Dawlish Museum

Dawlish Museum

With 11 rooms over 3 floors the Museum is known for its display of Piper Bill Millins' D-Day bagpipes. Packed with artefacts the tableaus in the Museum are regularly updated and depict life past and present in the town and notably tell the story of the February storm of 2014 which severely damaged the railway line.

A vast archive of 100's of rare historical photographs can be seen in album form or on the library PC .There is disabled access and other facilities available including a stair lift to the first floor.

  • Great Storm Display

    The 'Orange Army' under attack from the huge waves during the storm of 2014. The Great Storm exhibition has rolling video and pictures telling the story of the storm and it's aftermath.

  • Dressed To Impress

    A new exhibition of evening wear from Victorian times to almost the present day. A fascinating insight into 'dressing up' though the ages.

  • Library

    Piper Bill Millin, who piped the troops ashore on Sword Beach , D-Day 1944. The library houses a huge collection of old and new photos of Dawlish as well as looped video about the life of Piper Bill.

  • Childrens Dressing Up Rail

    There's lots to do for the little ones including dressing up, pictures to colour, slate boards to chalk, brass rubbing, a cygnet trail and fun quiz as well as a magnifier to check out the local pottery finds.

  • Bygone Kitchen

    This beautifully re-created bygone kitchen displays all the mod cons of a former age, including a black leaded kitchen range and many other artefacts.

Admission & prices

Opening Hours For 2023 Season

Open Weds 31st May Until Sat 30th September
Weds To Friday 11am to 3pm
Saturdays 10am until 1pm

Please note last admission is 45 minutes
before our closing time to allow time to look around

We are happy to respond to email, twitter or Facebook requests and queries.
Please note there may be a delayed response to answering telephone messages.
(See our contact details below)

ENTRY PRICES ( Cash Only at present )
Adults - £2
Concessions - £1
Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children) only £5
and valid for a full 7 days with Free return for one week.

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Information

  • Parking available
  • Toilets On-Site
  • Wheelchair access
  • Childrens activities
  • Gift Shop

Wheelchair access to Ground Floor and wheelchair friendly toilet facilities. Stair lift to First Floor and spare wheelchair available.
There is also a pleasant garden. (Steps down to garden but side gate can be opened upon request )

The Knowle was built in the early 1800's by a Mr. Upham on the knoll overlooking the river .It was for sale in 1840 and described as:
“ situated in a shrubbery and garden and commands a beautiful view of the Valley of Dawlish and the sea, the latter within 4 minutes walk. The house contains breakfast room, dining room, drawing room and 4 best bedrooms and closet, servants bedrooms, kitchen, pantry, china cabinet, underground cellar and other convenience.''
In 1847 the lower part of the grounds was sold to the Dawlish Gas Company but the house and garden were improved and it was then leased out. The next tenant was Dr. Charles Lovely, who had his surgery in the house, as did all the local doctors, before the Health Centre was built in 1970.
In 1913, Dawlish Urban District Council bought the house for offices, where they remained until 1946 before moving to the Manor House. It remained as a clinic and the Museum took over the first floor in 1969,before later occupying all the building.

Dawlish Museum Society
The Knowle
Barton Terrace
Dawlish
DAWLISH
EX7 9QH

T: 01626 888557
E: info@dawlishmuseum.co.uk

Our videos Click on the play button below to view our videos

Podcast

Interview with Piper Bill Millin

The interview gave Piper Bill a chance to describe the happenings at Sword Beach during the D Day Landings

Name Time
1 Interview with Piper Bill Millin - Part 1 3:33
2 Interview with Piper Bill Millin - part 2 3:57
3 interview with Piper Bill Millin - Part 3 4:11
4 interview with Piper Bill Millin - Part 4 3:30

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Dawlish Museum

Dawlish Museum Society
The Knowle
Barton Terrace
Dawlish
DAWLISH, DEVON EX7 9QH