RMC - The Cave: A Hands-On Retro Gaming Museum in Belvedere Mill
Step into RMC - The Cave for an immersive hands-on journey through five decades of retro gaming history in a historic Cotswold mill.
RMC - The Cave is a unique interactive museum dedicated to retro computers, consoles, and arcade games, located on the 2nd floor of historic Belvedere Mill in Chalford near Stroud. It offers visitors the chance to engage hands-on with vintage gaming technology spanning over five decades, set within a beautifully preserved 18th-century mill building. Open on select weekends by ticket, The Cave is a nostalgic haven for gamers and technology enthusiasts alike.
A brief summary to RMC - The Cave
- 2nd Floor, Belvedere Mill, Stroud, Chalford, GL6 8NS, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Book your visit in advance online as entry is by ticket only on select weekends.
- Allow at least three hours to fully explore and enjoy the interactive exhibits.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the venue is located on the 2nd floor of an old mill with stairs.
- Check the website for special events like Retro Booty sales and arcade openings.
- Take advantage of the on-site refreshments to recharge during your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and Bus
Travel by train to Stroud station, approximately 8 km from Chalford. From Stroud, take the local bus service 63 or 64 to Chalford village, with a journey time of around 20 minutes. From the bus stop, it is a 10-minute walk to Belvedere Mill. Train tickets cost around £10-£15 return, and bus fares are approximately £3 each way.
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Car
Driving to Belvedere Mill in Chalford from Stroud takes about 15 minutes via local roads. Free parking is available at the mill. Note that the area is a conservation zone with narrow streets, so cautious driving is advised. No parking fees apply.
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Taxi
A taxi from Stroud town center to Belvedere Mill typically takes 15 minutes and costs around £15-£20. This is a convenient option if you prefer direct transport without transfers.
RMC - The Cave location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about RMC - The Cave
Immersive Retro Technology Experience
RMC - The Cave is a vibrant celebration of vintage computing and gaming history housed within the atmospheric 2nd floor of Belvedere Mill, an 18th-century industrial building in Chalford. The museum's core appeal lies in its hands-on approach: visitors are encouraged to interact with an extensive collection of retro microcomputers, consoles, and arcade machines from the 1970s through the early 2000s. This tactile engagement offers a rare chance to experience the evolution of gaming technology firsthand, far beyond passive observation.Historic Setting in Belvedere Mill
Belvedere Mill itself is a Grade II listed building with a rich industrial heritage, originally rebuilt as a corn mill in 1850 and part of Chalford’s extensive milling history dating back centuries. The mill’s preserved architecture and riverside location provide a striking backdrop that connects the cutting-edge nostalgia of The Cave’s exhibits with the region’s deep-rooted manufacturing past. This fusion of history and technology enriches the visitor experience, situating retro gaming within a broader narrative of innovation and craftsmanship.Community and Collaboration
The Cave is operated by The Retro Collective, a group passionate about preserving and sharing vintage technology culture. The collection largely consists of donated items, lovingly restored and maintained by volunteers and enthusiasts. The venue also serves as a hub for related events, including retro gaming fairs and maker spaces, fostering a collaborative community atmosphere. The ongoing plans to expand the facility and add complementary businesses like an arcade and retro shops promise to deepen its role as a cultural and social landmark in the Cotswolds.Visitor Engagement and Atmosphere
Visitors often spend several hours immersed in the exhibits, drawn by the interactive nature and knowledgeable, welcoming staff. The museum’s layout includes themed areas such as a vintage computer shop and arcade cabinets, offering both nostalgia and discovery. The atmosphere is friendly and informal, making it suitable for families, solo visitors, and retro gaming aficionados. On-site refreshments are available, enhancing the comfort and convenience of longer visits.Access and Opening Times
The Cave operates mainly on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with visits by ticket only. Located in Chalford near Stroud, parking is available at the mill at no extra cost. The mill’s historic conservation area setting adds to the charm but also means access is best suited to those comfortable with some walking and navigating an older building. The venue’s location in the Cotswolds makes it an excellent day trip or weekend getaway destination for those interested in technology, history, and culture.Significance in Retro Gaming Culture
As one of the few dedicated hands-on retro gaming museums in the UK, The Cave holds a unique position in preserving the legacy of early computing and video games. It not only showcases the machines but also tells the stories behind them, connecting generations through shared nostalgia and technological heritage. Its role in education, preservation, and community engagement highlights its importance beyond mere exhibition, making it a must-visit for anyone intrigued by the origins of modern digital entertainment.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Selsley Common
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Rodmarton Long Barrow
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The Garden Restaurant
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MBB BRASSERIE
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Miller & Carter Gloucester
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Grey's Brasserie
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Wheatstone Inn
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Bill's Gloucester Quays Restaurant
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The Tall Ship
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The Barge
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Topoly's
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Little Gift Shop
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Industrial
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Adults Only
