Arcade Archive

The Arcade Archive sits just outside Stroud and houses a proper collection of working vintage arcade machines - the sort that used to dominate seafront promenades and amusement arcades back in the day. You're looking at everything from 1980s classics through to early-2000s cabinets, all of them functional and ready to play. The appeal is straightforward: feed coins in, actually play the games rather than just watching them behind glass. It's hands-on nostalgia, which makes it fundamentally different from most museums.

This works brilliantly for anyone who grew up feeding 10p pieces into Ms Pac-Man, but honestly, kids under ten might find the appeal limited - the graphics look ancient by today's standards and the gameplay is punishing if you're used to modern games holding your hand. An hour is probably the sweet spot unless you're genuinely obsessed. Saturday afternoons from 3pm is your only window, which is both convenient and limiting depending on your schedule.

If you're camping at Tobacconist Farm or Middle Lypiatt (both within easy reach), it's a decent rainy-day option or an hour's diversion en route to somewhere else in the Cotswolds. The admission cost isn't listed on their site, so ring ahead before you go. Stroud itself has decent shops and cafes if you're making a proper afternoon of it. Worth a look if retro culture interests you, but don't expect to lose half a day here.