A TOWN in the UK with a population of less than 5,000 might be seen as a surprising holiday destination. But, for sci-fi fans and music lovers at least, Bromyard in Herefordshire is a great place to visit. 7 Bromyard's half-timbered buildings date back to the 17th century Credit: Alamy 7 The Time Machine sci-fi museum is one of several tourist spots in the town Credit: Supplied 7 The museum is home to Dr Who and sci-fi TV and film props and memorabilia Credit: Supplied 7 The town hosts several festivals every year including the Speed Fest Credit: Alamy It was built alongside the River Frome close to the Worcestershire border and its picturesque half-timbered buildings look exactly the way they would have when they were built in the 17th century.
However. that's not the type of time travel a lot of the town's visitors are there to enjoy. The Time Machine museum is a must-visit for UK based science fiction fans, especially those who like Dr Who.
The museum is filled with hundreds of items, including props, costumes and memorabilia from sci-fi films and series. Read More on Festivals SUN SAVERS Five DIY ways to style yourself for a summer of fun festivals CHILL OUT I tested portable neck fans perfect for beating heatwave & best costs under £5 Around 85 per cent of the museum's artefacts are Dr Who related, according to the museum's website. Meanwhile, the remaining exhibits include items from shows like Red Dwarf and the Gerry Anderson puppet shows including Thunderbirds , Captain Scarlet and Stingray.
There are also items from Star Trek Voyager and some Star Wars items. The museum has an overall rating of 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, with plenty of sci-fi fans giving it the full five stars.
Most read in News Travel 'BEYOND HELP' We live in UK's prettiest village - it's being ruined by NC500 tourists TOE WAY Passenger reveals why all passengers should take their shoes off on a flight SAD CASE Brits warned about post-holiday suitcase mistake that could ruin your next trip WORTH A KRAK The EU city nicknamed the 'jewel of Baltics' with £1.50 beers & £29 flights One wrote: "A lovely museum jam packed with brilliant props, models and outfits from mostly Dr Who but also pieces from Jerry Anderson, Star Trek, Star Wars, Red Dwarf. This is a unique collection.
" Another said: "This place is so great. It drips with character and real passion for old school sci fi, especially Dr. Who.
The phrase 'Aladdin's Cave' is overused but it really applies here. "It's a tiny place, but I spent over an hour here, and I still had to be dragged out." 6 underrated cities in the UK A third added: "Had a great time looking round this museum, if you like Dr Who or Thunderbirds etc this place is a must.
" Another reason why visitors head to Bromyard is its extensive array of festivals. Among those, its most highly-regarded is the Bromyard Folk Festival, which as been running for 56 years, after it started in 1968. It's attended by thousands every year, with entertainment, food, drink and activities taking place across the whole weekend.
The best family festivals still happening this year Here are some of the UK's best family-friendly festivals taking place this yea. Camp Bestival Shropshire , Aug 15-18 The sister event of Camp Bestival Devon is now in its third year at the old V Festival site, on the Staffordshire/Shropshire borders. Weston Park has a few neat permanent features including a miniature railway, a playground and a lake which hosts wild swimming, kayaking.
.. and mermaid lessons.
This year's headliners include Faithless, Paloma Faith, Rick Astley and McFly Camp Kindling , Aug 16-18 Described as "more of a scouts jamboree than a music festival" Camp Kindling has around 100 activities, including axe-throwing, zorbing, quad-biking and circus stunts. Music typically comes from cover bands and turns from celebrity DJs (previous guests have included Rylan and Gok Wan). Gone Wild with Bear Grylls, Aug 22-24 An adventure and music weekender that is returning to the banks of the River Exe for its fourth year.
Free drop-in activities include archery, medieval sword fighting and rollerskating, while bookable premium activities like quad-biking, mountain-biking and firewalking are also on offer. Headliners this year will be Sam Ryder, James and Ocean Colour Scene. CarFest, Aug 23-25 This festival has a strong motoring theme, with live displays and exhibits, but also a decent music line-up and celebrity guests, plus areas devoted to wellbeing, food, outdoor adventure and more.
Music this year will be provided by the likes of Olly Murs, Sam Ryder, Deacon Blue and Richard Ashcroft. The Big Feastival Organisers promise “Good music, good food and good times” at The Big Feastival, the upmarket weekender held annually at a Cotswolds farm owned by Blur bassist Alex James. Live music and top quality food are clearly on the menu here, with posh grub served up by Michelin star chefs and award-winning street food vendors.
Headliners this year are Becky Hill, Ministry of Sound Classical and Snow Patrol. Concerts from artists like Martin Simpson can be expected this year, along with ceilidhs, real ale and cider stalls, dancing displays and music and craft workshops. It's not just music that's celebrated in the town either, with cars another popular subject around which one of the town's festivals is centred.
The Bromyard Speed Festival is described as "a celebration of motoring history" and traditionally welcomes in excess of 140 road and race vehicles. These include historic, classic, prestige, racing cars, road cars, super cars and motorcycles. Meanwhile, there's also the town criers festival, a scarecrow festival and a pride festival among others.
The town's website says: "Bromyard is justly proud of its reputation as a town of festivals, thanks to the enthusiasm of its fun-loving volunteer organisers." A night for two in a B&B in the town can be booked from £80. Campsites near to the town offer pitches from £10 per night.
Read more on the Scottish Sun MONDAY MAYHEM Scotland faces thunderstorm carnage as country told 'protect your homes' PARK PARADISE Inside stunning Glasgow townhouse once owned by TV duo as it hits the market Meanwhile, this is town in the Lake District has been labelled a "party capital" because of its calendar of festivals. And this little-known European town has its own pistachio festival every year. 7 A town crier festival takes place annually in Bromyard Credit: Alamy 7 Martin Simpson will be performing at this year's folk festival Credit: PA:Press Association 7 The town is home to fewer than 5,000 residents Credit: Alamy.
