Allendale, Northumberland

Adam Newell finds a treasure trove of screen SF delights…

If you look up ‘picturesque’ in the dictionary, it’s got a photo of Allendale, probably. An old mining village 30-odd miles west of Newcastle, it was recently voted one of the best places to live in the UK, and no wonder – it’s the sort of place where you can come down from a bracing walk on the moors to have a wander around the pretty churchyard, and then repair to one of the pubs in the square for a pint, before popping into the butcher’s for a home-made pie (seriously: the steak and stilton is to die for).

All very lovely, but what elevates Allendale from pleasant stop-off to Must-Visit Destination is tucked away down a side street, behind a door guarded by a full-size Dalek. The Museum of Classic Sci-Fi is quite simply a world-class collection of screen-used props, costumes and related ephemera that frankly has to be seen to be believed. While the square-footage is very modest, the museum is crammed with hundreds of exhibits, and requires a good hour or two to experience properly.

What will you see? I’m hesitant to give too much away, as the space is designed to have a surprise around every corner. Suffice to say it’s a voyage through the history of sci-fi on screen, with most major franchises covered in some way, from Buster Crabbe’s Buck Rogers, via Star Trek, Planet of the Apes, Star Wars and Alien, right up to the Marvel movies, with lots more besides.

A significant part of the display space is devoted to classic Doctor Who. Those old enough to remember the Longleat and Blackpool exhibitions of yesteryear will, yes, be transported back in time to face several foes from the heyday of 70s and 80s Who (The Garm! A Cyberscout! A Terileptil!), alongside a fantastic selection of costumes, props, and original artwork by one of the best-loved Doctor Who artists, Andrew Skilleter. Any Whovian worth their sonic screwdriver really should start planning their visit right now.

The museum is a labour of love for its owner, the curator/collector/restorer Neil Cole. His impeccably researched signage gives real depth to the collection: it’s worth reading every word, as you’ll learn a lot about the skills and techniques that went into the creation of each exhibit. You might also meet the man himself, eager to answer any questions you may have (or just chat about prog rock, as my mate and I did on our visit!).

As seen in the national press a little while back, Neil is facing resistance from the planning department of his local council, who have demanded that he take down the entirely-in-keeping shed that he’s built to house the Dalek guard, and seem intent on putting obstacles in the museum’s way at every turn, but with support from both villagers and fans from around the world, he’s hopeful that this particular Dalek will not be exterminated. Look for ‘Neil Cole’s Adventures in Science Fiction’ on Facebook if you’d like to lend him your support.

Verdict: A wonderful museum, which comes very highly recommended! 10/10

 

 

 

Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10am to 5pm

Entrance fee: £7

For directions, see: http://www.museumofclassicsci-fi.com

 

https://www.facebook.com/neilcoleadventuresinscifimuseum/

 

Check out the Netflix series Amazing Interiors for an episode about the creation of the museum.

 

Photos courtesy of Neil Cole.