Business Details
45 Years
experience
Museum of Dartmoor Life Heritage & Exhibits
Established in 1981, we are a charitable trust dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of Dartmoor. Our museum, housed in a historic 19th-century mill complex, offers a comprehensive collection spanning 5,000 years of local history. Through extensive renovations funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2005, we modernised our facilities while maintaining historical integrity. Our team of dedicated volunteers and staff provide engaging visitor experiences, including audio-guided tours and interactive exhibits. We serve as a vital community hub for cultural events and educational programs, while also operating the North Dartmoor Visitor Information Point.Our collection, originally sourced from Clannaborough Farm, focuses on rural life, archaeology, and social history. We maintain strong partnerships with local authorities and heritage organisations to ensure the preservation of Dartmoor's unique legacy. Our Victorian Tea Rooms and event spaces enhance visitor engagement with the local culture. The museum's cobbled courtyard and 19th-century waterwheel offer authentic historical context to our exhibits.
Services
Heritage Exhibitions
Visitor Information
Educational Programs
Audio Guided Tours
Community Events
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer expertly curated exhibits spanning 5,000 years of Dartmoor history
- Our state-of-the-art exhibition gallery opened after major renovations in 2005
- We provide comprehensive visitor information for North Dartmoor
- Our dedicated volunteers maintain daily operations and special programs
- We combine historical preservation with modern educational facilities
Services
Heritage Exhibitions
Our exhibitions showcase Dartmoor's 5,000-year history through carefully curated artifacts and interactive displays. Visitors explore Bronze Age tools, Victorian domestic life, and 20th-century rural traditions. The museum's core collection, transferred from Clannaborough Farm, forms the foundation of our permanent exhibits.
Visitor Information
As North Dartmoor's official visitor information point, we provide comprehensive guidance on local attractions, walking routes, and historical sites. Our staff offer maps, event listings, and practical advice for exploring the Dartmoor National Park area.
Educational Programs
We deliver structured educational experiences for schools and community groups focusing on Dartmoor's archaeology, ecology, and social history. Programs include guided tours, hands-on workshops, and curriculum-linked resources for primary and secondary education.
Audio Guided Tours
Our audio guides enhance visitor experiences by providing detailed commentary on key exhibits and historical contexts. The digital system allows self-paced exploration of the museum's collection with insights from curators and local historians.
Community Events
We host regular events celebrating Dartmoor's heritage including themed exhibitions, lectures, and seasonal festivals. Recent programs featured 'The Stark Reality of Rural Living' digital presentation and 'Dyeing on Dartmoor' craft demonstrations.
People
Kristy Turner
Museum Manager and Curator
Kristy Turner leads our curatorial team with specialist knowledge of Dartmoor's social history. She oversees collection management, exhibition development, and community engagement programs.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
We are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The museum is closed on Sundays and bank holidays.
Is there parking available?
Yes, we have a car park at the rear of the museum premises accessible from West Street.
Do you offer group discounts?
Group rates apply for pre-booked parties of 10 or more. Please contact us directly to arrange group visits.
Are there facilities for disabled visitors?
We have lift access to all floors and accessible toilet facilities. Our 2005 renovation included comprehensive accessibility improvements.
Can I host events at the museum?
Our Victorian Tea Rooms and courtyard spaces are available for private hire. Please contact our events team for availability and bookings.
How do I donate items to the collection?
We welcome potential donations that align with our collecting policy. Please contact the curator for an initial discussion about any items you wish to donate.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Simondo
Oct 13, 2021
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This Museum is most definitely the place to come if you want to know all about Dartmoor and history through the ages.
Seth White
Aug 20, 2021
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A must visit when in the lovely North Dartmoor town of Okehampton. Dog friendly seething outside, essential rain covering’s provided
Amelie Rose
May 22, 2021
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So fun and educational not many museums can catch an eye like this
So underated
Highly recommended xx
Amelie
So underated
Highly recommended xx
Amelie
Jan Goffey
Sep 14, 2018
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So much to see and for kids to do...and if you're local, one admission ticket covers you for 12 months!
Clare Barton
Aug 19, 2017
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Brilliant place. My daughter loves to go around the museum on the stamp trail. We also really enjoyed being part of the printing workshop, with Jess.
