Museums & Galleries

Axminster - Axminster Museum

Visitors can discover old police cells, see displays in the former courtroom, and view collections ranging from agricultural tools to Axminster carpets, archaeology to old photographs. The collections offer an insight into Axminster's illustrious past, the museum also has occasional special exhibitions. Originally the Old Police Station and Courthouse, the museum is opposite St. Mary's Church in the centre of Axminster.

Axminster Museum, Church Street, Axminster, EX13 58Q.

Telephone: Axminster Tourist Information Centre (01297) 34386
Open end of May to end of September (closed Bank Holidays)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, &Friday 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm
Thursday 10am to 4pm, Saturday 11am to 1pm
Admission: Free

Please Use this link to find out more about Axminster Museum

Budleigh Salterton - Fairlynch Arts Centre & Museum

Just a short walk from the seafront, Fairlynch, built in 1811, is believed to be the only thatched museum in the country. Fairlynch has a very fine collection of costume and fascinating displays of local interest - social history, geology, the Budleigh Salterton Railway, natural history, and lace making. There are regular lace-making demonstrations, a local history study room, and a changing program of special exhibitions each season.

Fairlynch Arts Centre & Museum, 27 Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton, EX9 6NP.

Telephone: (01395) 442666
Open Easter to October and at Christmas for a special exhibition
Daily 2pm to 4.30pm plus mid-July to end August 11am to 1pm
Small admission fee

Colyton - Local History Centre

Colyton Local History Centre provides an exhibition of Colyton's history, as well as housing the Societies collection of deeds, documents, books, photographs, maps and other records relating to local history. The Local History Centre is situated at the entrance to the main car park in Colyton.

Research Room is open regularly Thursdays 2pm to 5pm, and can be opened at other times by arrangement with John Cochrane, jncochrane@roadgreen.fsnet.co.uk (01297) 552828, or John Addie john-pam@coly99.freeserve.co.uk, (01297) 552610. Town history walks for groups of ten people can be organised at a cost of £2 per head.

Colyton Local History Centre, Dolphin Street, Colyton, EX24 6NA.

Telephone: (01297) 552828
Open from March until October
Exhibition open weekdays 2pm to 4.30pm
Exhibition free

Click here to go to the Colyton Local History website

Exmouth - Exmouth Museum

A treasure house of objects relating to old Exmouth, the museum features a 1930's living room, and a Victorian kitchen. Wartime Exmouth and the maritime and natural history of the Exe estuary are explored along with local lace making, demonstrations of which are held weekly. Exmouth Museum is situated in former town council stables and adjoining cottage.

Exmouth Museum, Sheppards Row, off Exeter Road, Exmouth, EX8 1PW.

Telephone: (01395) 263785
Open from April to October inclusive
Monday, Friday, Saturday 10.30am to 12.30pm
Tuesday & Thursday 10.30am to 4.30pm
Wednesday 10.30am to 4.00pm
Sundays and Bank Holidays closed

Please use this link to find out more about Exmouth Museum

Honiton - Allhallows Museum

Part of the museum is formerly Allhallows Chapel, dating from the 13th Century. In a town famous for lace-making, Allhallows has one of the most comprehensive collections of Honiton lace in the world which has just been redisplayed. There are daily lace-making demonstrations throughout June, July and August. There are further displays of local interest including geology, the world wars and the colourful political history of the town. Allhallows is situated in the centre of Honiton High Street, next to St. Paul's Church.

Allhallows Museum, High Street, Honiton, EX14 8PE.

Telephone: (01404) 44966
Open April 1st to last Saturday in October
Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm October only 10am to 4pm
Small Admission Charge

Please use this link to find out more about Allhallows Museum

Honiton - Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG)

THG is the only public art gallery in East Devon. East Devon District Council bought the house, which is grade II listed, from the late artist's estate in 1995. Expanded to occupy both floors in 2010, the gallery shows changing exhibitions of contemporary art by national and international artists. Selected work by Thelma Hulbert is on permanent display on the first floor. Ms Hulbert (1913-1995) was closely connected to Victor Pasmore and the Euston Road School. THG shop showcases the work of South West designer/makers. Tea, coffee and soft drinks available. Family and school workshops are arranged frequently.

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Elmfield House, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14 1LX

Telephone: (01404) 45006
Email: info@thelmahulbert.com
Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm
Admission: Free

To find out more about the Gallery please visit the Thelma Hulbert Gallery website.

Seaton - Seaton Museum

The museum has a large collection of photographs and documents illustrating life in Seaton in past days. Displays illustrate the history of the Axe Valley, including archaeology, natural history and geology. There are special displays of tradesman's' tools, Honiton lace and Victorian costume. The Axe Valley Heritage Association holds a series of informative lectures each winter.

Top Floor, Seaton Town Hall, Fore Street, Seaton EX12 2LD

Telephone: Seaton Tourist Information Centre (01297) 21660
Open last Thursday in May to end of October.
Tuesday to Friday 10.30am to 12.30pm, 2.15pm to 5pm
Admission: Free

Please use this link to find out more about the Seaton Museum

Sidmouth - Sidmouth Museum

Situated in Hope Cottage by the parish church, the museum portrays the rich and varied history of this lovely regency town. Highlights of the collections include regency prints, old photographs, Victoriana, costume, lace and famous residents. Local craft demonstrations are held occasionally throughout the season. Museum staff lead guided tours of the town on Tuesdays and Thursdays, leaving the museum at 10.15am.

Sidmouth Museum, Hope Cottage, Church Street, Sidmouth, EX10 8LY

Telephone: (01395) 516139
Open daily, Easter to October
Sunday and Monday 2pm to 4.30pm,
Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4.30pm.
Small admission charge

Please use this link to find out more about Sidmouth Museum

Page last updated on 3 February 2012