Newton Abbot Town and GWR Museum

Find out about: Newton Abbot Town and GWR Museum

About Us

The museum focusses on the social and railway history of the town.

We close at the end of October each year to prepare for a new exhibition,and will re-open in 2012 on 7th March.

There is always something new to see and learn about!

We are currently working on a Heritage Lottery Fund Project- The Heart of Oak, our aim is to conserve a carved oak renaissance screen that was donated to the museum in 2008. We are also developing 60 free arts related workshops within the project - what an opportunity for the town!

Each year we add a new exhibition, retaining some past exhibits and renewing others.

In 2012 we will be celebrating The Sporting Life of Newton Abbot-FREE ADMISSION!

Back to search results

Facilities

Toilets On-Site
Wheelchair Access
Family friendly
Gift Shop

The museum will re-open on March 7th 2012.

If you need wheel chair access please follow the signs to the ramp adjacent to the Town Hall, 9,Devon Square and ring the bell for assistance.

If you need special assistance do ring us prior to your visit.

Our Next Event

Museum Friends Lectures

When: 26 January 2012 to 24 May 2012
Where: The Town Hall, 9, Devon Square, Newton Abbot TQ12 2HN

MUSEUM FRIENDS LECTURES

2012

26 January 2012 The Western Desert War by Neil Dando

23rd February 2012 Sticklepath Fault & the Bovey Beds by

Pat Wilson.

22 March 2012 Heart of Oak project historical update &

Conservation talk & demonstration from 2:00

26 April 2012 Anglo-Zulu war battelfields & Devon

Connections by Brain Portch.

24 May 2012 The Diamond Jubilee of 1897

by Michael Martyn.

7:15pm The Town Hall Council Chamber

Non-members £3:00 entrance fee.

more events

Click the button above to add this museum to your MyMuseum wish list. Once added you can choose to save this for future visits or email the Museum details to a friend.

Our Collections

The existing collections-

The collections fall into two main groups.
•Social history of Newton Abbot and environs
•Great Western Railway history which includes the social history of the GWR and it’s effect on the town & the people of Newton Abbot.

Aller Vale Art Pottery collection
•Archives – Social history & GWR history
•Photographic Archive
•Oral Archive
•Small costume collection
•Prints & Drawings
•Paintings
•Video/DVD Collection
•Books
•Objects and Artefacts relating to the life of the town

The Town Trail

Keep fit with the 'Town Trail'! TT Leaflets are available from the museum & the Tourist Info. Centre. Look out for the historic site number markers that guide you to various buildings, where you will find out some quirky tales about the town!

Robert Stenuit-Marine Archeologist with Marc Jasinski at the opening of the Lethbridge Exhibition

Robert Stenuit, renowned Marine Archeologist, opened the John Lethbridge, exhibition in 2009. From 2012 there are new artefacts connected with local shipwrecks to see. Stenuit dived in a replica of Lethbridge's engine in 1977 and says Lethbridge '...was a truly remarkable man!'

The Great Western Railway Room

The Great Western Railway Room explores the towns links with the railways. Information is available on I.K. Brunel's great engineering achievements, such as his the atmospheric railway system and Broad Gauge locomotives. You can have fun trying out the working signal box!

Newton Abbot Market in the 1950s

The museum has a large photographic archive of local photographs

Dr Mapleton's Butterfly Collection

Like most museums there are many objects that are in store. Dr Mapletons butterfly and mouth collection is one of them. You are welcome to view this collection by appointment.

1 2 3 4 5

Our Latest news

Nicky Swann singer songwriter being filmed in Newton Abbot Museum for her new album inspired by events and characters from the past!

27 April 2012

Singer Songwriter Nicky Swann is launching her new album, 'How does your Land Lie' early t...read more
A word from a work experience pupil in Newton Abbot

11 April 2012

, Amy Bond's work experience at the museum , I really enjoyed my work experience week...read more

more news

Admission & Prices
ADMISSION FREE!

Opening Times- From Mid-March-End of October.

Museum
Monday - Thursday: 10:00 - 16:00
Friday: 10:00 - 12:00
Saturday: 14:00 - 16:00
Sunday: Closed

GWR Room
Monday - Thursday: 10:00 - 16:00 & Friday 10:00 - 12:00

01626-201121
www.museum-newtonabbot.org.uk
www.heart-of-oak.info
Find us

Click on the map above to view the Museum location in Google Maps

How to find us
By Foot
From the centre of the town walk up Queen Street as far as the War Memorial and turn right towards Devon Square, we are on the left-hand side 100 yards up.

By Car
Our nearest car park is on the other side of Queen Street
Get in touch
2A Saint Paul's Road
Newton Abbot
TQ12 2HP

T: 01626 201 121
E: museum@newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk
W: www.museum-newtonabbot.org.uk
Museums nearby
1. Teign Heritage Centre Home to Teignmouth and Shaldon Museum
(Distance: 1 to 5 miles)

2. Dawlish Museum
(Distance: 5 to 10 miles)
Other information
The museum is open from March until the end of October each year.

Opening hours from Monday to Friday as above. Saturday opening times are from Easter to the end of October.

Closed Bank Holidays.

Booked Parties are welcome.

Please call 01626 201121. *Admission is FREE.
Special visits to schools and clubs can be made when staff are available.

A Museum Friends Group meets from Jan-May & Sept-December on a Thursday evening from 7:15pm in the Council Chamber of the Newton Abbot Town Hall, 9, Devon Square.
There is Friends annual subscription of £8:00 which includes 9 lectures,two Newsletters a year,and invitation to a private view of all new exhibitions, and information on museum events,
The oublic are welcome to the Friends talks with an admission fee on the door of £3:00.

The Museum Link Group a club formed for ex-railwaymen meets four times a year, New memners are welcome! To find out more ring 01626-201121 or 01626-201120.