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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
Adults £5, children/students £3, family (2+2) £13, family (1+2) £9, under 4s free
Your ticket entitles you to unlimited entry to the museum for 12 months and a discounted entry to Okehampton Castle
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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Come and say hello to us and learn all about Dyeing on Dartmoor. It will be a great day for all the family.
Lovely to display a small selection of amazing copper sculptures created by complete beginners. Until the 18th of August these pieces can be found in a very appropriate place…..the museums mine shaft. Tutor Andy Cairns is a director of West Devon Art Workshops.
Hartley Ian
2022-06-14
Very interesting little museum very helpful People
Wendy Medhurst
2022-06-10
A lovely small museum with a lot of information about the local area
Had a lovely afternoon and a fantastic tea room wear you can have a drink after would
Veronika Valigurska
2022-06-07
Alexander Whattam
2021-12-11
Mark Abraham
2021-11-20
Colin Styles
2021-10-17
Well worth visiting. A small museum well presented.
martyn gannon
2021-10-14
Excellent presentation of the history of okehampton and dartmoor.
Lauren Perthen
2021-10-07
Debbie Pritchard
2021-10-05
I and the kids love it, loads of interesting things and I see more every time we go
simondo55
2021-10-04
This Museum is most definitely the place to come if you want to know all about Dartmoor and history through the ages.
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Tripadvisor
- Jennie P
We 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 
June 8, 2022Kevin P
An excellent overview of the life and times of living in the Dartmoor region in a fascinating well laid out series of displays.
June 8, 2022Linda A 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
August 8, 2019
Please leave a Tripadvisor review HERE
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.