Explore the Museum
Discover Dartmoor through six themes
Our collections explore the people, industries, folklore and landscapes that make Dartmoor unique
Nature and Landscape
Learn about the wildlife, geology and dramatic landscapes that shape Dartmoor’s unique environment.
Prehistoric Dartmoor
Stone rows, hut circles and burial cairns reveal the lives of Dartmoor’s earliest communities more than 4,000 years ago.
Living on Dartmoor
Explore domestic life, homes, crafts and traditions from medieval Dartmoor to the Victorian era.
Working the Moor
From tin mining and farming to wool, quarrying and trade – discover how generations made a living from the moor.
Myths & Legends
Piskies, ghostly hounds and strange happenings — Dartmoor folklore has fascinated visitors for centuries.
Transport & Travel
Turnpike roads, packhorse routes, railways and motor cars transformed how people crossed the moor.
Accessibility
We aim to make the museum welcoming and accessible to all visitors. The museum provides level access, lift access to all floors, accessible toilets, large print and braille information, seating, quiet spaces and support for visitors with additional needs.
Free entry for personal assistants
Assistance dogs welcome
Silent tours available
Touch tours for visually impaired visitors
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exhibition
Coming in 2027
Folk Traditions of Dartmoor
Step into a living landscape.
Behind the granite tors of Dartmoor lies a centuries old way of life forged by deep community ties, seasonal rhythms and unique regional practices. In 2027, step past the myths and discover the physical heritage of the people who honoured our moorland with their daily work, celebrations and enduring rituals and those who continue to do so today.
Discover the authentic living traditions of the moors:
Moorland craft, song and dance: the living legacy of step-dancing, musicianship and unique crafts and trades like weaving, peat cutting and tin mining that sustained rural families.
Beating the Bounds: the community parish boundary walking rituals that physically track the edges of each town or village, where civilisation meets the wilderness.
Crying the Neck: dramatic harvest rituals like celebrating the last corn that is cut, wassailing and telling the bees.
Festival Days and Fairs: discover the high days and holy days of the moors. Vibrant dawn celebrations, traditional music and Morris dancing to mark the seasons. Gathering at fairs to celebrate regional livestock and to enjoy a timeless slice of moorland life.
Darker realities of life on the moor: the uneasy customs and beliefs born of the bleak moorland where communities relied on protective magic, heavy taboos and severe superstitions. Uncover the world of Dartmoor’s wise women and cunning men who used herbal magic, spells and talismans to shield local families and livestock from misfortune.
We are very grateful to the Dartmoor Society for funding next year’s exhibition
Morris dancing
Scorhill Stone Circle
Step dancing
A witch’s spell
A witch’s mark
NEWS
Kristy Turner named finalist in Heritage Volunteering Award
We are delighted to share that Kristy Turner, Curator and Manager of the Museum of Dartmoor Life, has been named a finalist in the Heritage Volunteering Group Awards, recognising her outstanding contribution to volunteering and community engagement.
Kristy has transformed the museum’s volunteering programme, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can develop skills, build confidence and make a meaningful contribution.
Her dedication has helped volunteers progress into employment, further education and leadership roles, while strengthening the museum’s connections with the wider community.
Through her enthusiasm, compassion and commitment, Kristy continues to demonstrate the vital role volunteers play in preserving and celebrating Dartmoor’s rich heritage.
A thoroughly deserved recognition and a wonderful achievement for Kristy and the museum!
Blog
Dartmoor Stories
Discover the people, places, and stories that shape Dartmoor