Cambridge Museum of Technology

You'll find yourself in a converted Victorian pump house on the outskirts of Cambridge, surrounded by the sort of industrial machinery that keeps most people scrolling past on their phones. The Museum of Technology is precisely the opposite of trendy - and that's entirely the point.

Inside, it's a proper feast for anyone who gets excited about how things actually work. There are printing presses you can operate yourself, ancient steam engines, vintage telecoms equipment, and enough brass and cast iron to satisfy the most devoted engineering nerd. The volunteers here clearly know their stuff and will happily explain why a particular valve matters or how a loom transformed the textile industry.

It's free to get in, which is brilliant value for a rainy Cambridge afternoon. You'll want a good two hours minimum, longer if you've got kids who like hands-on exhibits. Young children might find it a bit much if they're expecting rides and bright colours - this is authentic, unglamorous industrial history. But ten-year-olds upwards who aren't entirely switched off by machinery will probably surprise you with their focus.

If you're camping at Cherry Hinton or Gayton Farm, it's a quick drive north into the city. Pair it with a punt down the Cam or a wander through the colleges, and you've got a solid full day. Not Instagram gold, but genuinely interesting. That counts for something.