The museum is a gateway to the rich history of Dartmoor, the premises consist of a three story former Warehouse and Mill which were originally used for domestic and industrial purposes which date from the 19th Century. The Mill houses the museum whilst other buildings in the courtyard are used as a Victorian Tea Room and the Tourist Information Centre.
There are three floors of permanent exhibits: The ground floor features historic Dartmoor trades, including old style farming and related works, such as thatchers, cider-makers and quarrying. The middle floor exhibits include historic Dartmoor industries, the local military, prison and transport. On the top floor you will find collections relating to the Saxon, Roman and Bronze Age.
The White Hart Inn at Bridestowe is hosting a quiz on Wednesday 15 June starting at 20.00 to raise funds for the museum.
It promises to be a brilliant night, with teams of upto 6 people each, entry is £2 per person and will also include a raffle.
The White Hart Inn is a great place to eat so why not have a meal before the quiz.
To book, call 01837 861318
The Museum has collaborated with Entertainingly Different and Artaura Productions to create five short films, each focused on a different area of Dartmoor’s rich history. Prehistoric, Medieval and Victorian times are covered as well as the importance of mining and farming to the area.
Click on the image to learn more
Oral histories create a rich world of storytelling around our collections. Interviews are sometimes the only source that is available to remember a certain way of life, place, or person. Oral histories help us to understand how individuals experienced history and they can often fill in the gaps of our understanding, bringing an object or era to life. Listen to these voices and go on a journey back in time.
Histories from left to right
18th August 2022
This year the museum will be at the Chagford Show.
The show is an annual event just outside the award winning village of Chagford.
Whilst the show celebrates traditional rural life it also provides a wonderful day out for young and old alike, it also raises money for good causes.
For more ticket information and how to get there please click here.
We have produced a fantastic commemorative booklet to celebrate the opening of the Dartmoor line.
On the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd October 2021, even the rain could not dampen the spirits of the people gathered together to commemorate when public trains first arrived at Okehampton station in 1871. There is a fantastic photograph of the celebration taken atthe time and, using it as inspiration, period-style banners and flags were used to decorate Fore Street and those involved plus many visitors dressed in Victorian style fashion.
This was a marvellous collaborative community event enjoyed by everyone involved. The new Dartmoor Line train service has once more put Okehampton on the map and no doubt it will bring changes to the town again as it did in 1871.
Kristy Turner, Manager Curator
To get your copy please write to: enquiries@dartmoorlife.org.uk
You could be a volunteer! No previous experience needed. Come and join our fun team for just 3 hours a week and find new friends and interests and be proud to be giving back to your community.
Drop me an email or pop into the museum for more info.
To celebrate the platinum jubilee of our Queen, here at the Museum of Dartmoor Life, we would like to hold a joint exhibition with the people of Okehampton and Dartmoor.
Do you have anything Royal to share with us? Click on the image for more information.
Opening Times
Admission
We are located in the centre of Okehampton, next door to the White Hart Hotel. We have a small car park
however, there are plenty of public car parks throughout the town
Museum of Dartmoor Life Museum Courtyard 3 West Street Okehampton Devon EX20 1HQ
Please leave a Google review by clicking HERE
Search site
enquiries@dartmoorlife.org.uk
