Name: Cobbaton Combat Collection
Rating: 5.0

Cobbaton Combat Collection

Cobbaton Combat Collection, Cobbaton, Umberleigh EX37 9RZ, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

The Cobbaton Combat Collection is an extensive, private military museum located in North Devon, England. Often described as a "hobby that got out of hand," the museum was started by Preston Isaac and features over 60 combat vehicles and thousands of historical artifacts.

Exhibits cover from the Boer War, WW1, the Falklands,right up to the First Gulf War, with kit from the British Army - plus Canadian, American and Russian Forces, In 1981 Preston Isaac's runaway hobby was opened to the public, and just keeps growing. On site is a large shop stocking collectors’ items, inert ammunition, clothing, hats, badges, survival equipment, books, CDs, toys, souvenirs and much more.

If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

All-Weather Attraction: All military exhibits and vehicles are housed under cover, making this a reliable choice for a rainy day.
Extensive Military Archive: Discover a massive array of items, including tanks, trucks, armoured cars, and artillery pieces.
Educational Day Out: Gain insight into the Home Front during World War Two through collections of ration books, gas masks, and air-raid equipment.
Collector’s Shop: Visit the on-site shop stocking a variety of militaria, including badges, clothing, books, and model toys.

What to See

Main Battle Tanks: Get up close with massive, historic tanks that show the scale and power of 20th-century warfare.
Armoured Vehicles: Explore the collection of trucks and armoured cars, which are always a highlight for younger visitors.
The Home Front Display: Learn about daily life during the 1939–1945 war, including authentic blackout lamps and Home Guard uniforms.
Artillery and Field Guns: Examine the various pieces of artillery used in major conflicts, from the First World War to later decades.
Small Arms & Personal Gear: Browse the displays of helmets, grenades, and personal kit that offer a glimpse into the life of a soldier.

Facilities

Toilets: On-site facilities are available for visitors.
Accessibility: The museum has disabled facilities and provides wheelchair access throughout the main buildings.
Picnic Area: There is a dedicated area available for families to enjoy their own lunch.
Canteen: A working NAAFI canteen wagon serves hot and cold drinks and snacks seasonally.

Pro-Tips for Families

Plan Your Visit: Because the museum is a private collection that occasionally hosts special events, always call 01769 540740 before travelling.
SatNav Note: Do not rely solely on GPS, as it can be unreliable in rural North Devon; look for the small painted tank signs that point the way to the site.
Dogs: Only assistance dogs are permitted inside the museum buildings.

Targeted FAQs

Is it worth it for toddlers? While the museum is fascinating for older children and adults, toddlers may have limited interest in the static military displays, though they often enjoy seeing the large tanks and trucks.
How long does a visit take? Most visitors spend between two and three hours exploring the two hangar-sized buildings and browsing the shop.
Where is the best place to park? There is ample on-site parking at the museum, and it is easily accessible once you locate the site using the local road signs.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The sheer volume of items crammed into every corner makes it an "eccentric" and fascinating place to explore.
The authenticity of the collection is highly praised by those interested in genuine military history.
The undercover nature of the exhibits makes it a stress-free choice for a day out in North Devon weather.

What Visitors Don't Like

The "off the beaten track" location can be difficult to find for those not used to rural driving.
Some visitors find the layout quite dense, which can be challenging when the museum is busy.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The collection is packed with over 60 vehicles and thousands of smaller items, including:
1940s Home Front Ration Books: Essential daily items for civilians during the war.
ARP (Air Raid Precautions) Equipment: Authentic gear used by volunteer wardens.
Boer War Rifles: Examples of early 20th-century military technology.
First Gulf War Field Kit: Modernised equipment from more recent history.
Canadian and Russian Forces Uniforms: Diverse international military gear.
Inert Ammunition Displays: Safe, deactivated items for educational viewing.
Original 1940s Gas Masks: Standard issue equipment for both adults and children.
Blackout Lamps: Tools used to keep homes dark during air raids.
Military Badges and Insignia: A vast collection of regimental history.
Survival Equipment: Historic gear used in harsh environments.

Beyond the Main Attraction

The collection is located in rural North Devon, providing plenty of room for further exploration:
North Devon Countryside: The area is perfect for scenic drives through the winding lanes and rolling hills.
Barnstaple: Visit the historic town nearby for high-street shops, local markets, and riverside walks.
Exmoor National Park: Located a short drive away, this offers expansive landscapes and family-friendly hiking trails.

New for 2026

The collection is constantly expanding. Please follow their official Facebook page or call ahead to enquire about new displays or upcoming commemorations and military road runs. Enhancements for the 2026 season include:
Archive Rotation: Frequent updates to the display areas, bringing rare, rarely seen items from the storage archives into the main gallery spaces.
Commemorative Events: Opportunities to participate in or witness themed "VJ Weekend" events and other historical anniversaries throughout the year.
Vehicle Restoration Updates: Occasional showcases of restored vehicles or newly acquired military hardware added to the collection’s 60+ combat vehicle fleet.
Community Road Runs: Collaborative events with local military vehicle enthusiast groups, featuring historic convoys that often depart from or return to the museum grounds.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The collection does not currently list commercial birthday party packages on its website. For private event enquiries, please contact the museum directly.

Inquiry Email: info@cobbatoncombat.co.uk

Temporarily closed.

Address: Cobbaton Combat Collection, Cobbaton, Umberleigh EX37 9RZ, UK

Post Code: EX37 9RZ

Council: North Devon

County: Devon

By Train: Umberleigh is the nearest station; you will need to arrange local transport to reach the museum.
By Car: Located in Cobbaton, Chittlehampton. Follow local tank signs or use the postcode EX37 9RZ.
Parking: On-site parking is available for visitors.