Explore the museum's large, outstanding collections and trace the fascinating history of Mid Devon. The displays include the 'Tivvy Bumper' GWR steam engine, local industries (particularly lace making), farm waggons and the history of agriculture, and the every day home life of Mid Devon folk.
The museum is family friendly and offers a warm welcome to everyone. There is a lively temporary exhibition programme - please look at the events page for further details. The museum also houses Tiverton's Tourist Information Service which is open Monday to Saturday 9:30-3:30 April to September, and 10:00-3:00 October to March.
Our displays show what farming was like before mechanisation, looking at the seasonal tasks from sowing to harvesting.
For those interested in family or local history there is a research room full of unique information, which also houses a Devon Record Office Service Point. It is open Mondays 2.00 - 4.30pm and Wednesdays 10.30 - 4.30pm. Booking recommended.
John Heathcoat was a nineteenth century inventor, industrialist, entrepreneur and philanthropist who came to Tiverton in 1816. He pioneered the process of making machine-made net lace and one of his six-ton machines is the centrepiece of the industrial collection.
We have a whole gallery dedicated to local transport, particularly the local railway. Step on the footplate of the Tivvy Bumper and imagine driving her - fun for young and old alike! Also on display lots of bicycles from a Penny Farthing onwards, and a look at the local canal.
Most of our visitors find something familiar to reminisce over in our kitchen and laundry gallery; from mangles to mixers there's going to be something you recognise. Our toy display also stirs up happy memories for many people.
We are situated next to the bus station and the Beck's Square short stay car park. Look out for the large mural of the Tivvy Bumper steam loco and the waterwheel on the outside of our buildings.
The museum is next to the short stay car park on Beck's Square, and a very short walk away from the long stay car park and bus station.
There are a number of cafes just a few minutes walk away.
Baby change facilities are available on site.
Our research library is packed full of unique local information and is a must for anyone researching local or family history. It is open on Monday afternoons and all day on Wednesdays. Booking advisable.