Retro Computer Museum, Leicester

A paradise for nostalgia-driven tech lovers, the Retro Computer Museum (RCM) in Leicester is a hands-on journey through the evolution of computing and gaming. Established as a registered charity, this museum is entirely volunteer-run and dedicated to preserving, displaying, and celebrating computers and consoles from the 1960s onward.

Founded by Andy Spencer, the museum began as a personal collection that outgrew his garage and, over time, transformed into a fully-fledged institution. Since opening to the public in 2008, the museum has relocated several times before settling in Troon Way Business Centre, Thurmaston, where it remains today.

RCM houses an impressive collection of around 300 unique systems, with over 40 available for public use. Visitors can tinker with everything from Atari 2600s and ZX Spectrums to GameCube and PlayStation 2s, with rare gems also on display. The museum also boasts a public software library of around 40,000 titles, along with an extensive collection of vintage magazines and manuals.

Beyond its weekend public hours, RCM offers private events, school visits, and off-site exhibitions at retro gaming and computing conventions. Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast, a programmer, or just curious about the machines that shaped modern technology, the Retro Computer Museum is a must-visit slice of digital history.