Haunted Museum & Spirit Shop Stoke

If you've got a soft spot for the paranormal, this spot in Stoke-on-Trent delivers the goods without pretension. The Haunted Museum houses a collection of genuinely unsettling objects - artifacts claimed to be possessed, cursed items, and memorabilia from hauntings across Britain. Some pieces are properly creepy; others feel more novelty than spine-tingling. The attached Spirit Shop sells crystals, tarot decks, and occult bits if you want to take something home.

It's worth an hour or so if you're into this world. Sceptics might find it entertainingly daft rather than scary, which is fine - half the appeal is the sheer weirdness of it all. Kids aged ten upwards who like a bit of spooky theatre will enjoy it; younger ones might find certain exhibits unsettling. There's no heavy lifting required, just a wander around compact rooms.

Stoke itself isn't the most obvious holiday destination, but if you're based at one of the nearby caravan sites - Luzlow is decent value, or Holly Grove Farm if you fancy glamping - this makes a solid rainy-day diversion. Stone Wall Farm CL is another option if you're touring the area. Check opening hours before you go; smaller museums can be a bit hit-or-miss with their schedules. Admission shouldn't break the bank, but ring ahead to confirm.