Name: Museum of Dartmoor Life
Rating: 5.0

Museum of Dartmoor Life

Museum of Dartmoor Life, 3 West St, Okehampton EX20 1HQ, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

The Museum of Dartmoor Life is a local museum in Okehampton, Devon, southwest England. It covers life in the Dartmoor area. The museum opened in 1981. It is housed on three floors in an early 19th-century mill and there is a waterwheel at the museum.

Housed in a 200 year old grist mill, built by Napoleonic prisoners of war, the Museum of Dartmoor Life covers three floors and 5000 years of history. Covering subjects to interest everyone and every age there is plenty to see, do and interact with. There are also temporary exhibitions to enhance your visit and keep you coming back for more.

Price starts from £6.00 for Adults, £4.00 for Children(3-16 years & under 3s free) and £11.00 for Family(1 Adults and up to 2 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Educational Day Out: Gain a deep understanding of Dartmoor’s heritage through exhibits that cover 5,000 years of local history.
Interactive Exhibits: Explore hands-on displays, including historical clothing and traditional tools, which help children engage with the past.
Cultural Heritage: Learn about the unique trades of the region, such as granite quarrying, tin mining, and traditional farming techniques.
Family Trails: Follow specially designed activity sheets that guide children through the galleries, making their visit more engaging.

What to See

The Bronze Age Hut Circle: See a replica of an ancient dwelling that helps children imagine how people lived on the moor thousands of years ago.
The Victorian Kitchen: Discover how daily chores were completed before electricity and modern appliances, a hit with children curious about the "olden days."
The Farming Gallery: View traditional tools and learn how the landscape was shaped by local agriculture over the centuries.
Mining and Industry Display: Understand the impact of the region's industrial past through displays of gear and machinery used in local mines.
The Schoolroom: Sit at an old-fashioned desk and see what education was like for local children in the past.

Facilities

Toilets: On-site facilities available for all visitors.
Shop: A well-stocked gift shop selling local crafts, books, and children’s toys.
Accessibility: The museum is spread over three floors with a lift available for access to all main galleries.
Nearby Food: The museum is located in the town centre, surrounded by several family-friendly cafes and local pubs.

Pro-Tips for Families

Time Your Visit: Visit during the school holidays to make the most of the special activities and family trails.
Combine Your Trip: Pair the museum visit with a walk in Simmons Park or a trip to Okehampton Castle to fill a full day.
Check Opening Times: The museum operates on seasonal hours, so always confirm before travelling.

Targeted FAQs

Is it worth it for toddlers? The museum is small and manageable, and toddlers often enjoy the interactive aspects like the Victorian kitchen and the various activity trails available during their visit.
How long does a visit take? Most families find that one to two hours is sufficient to explore the museum's three floors and engage with the exhibits.
Where is the best place to park? There are several public car parks in Okehampton town centre, all of which are within a five-minute walk of the museum on West Street.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The staff are highly regarded for being welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable about the local area.
The museum is described as a "hidden gem" that offers an excellent, low-cost educational experience.
Families appreciate the manageable size of the museum, which prevents children from getting overwhelmed.

What Visitors Don't Like

Some visitors note that because it is a smaller venue, it is best suited for shorter visits rather than an entire day.
There is no large-scale cafe inside, so visitors should plan for a picnic or local cafe visit if they want a full meal.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The museum features a range of specific historical objects and sub-exhibits:
Bronze Age Pottery Fragments: Artefacts recovered from local archaeological digs on the moors.
19th-Century Butter Churn: A traditional tool showing early food preparation methods.
Tin Mine Shovel: A heavy-duty tool used by workers in the regional mines.
Victorian Washing Dolly: A classic implement used in 19th-century laundry.
Early 20th-Century Farm Ledger: A document detailing the daily life and accounts of a local moorland farm.
Replica Granite Quern Stone: A tool used to grind corn, demonstrating prehistoric technology.
Local School Record Book: A fascinating look at attendance and subjects from the past.
Mid-Victorian Threshing Flail: A specific agricultural implement used for processing grain.

Beyond the Main Attraction

The town of Okehampton is a gateway to the moors:
Simmons Park: A beautiful local park with riverside walks, a play area, and plenty of space for families.
Okehampton Castle: A dramatic set of ruins managed by English Heritage, located just a short walk from the town.
Granite Way: A cycle path that offers stunning views and is accessible for families with children.

New for 2026

The museum is constantly updating its community displays and archival exhibitions. Please check the front desk upon arrival for:
Temporary Community Exhibitions: Rotating displays highlighting local arts and crafts.
Heritage Activity Days: Updated schedules for hands-on history sessions held during the school holidays.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £6
Children & Students (3–16): £4
Children under 3: FREE
Family(1 Adult + 2 Children): £11
Family(2 Adults + 2 Children): £14

Group Pricing

Adults (6+ people): £4.50 per person
Children’s Groups: £2 per child

Pricing URL: https://www.dartmoorlife.org.uk/visitor-information/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The museum does not currently offer commercial birthday party packages. Please contact the team via email for private hire inquiries.

Inquiry Email: [email protected]

Monday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm.

Address: Museum of Dartmoor Life, 3 West St, Okehampton EX20 1HQ, UK

Post Code: EX20 1HQ

Council: West Devon

County: Devon

Car: Accessible via the M5, A386, and A30 , follow signs for Okehampton and look for the brown tourist signs towards the town centre.
Coach and Bus: Okehampton is serviced by both coach and bus services. Please visit this excellent and comprehensive Resource provided by Dartmoor Walks for more information.
Train: There are now hourly trains each way, seven days a week, between Okehampton, Crediton and Exeter St Davids, including services for daily commuters. Most services also call at Exeter Central, including the key peak services.
Bicycle: For cyclists there are bicycle racks outside the museum. Centrally placed the museum is close to the famous Granite Way, an 11 mile car free route. Cycle hire is available from Granite Way Cycles at the Train Station.
Parking: Mill Road, EX20 1PR – RingGo Code: 3503.