Tee Time at the Museum

Although a visit to the museum may seem out of the ordinary on a golf trip, it’s a natural fit on an H&B Expedition.

After all, Golf and the Good Life means that your time off the course is just as valuable to your experience as your time on it.

For those looking to soak up a little culture in-between rounds, there are many outstanding museums across Great Britain and Ireland to do exactly that.

Here’s a look at a few of our favorites.

R&A World Golf Museum

In the shadow of the R&A clubhouse lies one of the most extensive collections of golf memorabilia in the world. The R&A World Golf Museum recently emerged from extensive renovation and houses some 16,000 artifacts dating from the 17th century. While the history of golf is always close at hand in St. Andrews, the museum offers the unique opportunity to soak it all under one roof.

The Little Museum Dublin

The Little Museum of Dublin tells the city’s story in a unique 45 minute guided tour. The collection covers all aspects of the heritage of Dublin, including an entire room dedicated to U2. If you’re turned off by the often stuffy atmosphere at some of its counterparts, the Little Museum is likely to be the perfect alternative.

Royal Liverpool Clubhouse

Although it’s obviously not a museum, the memorabilia inside the Royal Liverpool clubhouse could easily fill one. From the first playing of what would become the Walker Cup to the triumphs of Bobby, Tiger, and Rory, few places can equal the history found at England’s second oldest seaside links. And there’s more history to be made when The Open returns in 2023.

Make time after your round to tour the collection on display, and perhaps strike up a conversation with the members along the way. They’re proud of their club, as well they should be.

Heritage of Golf Museum

Just steps from the 18th green of the #1 course at Gullane one will find the Heritage of Golf Museum. The museum and its collection is privately owned, and represents the life’s work of its late curator, Mr. Archie Baird. Author of “Golf on Gullane Hill,” Mr. Baird’s passion for the game and its heritage was intoxicating to all who had the pleasure of meeting him.

Although he leaves some rather large shoes to fill, the museum carries on. Visits are by appointment only. Speak to the H&B Concierge to arrange your tour.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

If golf is Scotland’s greatest export, its whisky would have to be a very close second. So it’s only natural that the country’s capital would be home to a museum dedicated to the Golden Nectar. From learning about the distilling process to understanding the differences between the various regions, Of course, the 4000 bottle collection is the real draw, and they are always happy to share.

Trinity College Library

The Old Library at Trinity College dates to 1592 and the Book of Kells some 800 years before that. The main attraction here, however, is the Long Room, where over 200,000 ancient books and manuscripts are housed. The collection is impressive, the architecture even more so.

Our advice: Arrive early to beat the crowds. You just might have the place to yourself for a few minutes.

The Beatles Story

Thanks to four lads who changed the music world forever, Liverpool is home to a second museum that’s certainly worth a visit. The Beatles Story is the largest permanent exhibit dedicated to the lives and times of the Fab Four. Even casual fans of The Beatles will note this is one museum that shouldn’t be missed.

We suggest pairing The Beatles Story with a visit to the Cavern Club nearby, where the band famously got their start. There’s live music all 8 days a week.

National Portrait Gallery - Edinburgh

If you enjoy a traditional art museum, the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh is worth a visit. Located just a short stroll from the Balmoral Hotel, the Gallery offers an insightful glimpse at Scottish history as told through its people. You might even spot a golfer or two during your stroll.

Titanic Belfast

Over a century after Jack and Rose set sail on the ill-fated Titanic, the ship and its story remain as intriguing as ever. At the end of the historic slipways where the ship was built, Titanic Belfast tells the story in a unique and insightful way. Here we can see the very spot where Titanic was launched, explore interactive galleries of its tragic history, and walk the decks of the last remaining White Star Line vessel. All the while you and your party can have a spirited debate over whether the building itself resembles a ship or an iceberg.

The Queenstown Story

Speaking of the Titanic... Enthusiasts will enjoy the Queenstown Story and Titanic Experience in Cork. As the departure point for the White Star Line, the museums offer a moving look at the city's history and the lives of those who made the journey to America.

V&A Museum - Dundee

The famous V&A Museum in London opened an outpost in Dundee in 2018. The museum is dedicated to all aspects of design. From grand things like architecture and fashion to everyday items like the evolution of postcards. The spectacular building along the waterfront is, by itself, worth a visit.