Author: Sarah Stook. Sarah is a writer for Elections Daily, The Mallard and other publications. She enjoys history, reading and fashion.

In 1925, famous archaeologist Leonard Woolley was in Ur, Iraq, with his team when they came upon a curious discovery. In the ruins of a Babylonian building was a large range of artefacts, their age ranging from 2100 BCE to 600 BCE. Next to these artefacts were museum labels.

This museum, Ennigaldi-Nanna’s, was dated to around 530 BCE and created by a Neo-Babylonian Princess of the same name. It’s believed to be the oldest/earliest public museum.

Nearly a century after Woolley’s discovery, and many thousands after the creation of the place, we still love museums. Whether it’s the normal- art and history or the unusual- toilets and pencils, perhaps millions of us pile into them on an annual basis. We wander around with our eyes open and our minds brimming with new information, pointing and smiling and taking photographs. We see people of all ages, from curious toddlers to gentle old folk, learning about things from all around the world. Couples, friends and families, all together.

Oh, and they’re free a lot of the time. Isn’t it amazing to be able to view these things without paying? All thanks to the generosity of others.  Even if you do pay, it’s often quite affordable.

Museums are wonderful things. We are particularly lucky in Britain, with around 2,500 to look around. Britain has a wonderful history and a thirst for knowledge. One might think of London in particular, a city which boasts the V&A, British, Imperial War and Natural History museums, as well as the Tate Modern, Portrait and other galleries. This is natural of course, considering it’s a capital city, and a particularly large and populous one at that. Any Londoner visitor, whether British or foreign, would surely be spoiled for choice and would find a museum that would cater to these specific tastes.

We cannot forget those outside of London. From our other sprawling cities such as Liverpool and Birmingham to smaller towns, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. One does not have to head to the Big Smoke to see some of the best of what history and culture have to offer.

Some of my favourite non-London museums:

Royal Armouries, Leeds

The Royal Armouries in Leeds recently went viral after their 65 y/o curator was filmed using Gen Z slang as part of a new trend. I’ve visited twice. The first time, we thought that we’d be able to squeeze in another museum later but believe me, it’s an all-day job. There are five floors, four if you don’t include the reception and café, and lots to see. Items displayed include Henry VIII’s army, weaponry, elephant armour (my favourite) and movie props, all from the far past until today, and from around the world. They have temporary exhibitions too.

Western Approaches, Liverpool

A hidden gem in Liverpool was suggested to us by the hotel receptionist. A little hard to find, but worth it. During WW2, the Western Approaches Command Centre was a key hub that controlled the waves in that area of the Atlantic. Liverpool was a strategic part of the British fight and was bombed heavily. The Western Approaches was underground to prevent bombing damage and was almost entirely self-sufficient. The museum is preserved, having not been changed since the command left in 1945. You can see how it would have looked at the time, have a go at the typewriter (I was excellent) and even see Churchill’s personal projector. I really liked the exhibition on the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS), the amazing women who served their country.

Liverpool World Museum, Liverpool

The World Museum is exactly what it says on the tin, with artefacts and exhibits from around the globe. There’s also a planetarium and an aquarium, which I really enjoyed. My favourite, without equal, was the wing on Ancient Egypt. I loved seeing the mummies, and it’s amazing to think that they were people like you and me three thousand years ago. Liverpool has a long history of Egyptology and is one of the few areas outside London where you can see stuff like this in the UK.

British Music Experience, Liverpool

If you’re looking for something a bit more cultural, the British Music Experience is great. Again, it’s exactly what it says on the tin, with articles from our country’s incredible music scene. There are interactive experiences, screens with performances, instruments you can play, costumes and more. It’s a really fun day.

York Castle Museum, York

York is one of the most historic cities in the UK, and the Castle Museum is really fascinating. There’s a large indoor Victorian street with items from the period (if you go at the right time, there’s a nice little talk), a great exhibition on WW1, Period Rooms from across the centuries and wealth divide, a 60s area showing off the best of the era, and the old cells that housed infamous criminals like Dick Turpin.

I love museums- and you should too. They give us the best of humanity culture and history. People have bequeathed items and donated collections for us to enjoy. Next time you’re looking for something to do, head to a museum and spend the day filling your mind.