“Had a blast playing my old favourites and enjoyed some new experiences on computers I didn’t know existed.”
The Retro Collective is located at Belvedere Mill, Chalford, Gloucestershire, GL6 8NS, United Kingdom. You can see the location on Google Maps by clicking here.
There is a large red sign on the front of the building which reads “HEBER”. The entrances to The Cave and Arcade Archive will be signposted from the carpark.
There is parking for approximately 25 cars on site and two spaces at the front entrance. Please park considerately to allow as many guests as possible to fit into the carpark.
If all spaces are taken there are no parking restrictions in the local area so you should be able to find a spot a short walk away.
The Cave is located on the 4th floor of an 18th century mill, and there are approximately 40 steps up to its entrance. Unfortunately, due to the listed nature of the building, there is no elevator.
Arcade Archive is located on the ground floor of the mill. There is a very slight step into the main door, and inside there is a small ramp through a doorway separating the two halves of the exhibit that is 80cm wide.
Please note that the toilets for both venues are located on the 3rd floor and only accessible via stairs.
If you have any questions about your visit please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
A selection of soft drinks, tea, coffee and snacks will be available to purchase. We accept card payment only.
If you require a more substantial lunch, we recommend the following venues nearby:
Yes! Interaction with our collection is actively encouraged. While some rarer and on-loan computers are kept in display cabinets, the majority are there to be used, and we have a vast repository of games and software available to use with them.
Due to space limitations, we rotate which machines are available to use throughout the year. (Further visits are encouraged to experience the full extent of the collection!)
We have a large collection of machines on display to use at The Cave, as well as some more exotic and rare machines in glass cabinets. We have even more in our store room, but due to space constraints, we unfortunately cannot have all of them out on display at one time – however, we regularly rotate what is out for the public to use so that there is something new for return visitors!
As an idea of what is on offer, here is what we have currently out to use as of March 2023:
We also have the following machines as part of our exhibits:
Please feel free to get in touch if you would like to inquire after a particular system.
We have a large collection of arcades in the Archive, and Alex is regularly acquiring new games. Please note that due to the age and fragility of these machines, some are prone to break and may not be usable. However, we regularly perform repairs and maintenance as part of our preservation mission to ensure their downtime is as short as possible.
Here is a list of cabinets currently on the floor in the Archive:
We also have a large collection of JAMMA and Neo Geo boards that we rotate for use, including: Puzzle Bobble, R-Type Leo, Sky Shark, Scramble, Windjammers, The Ultimate 11: SNK Football Championship, Top Players Gold, Thrash Rally, Spinmaster, Soccer Brawl, Pop’n’Bounce, Samurai Showdown and many more.
Please feel free to get in touch if you would like to inquire after a particular game.
Yes! The use of all the machines in both The Cave and Arcade Archive is included in
Where possible, we ask that coats and bags are left in your cars unless essential, as we have no cloakroom facilities.
You can enjoy snacks purchased on site, but we ask that you enjoy more substantial meals elsewhere before entering the museums.
There is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face covering, but this does not mean the risks from COVID-19 have disappeared. Please use your judgement when deciding if you should wear a face covering. More advice is available on the government website, here.
Masks and alcohol hand gel are available in both museums and they are well ventilated. Staff periodically wipe down the machines.
Please respect each other’s space. If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable at any time, please speak to a member of staff and they will assist you.
A first aid kit is available at the welcome desk. A defibrillator is in the main entrance at the front of the building on the ground floor.
You are welcome to take photos and videos in our venues. Please be mindful and respectful of other visitors.
We may photograph or film events for our own social media and/or future YouTube videos. If you wish to be omitted from such content, please let us know.
The Cave and Arcade Archive are now open – together or separately – for corporate bookings on week days. If you would like to find out more you can contact us and we will be pleased to answer any questions you have.
Please contact us and we will be happy to help.
The GRiD 1101 is the first laptop computer. It was released in 1982 and cost over £25,000 in today's money, allowing for inflation.
