Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Allhallows Museum Of Honiton: Honiton's Heritage & Lace History
Founded in 1946, our museum stands as a testament to Honiton's rich heritage, housed in the oldest building in the town. We are dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of Honiton lace, archaeological discoveries like the Honiton Hippo, and local cultural artefacts. Our volunteer-run institution maintains the world's largest collection of Honiton lace, spanning from the 17th century to contemporary times. The museum features historic displays including Victorian dolls' houses, archaeological finds, and the East Devon Metal Detecting Club's Bronze Age to medieval artefacts. We offer free public access to our galleries, complemented by educational programs and research services for local history enthusiasts. Our accreditation by Arts Council England in 2022 confirms our adherence to national museum standards in collections care and visitor services.Through exhibitions like the Honiton lace jabot worn by Sir Lindsay Hoyle at the State Opening of Parliament, we connect local history with national significance. The museum actively supports community engagement through school visits, handling boxes for educational use, and special events like Honiton Fair commemorations. Our building's history as a medieval chapel and school provides a unique setting for exploring 700 years of regional heritage. Committed to preservation and accessibility, we maintain wheelchair access, assistive devices, and flexible visiting arrangements for groups.
Services
Museum Entry
Educational Tours
Gift Shop
Lace Making Workshops
Historical Research
Artifact Donations
Event Hosting
Volunteer Opportunities
Guided Tours
Heritage Exhibits
Details
- Year established: 1946
Highlights and features
- We operate from Honiton's oldest building with continuous heritage use since before 1327
- We maintain the world's largest collection of Honiton lace spanning four centuries
- Our volunteer team includes specialist curators accredited by national museum standards
- We offer unique educational resources including WWII handling boxes for schools
- We provide free public access to heritage collections with specialist research facilities
Associations and certifications
- Arts Council England
Services
Museum Entry
Free public access to permanent galleries featuring Honiton lace collections, archaeological finds, and historical artefacts. Includes access to temporary exhibitions and special displays throughout the year. Visitors can explore the Murch Gallery's pottery collection, the Nicol Gallery's lace-making history, and the Norman Gallery's lace masterpieces.
Educational Tours
Curriculum-linked educational programs for school groups with specialist handling boxes containing WWII artefacts and historical resources. Sessions include guided tours of relevant exhibits and access to educational materials. Maximum group size 40 with required adult supervision ratios maintained for student safety and engagement.
Historical Research
Specialist research services for local history and family genealogy using parish registers and historical documents. Access to Devon Record Office microfiche collections covering 40 local parishes. Pre-booking recommended for document access and specialist archivist assistance with historical records and family tree research.
Gift Shop
Museum gift shop offering unique souvenirs including antique Honiton lace gifts, local history books, and lace-making kits. Range includes prints, cards, tea towels, and Christmas cards featuring museum collections. Proceeds support the museum's preservation and educational programs.
Lace Making Workshops
Traditional bobbin lace-making workshops preserving Honiton's 400-year-old craft heritage. Instruction covers basic techniques using pillows and bobbins to create sprig patterns. Materials and starter kits available for purchase. Designed for both beginners and experienced lace-makers seeking to develop their skills in this historic craft.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
Open Monday-Friday 9:30am-4:30pm, Saturday mornings 9:30am-1pm. November-Christmas Eve: Tuesdays & Saturdays 10am-2pm.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry to Allhallows Museum is free for all visitors.
Can I bring school groups?
Yes, we offer educational visits for school groups with pre-arranged bookings. Maximum 40 students with required adult supervision.
How can I donate to the museum?
Donations can be made through our website's donate button to support projects like the Nicoll Gallery roof appeal.
Do you have facilities for researchers?
Yes, we hold parish registers on microfiche for 40 local parishes and offer specialist archivist assistance with pre-booking.
Is the museum accessible?
Wheelchair access available to Nicoll and Norman Galleries. Hearing loop, stair lift, magnifying glass, and torch available on request.
Reviews (5)
William Smith
Sep 17, 2021
Report
We went especially for my wifes interest in lace making. I found it most interesting as s history of Honiton. Dont forget to look and ask about the ceiling. Thank you too all the volunteers who we spoke to
John Davies
Aug 30, 2021
Report
Received fascinating talk from volunteer staff member about history of lace making in East Devon. This museum has the best collection of Honiton lace in the world. Other interesting exhibits too. Well worth a visit and it's free. For disabled people most of the museum is on one level with a short stair lift down the 3 or 4 steps to the lace exhibition and an on site wheelchair for use if necessary.
Andy Grant
Aug 28, 2021
Report
Very surprised at how good this museum was. Very interesting collections and some pretty rare and interesting artefacts covering a wide range of subjects and a very long history.
Adam Davison
Jul 13, 2021
Report
Wandered in here as we ended up stuck in Honiton with a few hours to kill. A very interesting museum with lots on the local lace industry, but also various other interested bits and bobs. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Well worth a visit.
David Gelkin
Dec 24, 2019
Report
Lovely volunteer lead museum with interesting and unique exhibits. There are skeleton parts from an ancient Hippo, a very unique and extensive Honiton lace range of exhibits, plus a few military exhibits from WWII and WWI. Well worth the visit and very friendly volunteers. Highly recommended.
