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Explore Tavistock's Heritage at Tavistock Museum
Established in 1986, Tavistock Museum is a charitable trust dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of Tavistock and its surrounding areas. Our mission is to provide an engaging and educational experience for both local residents and visitors, celebrating the town's archaeological, religious, social, and industrial heritage. We relocated to the historic Court Gate building in 2003, which now houses our extensive collections and exhibitions. In 2006, we became an Area Centre for the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, further solidifying our role in preserving regional heritage. Our collections include items related to agriculture, mining, education, and the town's lost Medieval Abbey.

We are staffed entirely by dedicated volunteers who bring their passion and expertise to ensure the museum remains a vibrant community resource. Our exhibitions explore themes such as the history of Tavistock's two railway stations, the impact of the US Army during WWII, and the legacy of local figures like Sir Francis Drake. We offer educational programs, outreach events, and opportunities for community involvement through volunteering and donations. Our commitment to accessibility and public engagement is reflected in our diverse exhibitions and outreach initiatives. As a registered charity, we rely on visitor donations and support to maintain our operations and continue our important work in heritage preservation.
Services
Historical Exhibitions Educational Workshops Volunteer Programs Heritage Research Community Outreach Artifact Preservation School Visits Specialist Tours Donation Programmes Event Hosting
Details
  • Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
  • We are a UNESCO World Heritage Area Centre for mining heritage
  • Dedicated volunteer team with specialist local history knowledge
  • Unique collections spanning Tavistock's medieval abbey to industrial era
  • Award-winning exhibitions on regional railway history and wartime experiences
  • Community-focused approach with volunteer opportunities and outreach programs
Associations and certifications
  • Museum Accreditation Scheme
What people say
Fascinating exhibits Helpful staff Great family attraction Unique local history Well-presented displays
Services
Historical Exhibitions
Our exhibitions explore Tavistock's rich history through themed displays covering medieval abbey ruins, industrial mining heritage, and wartime experiences. We showcase original artefacts, photographs, and interactive elements that bring local history to life. Visitors can explore the town's railway history, UNESCO World Heritage connections, and the legacy of notable local figures.
Educational Programs
We provide curriculum-linked educational experiences for schools, with guided tours and hands-on activities exploring local history and heritage. Our programs cover topics from medieval monastic life to industrial revolution impacts. Resources include handling collections and specialist workshops for different age groups.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers contribute to all aspects of museum operations including collections care, exhibition curation, and visitor services. We offer training in heritage management and opportunities to work with specialist collections. Roles include stewarding, research assistance, and participation in fundraising activities.
Heritage Research
Our collections support research into Tavistock's social, industrial, and cultural development. We maintain archives of photographs, documents, and specialist collections including mining equipment and geological specimens. Researchers can access our mineral collection and railway memorabilia.
Special Events
We host temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year including themed displays, lectures, and family activities. Events focus on local history themes with interactive elements like costumed characters and historical reenactments. Seasonal programs run from April to October annually.
People
Ken Bell
Visitor
Our evacuee exhibition was inspired by Ken Bell's personal experience of being sent to Tavistock during WWII. His story forms the basis of our wartime display.
Questions
What are your opening times?
We're open 11am-3pm Tuesday-Saturday from April 1 to October 31. Group visits can be arranged outside these times.
Is there an admission charge?
Entry is by voluntary donation. We suggest £2 per person, with card payments and QR code donations available.
What exhibitions are currently showing?
Current exhibitions include 'Evacuees in Tavistock', 'The Railways of Tavistock 2025', 'Mines Minerals and Maidens', and our permanent heritage displays.
Can I volunteer at the museum?
Yes! We welcome volunteers for roles including stewarding, collections care, event support, and specialist projects. Contact us for details.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
We have disabled access to ground floor areas including the welcome desk, audio-visual room, and shop. Main galleries require stairs.
How can I support the museum?
You can support us through donations, volunteering, becoming a trustee, or participating in our fundraising activities. Gift Aid donations are especially valuable.
Reviews (5)
Tyche
Jun 09, 2020 Report
Quaint little museum, full of tavistocks heritage. Haven't updated it in a few years, could be a bit more creative with what they put on show. Staff nice. A key spot to visit when in tavistock. Not as interesting the second time unfortunately...
Peter Robinson
Oct 09, 2019 Report
Tavistock just has so much to offer. That is Historic. Beautiful. Charming. A good shopping centre. A centre of learning. In a beautiful environment.
Cath New
Sep 11, 2019 Report
For a donation instead of a set fee the museum was very good. Lots of info about Francis Drake and the war years.
Will Webster
Aug 22, 2019 Report
Great little museum. Interesting to learn about the town, local area and history of the region. Enjoyable way to spend an hour.
Ros Jones
Jun 24, 2018 Report
Small friendly I didn't want to tackle stairs they were able to show historical videos great help and interest