Believe it or Not Museum in London with a double rainbow by Tom Raftery

A few museums worth mentioning for their curiosity value is the Mental Health Museum, the Museum of Witchcraft and the Dog Collar Museum. In addition, museums like the Pitt Rivers Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum must surely house some of the strangest museum collections in the country.

The importance of the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford cannot be emphasized too much. This is a museum that contains a variety of curiosities, many of which would appear strange to our modern eyes. Oxford has been a centre of culture and education for centuries and has collected a wide range of anthropological and archaeological artefacts which the museum now contains. The museum focuses on how people all over the world have treated their bodies, from make-up, cosmetics and scents to tattoos and body painting. The museum also discusses the stuffing of dead animals and why and how it is performed.

It is a good idea to plan a stay overnight in Oxford as the place has much more to offer than just the museum. Oxford is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in Britain, as well as beautiful scenery in surrounding Oxfordshire. Hotels to stay in charming Oxford can be easily found for all budgets. There is good dining and convivial atmosphere here, throughout the year.

Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford, UK by Jorge Royan / http://www.royan.com.ar / CC-BY-SA-3.0

It is a three hour drive from Oxford to Blackpool, where Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum is located. The museum specialises in outlandish artefacts and contains some extraordinary stories of people and events that surprise every visitor. One of the new exhibits is a wax model of a man called Eric Sparague who tattooed his entire body with green scales, sharpened his teeth and split his tongue in order to resemble a lizard. But this museum isn’t just about weird things; it is also about human creativity and dedication.

After tiring yourself out seeing the amazing and bizarre exhibits, like the two headed calf, the fertility statue, the portrait of Princess Diana made out of pennies, the floating tap, the tallest man in the world, and similar other curiosities, book into a Blackpool seaside hotel, because there is a lot more to do in Blackpool. There is a good zoo, a pleasure garden, a winter garden and the country’s sole surviving tramway! And then again, one can always go back to Ripley’s museum for a second dose of strangeness.

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1. Oxford University

The oldest English speaking University, Oxford University was established in approximately the 11th century, and, with Cambridge, developed into one the leading educational centre in the country. The city of Oxford is built around the University, which can be visited through guided tours via individual colleges. Individual attractions include All Saints Church, the Sackler and Bodelian Libraries, as well as the Ashmolean Museum, the Museum of Natural History, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Museum of the History of Science. Other attractions include the Sheldonian Theatre, the Botanic Garden and the Harcourt Arboretum.

Oxford University, England, UK by TEDizen

2. Bleinheim Palace

The stately home of the Marlborough family for centuries, and one of the largest houses in England, Blenheim Palace was built in the 18th century as part of a reward for John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, the house was built around multiple blocks and parklands with deer, and remains one of the most lavish stately homes of all time. Blenheim later became a home for Winston Churchill, descendant of Jon, and was opened out in the late 20th century to a public site. It costs around £20 to enter the Palace.

3. Didcot Railway Centre

A treasure trove of old steam locomotives and other trains that is ideal for a family day out, the Didcot Railway Centre is near to the town of the same name, and is an extension of the now defunct Great Western Railway. Visitors can take in steam and diesel locomotives, as well as unique vehicles and exhibits. The Centre is open for weekends throughout the year, and puts on regular special events involving the locomotives and the history of steam railways.

4. Cotswold Wildlife Park

Adapted from the Bradwell Grove Estate, Cotswold Wildlife Park became a public destination in 1970. The estate’s grounds include 230 animals within its Walled Gardens. Notable animals include speckled mousebirds and sloths, as well as meerkats, oryx and llamas. A special section o the park is given over to highlighting rare species from Madagascar, and to conservation species like the Mount Omei babbler and the crested pigeon.

Cotswold Wildlife Park, UK by Duncan Brown (Cradlehall)

5. Ashmolean Museum

Located on Beaumont Street, the Ashmolean Museum is part of Oxford Universities’ wide range of different institutions. Built between 1678 and 1683, the museum was created as an extension of the collection of Elias Ashmole. Its unique collection includes rare zoological specimens and rare items from world and English history. These include a stuffed dodo, pre-Raphaelite paintings, Greek pottery, the Alfred Jewel, Oliver Cromwell’s death mask, and the Abingdon Sword.

Brought to you by the bloggers from Inchcape Toyota Oxford, offering a wide range of used cars in Oxford.

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