Upton Park in East London has been invaded by aliens from space. But don’t panic, they’re all safely contained in The Who Shop, London’s only permanent Doctor Who shop and museum.

As well as an extensive range of Doctor Who merchandise for sale, the fun really begins when you step into the TARDIS and visit the treasures in the small museum at the back of the shop.

The room is packed with props and costumes from the TV show. You’ll find yourself face to face with a Cyberman, a Cybermat, K9 and two scary Daleks as well as a host of other characters and objects.

When I visited The Who Shop, the friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic owner talked us through the collection and even let me try on a Dalek Trooper helmet (not showing you a picture and if you ask I’ll exterminate you.)

If you’re not a Whovian you might be a little mystified, but if you like or love the show, The Who Shop is exciting. It’s the perfect place to visit with your brainy friends, your kids and your Ood butler.

The Who Shop host book signings with Doctor Who stars, welcome fans from round the world and provides a joyful haven of geekery that you shouldn’t miss if you’re visiting London.

Read more about exploring the history of Doctor Who in London.

The new exhibition at the British Library is subtitled “Science Fiction but not as you know it” and aims to demonstrate the genre’s often overlooked breadth and depth.

Breadth is represented by the range of authors, including writers from 2nd century Roman Empire to 21st century China by way of the Brontë sisters, and topics, everything from first contact with aliens to the end of the world, from cyberpunk to steampunk. Depth comes from the examination of such themes as what it means to be human and how we relate to the universe around us and the technology we use.

The emphasis is on the written word – mostly prose fiction but also graphic novels, comic books, manga and poetry – with original authors’ manuscripts sitting alongside mass-market editions. There are film clips and science fiction inspired music, and should you be inspired, or just think you can do better, you can design your own alien.

In the middle of the exhibition you’ll  find a TARDIS , which when added to the one at the Doctor Who Experience, the one at the The London Film Museum and the real police box at Earl’s Court means London must currently be a nexus in the space-time continuum. Or something like that.

Science fiction fans and newcomers alike will come away with a lengthy list of books they want to read.

Out of this World is on at the British Library until 25 September 2011. Free admission to the exhibition itself. Tickets to the surrounding programme of talks and screenings are £7.50, £5.00 concessions.