VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at Tyrone’s Abingdon Collection

The Abingdon Collection, located at 16 Gortnagarn Road, just outside Omagh, County Tyrone, (BT78 5NW), is a unique, privately owned museum showcasing over 50 years of passionate collecting by Philip Faithfull. Situated four miles from Omagh and near the Ulster American Folk Park, this hidden gem offers a nostalgic and educational experience, divided into two distinct sections: classic vehicles and a World War I and II militaria collection. Open by appointment only, it attracts hundreds of visitors annually and raises funds for Cancer Research UK through voluntary donations

Located in the rolling hills of County Tyrone, near the Sperrin Mountains and Gortin Lakes, the museum is next to Philip Faithfull’s home, creating an intimate, homely atmosphere. The setting is described as a “lovely” and “unique” escape, with a rural charm that complements the nostalgic exhibits. The collection’s four areas—military museum, 1950s room, 1970s room, and outdoor display—offer a compact yet immersive journey through time.

Displays:

The first section of the museum features an impressive array of classic cars, motorcycles, bicycles, die-cast model cars (over 500), enamel signs, jukeboxes, radios, petrol pumps, and automobilia, evoking the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Highlights include pristine vehicles like a Porsche (a favourite among younger visitors) and items that recall an era when “petrol was sold in gallons and you could still afford to buy it.”
Visitors step back in time to a nostalgic period, with period rooms showcasing early televisions, clothing, and other domestic exhibits from a bygone era. The collection is interactive, allowing visitors to touch exhibits, which enhances engagement for all ages. Cars are always available for photo opportunities, making it a hit with families and classic vehicle enthusiasts.
Described as a “big boy’s toy” paradise, it resonates with those who lived through the mid-20th century or enjoy retro culture. Reviews highlight the pristine condition of vehicles and the “treasure trove” of memorabilia, appealing to both adults and children.

Military Museum:

The second section is one of Ireland’s largest private collections of militaria, with over 3,000 items from World War I and II on permanent display. Dedicated to Philip’s father, Jack Faithfull (Worcester Regiment) and uncle, Ivor (lost in the North Atlantic Convoys), it includes over 100 German military uniforms, 300 bayonets, motorcycles, jeeps, and personal memorabilia like letters and decorations from a German cavalry officer killed in Poland in 1944 and a Canadian sergeant from Ballyclare.
Guided tours, led by Philip Faithfull, a “walking encyclopaedia” of military history, provide poignant stories of sacrifice, such as a young soldier’s death at 25, illustrating the tragedy of war without glorifying it. The collection includes rare First World War trench exhibits and extensive World War II artifacts, offering a “walk in the past” that reviewers call “stunning” and “unforgettable.” Visitors are encouraged to handle items, making it a tactile, emotional experience.
The military section is a highlight for what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious”, with personal stories leaving visitors “stunned” and “enlightened.” It’s particularly moving for those interested in 20th-century military history.
The collection is open by appointment only, with tours personally led by Philip Faithfull, whose passion and knowledge are universally praised. Tours are tailored to groups of up to six people (due to space constraints) and last about 1–2 hours, covering both the vehicle and military sections. Philip’s storytelling, especially in the military museum, brings history to life, with reviews noting his ability to engage all ages, from teenagers to grandparents.
Visitors describe the tour as “breathtaking,” “fantastic,” and a “history lesson never to be forgotten.” The personal touch, combined with Philip’s encyclopedic knowledge, makes it a highlight, with comments like “Philip was a fantastic tour guide” and “the curator’s dedication is inspiring.”
Booking: Tours must be booked in advance by calling +44 (0)28 8224 3373 or +44 (0)7715 455170, or emailing philipfaithfull@hotmail.co.uk. Philip accommodates individuals and groups, including classic car and motorcycle clubs, with catering available for larger groups.

Practicalities:

16 Gortnagarn Road, Omagh, BT78 5NW, five miles north of Omagh on the A5 road (Omagh to Strabane), one mile from the Ulster American Folk Park. Accessible by car or the Goldliner Express Bus No. 273 (Belfast to Derry, stops on request at the Folk Park gates). Omagh Bus Station, with taxi services, is nearby.
Open year-round by appointment only, with flexible scheduling for individuals or groups. Face masks are mandatory, per government guidelines.
Admission: Free, with donations to Cancer Research UK encouraged. No fixed ticket price, but contributions are gratefully accepted.
Visitors consistently praise the charitable aspect, with generous contributions noted in reviews. The collection’s commitment to this cause adds a meaningful layer to the visit.
Reviews highlight the “superb” condition of exhibits and the “enlightening” experience, with a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award reflecting its top 10% ranking globally. Some note space constraints for larger groups, but the personal touch mitigates this.
The museum is compact, with some areas challenging for wheelchairs due to limited space, though Philip accommodates visitors where possible. Contact in advance for accessibility needs. Dogs are not mentioned in policies, but the presence of Harley the Beagle suggests a pet-friendly vibe for outdoor areas.
Visit Duration: Expect 1–2 hours for the full tour, depending on group size and engagement. The small scale ensures a concise yet rich experience.

Nearby Attractions:

Ulster American Folk Park (1 mile, 5 minutes): An open-air museum on Irish emigration.
Gortin Glen Forest Park (7 miles, 15 minutes): Family-friendly trails and play park.
Strule Arts Centre (5 miles, 10 minutes): Cultural hub in Omagh.
Omagh Memorial Garden (5 miles): A poignant tribute to 1998 bombing victims.

New Features

Since opening to the public in 2006, Philip Faithfull has added extensions to accommodate new items, as noted in 2018. With the collection nearing capacity (7,500 items), 2025 will see minor display rearrangements or small expansions to showcase newly acquired pieces, particularly in the military section, given Philip’s ongoing passion for collecting. Visitors can expect fresh additions, such as rare World War I or II artifacts, though space constraints may limit large-scale changes.
The collection benefits from local authority marketing support, as seen in 2018, and its proximity to the Ulster American Folk Park (1 mile) drives visitor traffic., expect increased promotion through platforms likewww.exploreomaghsperrins.com or www.discovernorthernireland.com, with new brochures or digital content highlighting recent Tripadvisor reviews (99–100% recommend).

Visitor Expectations

Time and Cost: Plan for a 1–2-hour visit, covering both the vehicle and military sections. Admission is free, but donations to Cancer Research UK are encouraged (bring cash). Catering for groups adds minor costs, arranged in advance. Combine with the Ulster American Folk Park for a full day.
Best Times to Visit: Summer (June–August) for pleasant weather and vibrant Sperrins scenery, or spring/autumn for quieter tours. Book in advance, as Philip accommodates small groups (up to 6) year-round. Avoid January/February for Folk Park closures to maximise a combined visit.
What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing for outdoor areas in cooler months. Bring a camera for car photos and cash for donations. Face masks are mandatory, per government guidelines.
Who It’s For: Ideal for what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious” (World War I/II memorabilia), classic vehicle enthusiasts (cars, motorcycles), and families (interactive exhibits, kid-friendly stories). Teenagers and grandparents enjoy it equally, as noted in reviews.
Reviews praise the collection’s quality but note challenges with space for larger groups and cold weather impacting outdoor car maintenance., Philip may introduce staggered tour times or outdoor heaters to improve comfort, as suggested by comments about freezing conditions for cleaning cars. The appointment-only model ensures flexibility, but clearer online booking options via www.theabingdoncollection.com could be added to streamline access.

Recommendations:

Book tours via +44 (0)28 8224 3373 or philipfaithfull@hotmail.co.uk, as it’s appointment-only. Arrive early to allow time for photos. Check www.theabingdoncollection.com for updates on new items or events. Pair with the Ulster American Folk Park (1 mile) for a full day, but confirm Folk Park closures (e.g., January 22, 2025).
Book a Guided Tour: Philip Faithfull’s personal tour is the highlight, with his knowledge and storytelling making the military section unforgettable. Call ahead to secure a slot, especially for groups.
Explore Both Sections: Start with the classic vehicles for a nostalgic kick, then dive into the military museum for a poignant history lesson. Touching exhibits adds to the experience.
Support the Charity: Bring cash to donate to Cancer Research UK, augmenting the visit’s impact. Reviews note generous contributions are warmly appreciated.
Combine with Nearby Attractions: Visit the Ulster American Folk Park (5 minutes) for a complementary historical experience, or explore Gortin Glen Forest Park for outdoor activities.
Follow Updates: Check www.theabingdoncollection.com or Tripadvisor for new exhibit announcements or event schedules, as Philip may add items.

The Abingdon Collection is a unique, heartfelt attraction in Tyrone’s Sperrins, offering a nostalgic and educational experience with a personal touch. For bookings or details, contact +44 (0)28 8224 3373 or visit www.theabingdoncollection.com.