WE’VE all heard of the National History Museum and the Science Museum, but you might not have heard of The Coventry Music Museum.
Despite it falling under the radar, it is the highest-rated UK museum on TripAdvisor with 93 per cent of reviews at five stars.
The museum currently has a 4.92-star rating and is currently the number one rated thing to do in Coventry on TripAdvisor.
In total, 1,461 reviews have been left on TripAdvisor, with 1,363 of these being five stars.
Found on Walsgrave Road in Coventry, the museum has an art gallery, music records archive and an interactive media studio telling the history of local music.
There are permanent exhibitions dedicated to local stars from comedian, T.E.Dunville, to the band Lieutenant Pigeon – of which there is a 1960s sound booth and piano they used.
There’s also a permanent display dedicated to electronic musician Delia Derbyshire.
The museum is also home to the entire output of 2 Tone Records – a record label that opened in Coventry in 1979.
They signed the likes of the Selector, Madness and The Beat.
Coventry Music Museum opened in 2013 and has been run by volunteers for the last decade.
It was founded by local historian and journalist, Pete Chambers, and his wife, Julie.
In 2024, Pete was named VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar for 2024 for his success in showcasing the musical heritage of the West Midlands.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Inside the World’s Largest Museum: Giza Museum! ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6359927742112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]
The museum is a big hit with not only locals, but tourists too. One visitor on TripAdvisor said: “This museum is a must visit for any music fan. It is run by volunteers, who give you a warm welcome and are very knowledgeable and friendly.”
Another added: “A fascinating, wonderful memory blast of musicality and ephemera that lingers in the memory long after your visit.”
A third said: “This and the museum in Eel Pie island are the best music museums in the country.”
Admission into the museum for adults it’s £5 and concessions are £3 with anyone under 15 entering for free.
Crowned second highest-rated museum is the Davidstow Airfield & Cornwall at War Museum in Camelford, North Cornwall.
It has 91.7 per cent of the 1,378 reviews on TripAdvisor reaching five stars, and the museum has a 4.91 average star rating.
The museum is currently closed but will reopen on Monday 31 March, where visitors can explore World War Two history.
Coming in at third place is the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenavon, Wales.
The museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and out of 2,994 reviews, 89.9 per cent are five stars.
The museum, where visitors can learn about the history of Welsh coal mining, is the highest-rated thing to do in the town and currently has a stellar average star rating of 4.86.
Plus, the places we suggest you head to with the weather hitting all-time highs in March.
And the small Cotswolds market town that’s home to a princess.
