Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life

Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life

Explore the museum’s large, outstanding collections and trace the fascinating history of Mid Devon. The displays include the ‘Tivvy Bumper’ GWR steam engine, local industries (particularly lace making), farm waggons and the history of agriculture, and the every day home life of Mid Devon folk.

The museum is family friendly and offers a warm welcome to everyone. There is a lively temporary exhibition programme. The museum also houses Tiverton's Tourist Information Service which is open in museum hours.

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  • Agriculture collections

    Our displays show what farming was like before mechanisation, looking at the seasonal tasks from sowing to harvesting.

  • Archive and Research

    For those interested in family or local history there is a research room full of unique information, which also houses a Devon Record Office Service Point. It is open Wednesday mornings, booking essential.

  • Industry

    John Heathcoat was a nineteenth century inventor, industrialist, entrepreneur and philanthropist who came to Tiverton in 1816. He pioneered the process of making machine-made net lace and one of his six-ton machines is the centrepiece of the industrial collection.

  • Transport Collection

    We have a whole gallery dedicated to local transport, particularly the local railway. Step on the footplate of the Tivvy Bumper and imagine driving her - fun for young and old alike! Also on display lots of bicycles from a Penny Farthing onwards, and a look at the local canal.

  • Home Life

    Most of our visitors find something familiar to reminisce over in our kitchen and laundry gallery; from mangles to mixers there's going to be something you recognise. Our toy display also stirs up happy memories for many people.

Admission & prices

Opening hours:
Tuesday 10:00-4:00
Wednesday 10:00-4:00
Thursday: 10:00-4:00
Friday: 10:00-4:00
Saturday: 10:00-4:00

Pre-booking available (not essential) through our website

Admission Charges (2022)
Adults with Gift Aid £6.60
Adults without Gift Aid £6.00
Accompanied Children (0-16) FREE
Member / Disabled Person's carer FREE

Find us

We are situated next to the bus station and the Beck's Square short stay car park. Look out for the large mural of the Tivvy Bumper steam loco and the waterwheel on the outside of our buildings.

Museum news

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Information

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

The museum is next to the short stay car park on Beck's Square, and a very short walk away from the long stay car park and bus station.

There are a number of cafes just a few minutes walk away.

Baby change facilities are available.

We are the perfect place to head for a family day out.

You’ll find play stations and interactive elements, including the chance to stand on the footplate of the Tivvy Bumper steam engine, around the galleries.

Dress to Impress with our dressing up stations around the museum; the whole family can take part.

We have trails and quizzes available based on our collections to follow round the museum.

Explorer Backpacks (suitable for children of all ages) on a range of themes are available to borrow free of charge from the front desk. The backpacks include trails, toys and booksA family sitting on the floor of a museum gallery, looking into a backpack to help our younger visitors explore the museum.

Check the events page on our website to see upcoming holiday activities, handling sessions and special events.

Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life
Beck's Square
Tiverton
EX16 6PJ

T: 01884 256295
E: director@tivertonmuseum.org.uk

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Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life

Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life
Beck's Square
Tiverton, DEVON EX16 6PJ