Photo of Sick To Death in North West
Museums

Sick To Death

📍 Chester, North West

4.4(884 Google reviews)💰£5-£9👶5+

Interactive attraction in a historic Chester church covering plague history, autopsy experiences, quack medicine, and the TURDIS time-travelling toilet. Best for ages 10 and up.

Interactive exhibitsHistoric settingMedical historyBest for 10+Chester must-visit
★★★★★Featured review by Georgia Brown (Voyager221141)

Sick to Death is a MUST visit whilst you're in Chester! I was so good we went twice. For all those enthralled by the history of medicine, step inside... it gets better with every step. Sick to Death is a concise, yet incredibly detailed, story of the history of medicine and how the human race used to think sickness came about. The staff are friendly and set the mood of mystery and curiosity from the outset, whilst making sure you're aware that there are some things not suitable for all ages/dispositions ahead. Once you've paid admission and stepped through those first doors, your adventure into the ailments of the past begins, and my goodness do they know how to set the atmosphere with Brother Mortem! I won't go into too much detail so as not to spoil anything for prospective visitors, but I absolutely LOVED this museum. Every detail is wonderfully put and illustrated, and there are some amazing videos to watch that feel like they put you back into the period they're meant to represent. Call it grim, but I loved the autopsy room and would encourage everyone to at least take a look. The couple of activities in that room are a must do if you like to put your understanding of the human body to the test. They have used the space inside this old church so creatively. From the theory of how we used to think bad smells caused disease, to how people used to think we were made up of four humours, to the pioneering story of the first female surgeon, I think the £8 admission price is more than fair for this amazing collection of medical knowledge. It has been beautifully presented, and you can tell that those who did so really cared about the importance of what has been presented. Bravo, Sick to Death. I am so enthralled by this place! If I'm in the area again, I will be back! What you have here is so special.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for curious children aged 10 and up who are comfortable with graphic medical history content. The interactive format and period setting make this genuinely memorable rather than passive. Plan for 60-90 minutes. The venue is small — expect to spend the full time engaged with exhibits rather than moving between large halls.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Allow 60-90 minutes — the venue is compact and detail-rich
Review the content guide before visiting with children under 10 — some sections include adult themes
🎟️Entrance has steps — check current accessibility arrangements before visiting with a wheelchair
🚗No pre-booked slots, so popular days can feel busy inside the small space

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.4

884 Google reviews

Engaging and educational content50%
Unique interactive experiences30%
Small venue size12%
Some graphic adult content8%
G

Georgia Brown (Voyager221141)

4 months ago

Sick to Death is a MUST visit whilst you're in Chester! I was so good we went twice. For all those enthralled by the history of medicine, step inside... it gets better with every step. Sick to Death is a concise, yet incredibly detailed, story of the history of medicine and how the human race used to think sickness came about. The staff are friendly and set the mood of mystery and curiosity from the outset, whilst making sure you're aware that there are some things not suitable for all ages/dispositions ahead. Once you've paid admission and stepped through those first doors, your adventure into the ailments of the past begins, and my goodness do they know how to set the atmosphere with Brother Mortem! I won't go into too much detail so as not to spoil anything for prospective visitors, but I absolutely LOVED this museum. Every detail is wonderfully put and illustrated, and there are some amazing videos to watch that feel like they put you back into the period they're meant to represent. Call it grim, but I loved the autopsy room and would encourage everyone to at least take a look. The couple of activities in that room are a must do if you like to put your understanding of the human body to the test. They have used the space inside this old church so creatively. From the theory of how we used to think bad smells caused disease, to how people used to think we were made up of four humours, to the pioneering story of the first female surgeon, I think the £8 admission price is more than fair for this amazing collection of medical knowledge. It has been beautifully presented, and you can tell that those who did so really cared about the importance of what has been presented. Bravo, Sick to Death. I am so enthralled by this place! If I'm in the area again, I will be back! What you have here is so special.

L

Leona Kenyon

8 months ago

Fantastic! We absolutely loved it! From the quirky little shop in the entrance & exit to mounds of facts & interactive pieces. It’s not very big but it’s packed with interesting information. Watch out for the plague doctor wandering around! Fantastic photo opportunities! The staff & quirky and friendly. With my 10 year old, we took around 1hour & 45minutes. Avoiding the sexual content. The only negative I have is that, you don’t have a booking slot so you only get a brief time to read & explore before the next people come in behind you which can make you feel rushed. It’s cost £8 per adult & £4.50 for a child with student rates too. I’m not sure it would be wheelchair friendly, there are a few steps at the front. I would check before hand. It’s in the city centre so lots of parking but are some quite expensive. Absolutely worth a visit ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

L

Luke Bourne

3 months ago

Definitely not for the faint of heart. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here, however the museum was very small. When I got to the end, I was like "That's it?", it was a bit disappointing. Still, it's a great experience and if you have an extra hour to kill while in Chester, then I recommend doing it here, just so long as you have the stomach for it.

S

Stuart Riley

2 months ago

Sick to Death: A Gory and Glorious Deep Dive into Medical History ​If you have a taste for the macabre and a curiosity for the curdled, Sick to Death in Chester is an absolute must-visit. Nestled within the hauntingly appropriate setting of the former St. Michael’s Church, this attraction manages to be both hilariously irreverent and deeply educational. It’s not your typical "hush-hush" museum; it’s a tactile, "smatter of splatter" playground that explores the grim reality of disease, doctors, and dying through the ages. ​From the moment you step past the TURDIS (the world’s only time-traveling toilet), you are plunged into the filth of "Diagnosis Alley." The atmosphere is thick with historical grit, successfully bridging the gap between medieval superstition and scientific discovery. ​The Main Event: Performing an Autopsy ​The highlight for many—and certainly the most interactive element—is the Autopsy Room. Here, you aren't just a spectator; you are invited to get hands-on with the medical past. ​Meet "Colin": The attraction features a realistic, interactive cadaver (affectionately known as Colin) that serves as your primary patient. ​The Procedure: Guided by historical context, you can actually try your hand at performing an autopsy. You’ll explore why these dissections were vital (and often controversial) for understanding human anatomy. ​The Experience: It’s a grisly, tactile experience that lets you "poke" into the past—perfect for those who want to see exactly what lay beneath the skin of our ancestors without the real-world mess. ​Why It Works ​The attraction strikes a rare balance: it is genuinely funny but doesn't shy away from the darker side of history, including the "Sex and the Cyst" section (which carries a parental advisory). Whether you’re waving at a Plague Doctor or investigating what your "poo says about you," the level of engagement is high. ​Verdict: For anyone visiting Chester who wants a break from Roman walls and tea rooms, Sick to Death offers a brilliantly bizarre, educational, and slightly stomach-churning afternoon

Reviews from Google

Overview

Sick To Death occupies a Grade II listed church on Chester's Medieval Rows. Guides in character lead visitors through Diagnosis Alley plague exhibits, hands-on autopsy experiences, and displays on quack doctors and magic medicine. The TURDIS time-travelling toilet is a standout interactive element. Content includes graphic medical imagery and some adult themes — parents should preview before bringing younger children.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 18:00
Tuesday10:00 – 18:00
Wednesday10:00 – 18:00
Thursday10:00 – 18:00
Friday10:00 – 18:00
Saturday10:00 – 18:00
Sunday10:00 – 18:00

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