The gateway to exploring Dartmoor, its history and people



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.
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.
A Right Royal Exhibition
Come see our ‘Right Royal Exhibition’ and have your photo taken with Her Majesty. There’s a trail for children chasing the Queens hat and there is crown making and royal pictures to colour in.
We have been privileged to work with Carol Hughes. She has shared with us some of Poet Laureate Ted Hughes’s private possessions connected to their friendship with the Royal Family. These will be on display along with some of Ted’s awards and hand written poems including one that has never been published or shown before. The exhibition will run until September.

Oral Histories
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
- What was it like to see soldiers come to town during the Great War
- Listen to the memories of dancing and singing at the Kings Arms on a Saturday night
- There are numerous games that can be played with marbles, but, the most common is known as “Ringers.” listen to how it was played
- Hear how a Trendle was used to preserve joints of salted pork
Come and visit our stand at the Chagford Show

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.
Volunteers wanted
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.

Information for your visit
Opening Times
- Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm
- Saturday 10am to 1pm, closed Sunday
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
Guide dogs
We welcome guide dogs at the museum and water is available on request.
Non assistance dogs are not permitted in the museum.
Museum of Dartmoor Life Museum Courtyard 3 West Street Okehampton Devon EX20 1HQ
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12 hours ago
17 hours ago
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Tripadvisor
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My visit was midweek early November so the museum was not very busy. The friendly staff told me a bit about the museum before I set off to explore.
I... read more was particularly interested in the Roman history information, and about mining on Dartmoor. I liked the railway section, and the additional railway display in the exhibition room - appropriately I had arrived in town on the newly introduced train service from Exeter. I also liked the carts, vehicles and machinery on the ground floor.
The museum is well laid out, with informative captions to the displays. My visit lasted over 2 and a half hours, including browsing the small shop where there is a selection of books about local subjects.
November 24, 2021This museum is quite small in size, but big on content and information. Do not expect a huge display, never the less it is a fascinating place to spend... read more an hour. There is a lot of interesting information about things specifically Dartmoor related. Good collection of old farming tools. It helps you interpret Dartmoor better. When we visited our ticket (if retained) entitled us to further visits. If you have limited mobility be aware it is on three floors. No refreshments on site but there is a cafe next door and outside seating in the courtyard if the weather is good..
September 15, 2018We saw this by chance as it's well hidden and looks quite small. It's not...it covers 3 floors and each one crammed full of interesting objects and timelines. There is... read more also a lift for those with mobility issues.
The lovely staff are on hand to answer any questions and there's a lovely little gift area, plus a Victorian tea Room close by.
June 8, 2022 -
On holiday in Jacobstow with a couple of grandchildren, we thought the museum was really good, lot's to do with the children,7 year old Lorelei loved looking for the piskies,... read more plus fairy doors, letter boxes where great for keeping 3 year old Logan happy, though his hands did get more stamps than his paper, the ladies who man the museum are so friendly, they took time to chat to the grandchildren making us all feel welcome, well worth a visit
August 8, 2019The many interesting exhibits in this museum take the visitor on a journey from prehistoric times to the present day, all with a local flavour. The museum building itself is... read more interesting, and I was impressed with the activities arranged for children throughout the museum. The very professional volunteer staff were extremely helpful, explaining some of the exhibits, and providing useful information for my sightseeing in the local area. Well worth the price of entry. Highly recommended.
October 2, 2019
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Here’s a review written by Anne Mayes who is a member of a ‘friendly club’ of alumni, graduates and retired staff of Exeter University
The trip to Okehampton was to explore the town and to support and experience the newly reopened branch line, now called The Dartmoor Line. We were very fortunate that Richard Westlake had devised the programme and very kindly guided us around. As someone born and bred in Okehampton and then having spent a lifetime working on the railways, including from Okehampton, there was no one better qualified to show us around. Some boarded the train at Exeter Central and then looked out for those of us joining at St David’s. On arrival at Okehampton we caught the bus down to the town; the trains and buses were on time and not crowded.
Their first port of call was The Museum of Dartmoor Life. We were given a little booklet which linked places round the town with the multicultural history of Okehampton. The Museum itself was a real gem with displays and exhibits through time. We were shown round by Kristy Turner, the Curator/Manager, who cheerfully answered all our questions. Richard was able to expand on the section devoted to the opening and running of the railway. A very impressive Museum, well worth visiting.