Heritage Britain

Places to Visit in Okehampton, Devon

Museum of Dartmoor Life, Okehampton

Museum of Dartmoor Life

Museum Courtyard 3 West Street
Okehampton
Devon
EX20 1HQ
Tel: +44(0)1837 52295
Museum of Dartmoor Life online: information and bookings

The museum opened in 1982 when - with a growing collection of local objects to be housed and displayed - a group of volunteers raised funds to purchase the present site and its empty, derelict buildings. Much time and effort was then put in to refurbish the buildings for their new role.

Having opened to the public, over the years further enhancements and additions to displays, galleries and facilities have taken place to win awards and provide the present services and representations of Dartmoor’s history.

Dartmoor is the last wilderness in southern England. It is often regarded as a bleak upland area, home to wildlife and little else. However, its environment has been created through human use and exploitation: from prehistoric settlement to twentieth century mining.

The recently refurbished displays at the Museum of Dartmoor Life feature the home and working lives of people who lived on and around Dartmoor. The museum building itself was a granary built in 1811. Its picturesque Victorian cobbled courtyard features granite rails on which the wheels of carts would run between West Street and the mill.

In addition to three floors of exhibits, the building also includes a state-of-the-art Gallery where special exhibitions and other events are staged. At the side of the building is a large working waterwheel - which used to be busy in the valley at what is now Roadford Reservoir.

Museum of Dartmoor Life, Okehampton

Facilities
Historic House, Tea Room, Car Park, Private Group Tours, School Tours Available,

Opening Times
Monday - Saturday from 10.15am to 4.30pm
Last admission 4.00pm
- until end of October

In case of alteration, please check prices, opening times and any specific important information before booking or visiting

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