UNDISCOVERED MUSEUMS

Explore the fascinating collections and displays available throughout the UK in this collection of museums that you may not have yet discovered

Louis Wain: Curious Cats Exhibition at North Hertfordshire Museum, Brand Street, Hitchin, SG5 1JE. 30 June – 29 September, Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am – 4.30pm. Admission free. Born in 1860, Louis Wain is best known for his amazing cat paintings, which range from realistic to psychedelic. Exhibition borrowed from Bethlem Museum of the Mind in London. 01462 474554 | north-herts.gov.uk/museum

Weston Museum Set in the distinctive historic building of the former Weston Gas Light Company, discover the diverse North Somerset Collection from the surrounding area. With free entry to all, this family friendly museum caters for all ages and provides inspiration, learning and enjoyment. Café & gift shop on-site. 01934 621028 | westonmuseum.org

The Old Operating Theatre Museum Housed in the attic of the early eighteenth-century church of the old St Thomas’ Hospital, this atmospheric museum offers a unique insight into the history of medicine and surgery. The original timber framed Herb Garret was once used to dry and store herbs for patients’ medicines. It is the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe. 020 7188 2679 | oldoperatingtheatre.com

Gatwick Aviation Museum This Aviation Gatwick Museum has a unique collection of British aircraft from the “golden age” of British aircraft manufacture. From the end of WWII until the 1970s British aircraft designers produced some of the most innovative and advanced aircraft of the day. 01293 862417 | gatwick-aviation-museum.co.uk

Weald & Downland Living Museum Discover rescued rural buildings set in a beautiful landscape, which tell the stories of the people who lived and worked in them over 1,000 years. Explore homes and their period gardens, craft and trade workshops, plus meet heavy horse and farm animals. The Museum and its café are dog friendly. 01243 811363 | wealddown.co.uk

The Higgins Bedford Coming soon to The Higgins Bedford: The Young Turner opening 22nd September and Bedford’s Windrush Generation opening 6th October. Alongside exciting temporary exhibitions The Higgins Bedford has displays of decorative arts, archaeology, social history and local stories as well as a lively family events programme. Come and explore. 01234 718618 | thehigginsbedford.gov.uk