The little-known museum in the East Riding of Yorkshire is home to a vast collection of computing history, but is one of the least-visited attractions in the whole of England
Jim Austin at The Computer Sheds(Image: Donna Clifford/HullLive)
A remote part of the East Riding of Yorkshire isn’t where most would expect to find an enormous collection of computing heritage, which perhaps explains why The Computer Sheds ranks among England’s most overlooked attractions.
The venue houses the Jim Austin Computer Collection, boasting more than 1,500 computers alongside additional items including books and electronics. According to Visit England, in 2023 it was the least-visited attraction across the entire country, welcoming just 35 visitors.
While the latest figures revealed an uptick to 65 visitors in 2024, with only a handful of other locations recording fewer numbers, it remains amongst the nation’s most little-known museums.
The collection is stored within a series of converted pig sheds, has been assembled by retired lecturer Jim Austin, who has been building it for approximately 40 years. A museums enthusiast recently drew attention to the attraction on social media, reports Yorkshire Live.
James, who goes by James Visits Museums, recently spotlighted the unusual venue on Instagram, asking: “It might be the least visited museum in the UK, but is it actually one of the best?”
Describing it as “an amazing collection”, James said: “It’s a truly vast collection that holds stuff right the way back to the earliest days of computing. The highlights of the collection include Cray supercomputers, an enormous collection of old PC games, parts of the Apollo guidance system, and an entire ex-BBC sound studio.”
He continued: “Tours here are actually by appointment only, that’s why the numbers are so low, but they typically run on Saturdays during the summer. Well worth going if you can.”
He concluded: “I’m hoping one day we’ll be able to move this collection to somewhere more easily accessibly so more people can get to enjoy this stuff.”
Speaking to Hull Live in 2024, Jim said: “It’s a case of preserving things, and I love to know how things work.
“People offer me their collections and I don’t say no to anything. You never know what they have got – and I can always make room for more.”
Viewers commenting on James’ video were captivated by the museum. One remarked: “Makes the collection at the London Science Museum look like my kitchen drawer.”
Another wrote: “Everyone excited when they see their 1980s primary school computers!” A third chimed in: “Nearly flew out of bed when I saw it was in Yorkshire. I am so going this summer.”
One user commented: “I met Jim when he came and gave a talk in Swansea when I was an undergrad. I’d love to visit the museum.”
While another offered their own glowing endorsement, writing: “I’ve been there too and had a coffee with Jim. It is an awesome place.”