So-Handy

So-Handy sits in Conwy, a small museum dedicated to the sort of everyday objects and handiwork that most of us would chuck in the bin without a second thought. It's the kind of place that sneaks up on you - you're not expecting much, then you find yourself properly absorbed by someone's collection of Victorian tools, vintage gadgets, or whatever the current exhibition happens to be showcasing.

The museum celebrates practical craftsmanship and ingenuity, the sort of "make do and mend" mentality that defined generations. Expect to see old implements, domestic curiosities, and the sort of ingenious solutions people came up with before everything became disposable. It's hands-on enough to keep children engaged for a decent stretch, though teenagers might find it a bit slow unless they've got a genuine interest in how things work.

Historians and anyone with a soft spot for industrial heritage will find plenty to pore over here. The real strength is how it tells the story of ordinary life through objects rather than grand narratives. If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Craiglwyd Hall is barely half a mile away - it makes for a solid rainy-day option or a quick cultural interlude between coastal walks.

Penmaenmawr is right on your doorstep, so you could easily combine this with a wander around the town or heading up towards Conwy Castle. It won't eat up your whole afternoon, which is probably the honest assessment - treat it as a 45-minute detour rather than a major attraction. Worth doing if you're in the area and the weather's turned sketchy.