The Dr. Who Shop and Museum is outside what you would call Central London, but worth the trek.
I left from Trafalgar Square, where a festival for St. George and the Dragon was underway, and it took me about 50 minutes by tube on the District Line. Okay, so I actually got out early so I could detour to the Queen’s Market (cause I’m a sucker for a good outdoor market) and walked more than strictly necessary.
But I still have the earrings I bought that day, so I’d consider it worth it!
To get into the museum, the shopkeeper hands you a key, and directs you very appropriately, to enter through the TARDIS.
Need I comment on how much bigger it is in on the inside?
Fans both of Classic Who and New Who will be more than satisfied. The sheer volume of costuming, scenery, props, and photos might make the room feel a bit claustrophobic at first, but once you get over the overwhelming presence of it all, it almost gets cozy. You’re meeting old friends after all, for the first time in person after a long relationship through a screen.
The shop is as wonderful as the museum. In its own way, it’s nearly a museum in itself. Plenty of relics from a bygone age, except you could take them home with you! The prices are as varied as the merchandise, so chances are good that you’ll be able to find something that fits your budget.
Even if you don’t open your wallet, a fantastic time can be had just perusing the shelves.
The whole place is an absolute labor of love. By fans, for fans. The shopkeeper who handed me the key to the TARDIS was as excited to hand it over as I was to receive it. Not only was I encouraged to take photos, the employees there gleefully acted as photographer so I could be in my own pictures. They even had pose suggestions. No, you aren’t actively pursued by a Dalek, it doesn’t move. But it could power up any minute!
Exit via TARDIS, pursued by a Dalek.
The TARDIS would appear for me in another time and place while I was having fun with the local architecture.
Check their website for current hours, pricing, and whether they have any special events scheduled.
Kaitlin’s Adventure in London was from April 14-28, 2015