-day trip from one of the nearby campsites - The Roost Retreats and Passage Farm are both within a couple of miles, so minimal faff getting there. If you're based at somewhere like Whitemead Forest Park or Greenacres Glamping, you've got the Forest of Dean right on your doorstep as well, so pair this with a proper woodland walk to balance out the darker subject matter.

Admission and opening hours aren't confirmed online, so ring ahead before you set out - nothing worse than arriving somewhere to find it's closed.