The Martian Cylinder

You'll find this rather unusual gallery tucked away in Woking, celebrating H.G. Wells' most famous work - The War of the Worlds. The Martian Cylinder itself is the centrepiece, a striking recreation of the alien vessel that crash-landed near the town in Wells' 1898 novel. It's a bit of a niche attraction, honestly, but if you're into Victorian science fiction or local literary history, it's absolutely worth the detour.

The gallery explores Wells' connection to Woking and how this small Surrey town inspired one of the greatest science fiction novels ever written. You get the chance to see how the story unfolded, the historical context that shaped it, and some fascinating interpretations of what readers imagined the Martians might look like. The cylinder itself dominates the space - it's properly impressive when you're standing next to it, even knowing it's a modern creation rather than the real thing.

It works best for die-hard Wells fans or anyone with a serious interest in sci-fi heritage. Kids might get an hour out of it if they're into that sort of thing, but it's not a day-long affair. Admission details are a bit thin on the ground, so check the Celebrate Woking website before you head over. Several caravan parks sit within easy reach - Warren Farm is closest at just over two miles away, making this a decent rainy-day stop if you're based at one of the local parks like Weybridge Park Estates or Horsley Camping.