1 / 3Northwest Computer Museum
📍 Leigh, North West
Every exhibit is interactive — visitors use vintage computers and play classic games across decades of computing history. Volunteer-run on the 4th floor of Leigh Spinners Mill with free parking and a cafe on site. Suitable from age 5.
My youngest son visited the Northwest Computer Museum with his school in June, and ever since he got home, he'd been talking about going again, and mithering me all the time. Well, I finally decided to grant his wish and take him again today. The museum was full of retro computers, dating from the 70's to present day, and most were loaded and ready to play with games from that time period. There were also arcade machines and VR sets. I particularly enjoyed seeing the very first computer that my dad bought (Amstrad) and the old BBC computers that I used to use in school. There was plenty of information around, and the owner, George, was very knowledgeable with his computer knowledge. A great big shout out to George, who was such a lovely person. He was incredibly welcoming and made us feel like we belonged. His wife (didn't get her name) also makes an amazing iced coffee!! Thank you so much, and I'm sure we will be back in the future.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with school-age children who love gaming or tech history, and for adults who grew up with home computers in the 1980s and 90s. The all-hands-on format means kids engage immediately rather than reading labels. Multi-generational visits work particularly well — grandparents recognise machines their grandchildren get to actually use.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →321 Google reviews
Barbara Allen
6 months ago
“My youngest son visited the Northwest Computer Museum with his school in June, and ever since he got home, he'd been talking about going again, and mithering me all the time. Well, I finally decided to grant his wish and take him again today. The museum was full of retro computers, dating from the 70's to present day, and most were loaded and ready to play with games from that time period. There were also arcade machines and VR sets. I particularly enjoyed seeing the very first computer that my dad bought (Amstrad) and the old BBC computers that I used to use in school. There was plenty of information around, and the owner, George, was very knowledgeable with his computer knowledge. A great big shout out to George, who was such a lovely person. He was incredibly welcoming and made us feel like we belonged. His wife (didn't get her name) also makes an amazing iced coffee!! Thank you so much, and I'm sure we will be back in the future.”
Katie Farren
a month ago
“I have visited here twice now with my son and partner. Joe, Helen and the other volunteers have done an amazing job. I myself am not overly into computers however this place makes you love them. They have every console under the sun to play around on. The space is so welcoming and inclusive, friendly and relaxed, Joe and the team talk to you like they have known you for years. They are all volunteers and you can tell they pour their love into the place. My son is getting very difficult to get to leave the house but will jump at the chance to come here. Joe went above and beyond for his birthday yesterday and helped me sort him a gift, which he didn't have to do. Food and drinks are very reasonably priced, and the location is super quirky and tucked away. It was quite busy yesterday but did not feel crowded at all. We can't wait for our third visit and beyond. Thank you! 😁”
Wayne Roberts
5 months ago
“Fantastic computer museum which is run by a great group of people. The museum displays are all hands on and you can explore the whole of the museum at your leisure. Plenty of retro computers like the ZX80, ZX81 and Spectrum computers sit proudly next to Apple 2020 computers and BBC B. You can have a go at programming the computers in BASIC and also play to your hearts content some of the all time classic games from the best days of home computing. The museum also has a good selection of home games machines which are loaded up with some of the golden oldie games. Also to top off the visit to the museum it has a great cafe which serves really good food and probably one of the best brews I have had for a long time. You will not be disappointed with the visit to the computer museum and I fully recommend it.”
Big Drama Drew
3 months ago
“I visited at the end of 2024 and was just in complete awe of the whole place. Plenty of amazing computers all the way from the Commodore PET up-to Xbox all working and usable as part of your entrance fee. The staff, especially Joe, couldn’t be more friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Unfortunately, as I was only in the area for work reasons, I could only spend a couple of hours there. I would’ve happily been there from opening to closing and would’ve been tempted to beg to be left there overnight haha. Well worth a visit if you have any sort of passion for retro. Even if you don’t, this place is that amazing, it may ignite that passion. I will be back to visit again and I can’t wait.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Northwest Computer Museum fills its 4th-floor Leigh Spinners Mill space with working machines from Commodore PETs, ZX80s, BBC Bs, and Apple IIs through to modern consoles — all hands-on and included in entry. Enthusiastic volunteer staff share knowledge without pressure, and families regularly spend the entire day. Free parking on site; cafe serves food and coffee.



