Name: Mortehoe Museum
Rating: 5.0

Mortehoe Museum

Mortehoe Museum, Woolacombe, Devon EX34 7DT, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Mortehoe Museum if you are looking for the best things to do with kids in North Devon, Mortehoe Museum provides a charming and educational experience. Located in a beautiful village near Woolacombe, this museum offers an accessible way for families to explore local history, from maritime traditions to the dramatic stories of shipwrecks along the coast.

Admission to the museum is free for all visitors. The Mortehoe Heritage Trust welcomes donations to help with the ongoing running costs of the site.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, Mortehoe Museum is an excellent choice. Its mix of local history exhibits, tractor rides, and outdoor space makes it a perfect stop during a coastal holiday.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Local History Archive: Discover the village’s unique past, including exhibits on agriculture, village life, and the impact of the World Wars.
Maritime Heritage: Learn about the history of local shipwrecks, smugglers, and wreckers who were a significant part of the coastal lifestyle.
Outdoor Family Fun: Make the most of the site’s children's play area and dedicated picnic space for a relaxed family afternoon.
Tractor & Trailer Rides: During July and August, enjoy popular rides to Bull Point and Morte Point from outside the museum.

What to See

Shipwreck Exhibits: See fascinating artefacts recovered from local shipwrecks, which always capture the imagination of young explorers.
Maritime History Display: Understand the dangers of the North Devon coast through stories of past maritime events and rescue efforts.
Agricultural Heritage Collection: View tools and items that showcase how the local community lived and worked on the land in the past.
World War Displays: Learn about the village's involvement during the World Wars through preserved mementoes and personal stories.
Smuggling Tales: Explore the history of the area’s "wreckers" and smugglers, bringing a touch of local intrigue to your museum visit.

Facilities

Toilets: Public toilets are available nearby within the village.
Picnic Area: A designated picnic space is located on-site, perfect for families visiting in good weather.
Play Area: A small children's play area is provided, offering a space for younger visitors to run around.
Refreshments: While there is no cafe inside the museum, the village of Mortehoe features several popular tea rooms and pubs within walking distance.

Pro-Tips for Families

Time Your Visit: Visit during July or August if you want to take advantage of the tractor and trailer rides to the coast.
Combine with a Walk: The museum is a great starting point for exploring the South West Coast Path; park in the village and plan a circular route.
Check Opening Times: The museum is typically a seasonal attraction; ensure you check the website for specific operating hours before travelling.

Targeted FAQs

Is it worth it for toddlers? The museum is small and accessible, making it an easy stop for toddlers, especially when combined with the playground and a coastal walk, though it is primarily a visual experience.
How long does a visit take? Most visitors spend about one to two hours exploring the museum’s collection and enjoying the associated outdoor spaces.
Where is the best place to park? There are public car parks located in Mortehoe village, which provide easy walking access to the museum and the start of the coastal paths.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The museum provides a "treasure chest" of history that feels authentic and deeply connected to the local village.
The combination of the museum visit with the outdoor tractor rides and nearby coastal walks is a major hit with families.
Staff and volunteers are frequently described as passionate and welcoming, enhancing the overall experience.

What Visitors Don't Like

Because it is a small village museum, it may not offer the same "all-day" entertainment as larger commercial attractions.
Seasonal opening hours mean that planning ahead is essential to avoid disappointment.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The museum is housed in a charming Grade II listed barn and features a wide range of specific artefacts:
Shipwreck Relics: Items salvaged from vessels lost off the North Devon coast.
Tractor and Trailer: Used for seasonal tours to Morte Point and Bull Point.
Agricultural Hand Tools: Historic equipment used by local farmers.
1940s Home Front Memorabilia: Items detailing the impact of the World Wars on village life.
Maritime Charts: Historical maps and navigational tools used by local mariners.
Victorian Village Photos: A collection of images capturing life in Mortehoe over the last 150 years.
Smuggler’s Curios: Small items associated with the illicit trade that once existed along the coast.
Natural History Displays: Specimens and information reflecting the local coastal environment.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Mortehoe village is a gateway to some of the most stunning coastal scenery in North Devon:
Morte Point: Walk the coastal path for spectacular views of the Atlantic and potential seal spotting.
Bull Point Lighthouse: A picturesque walk from the village that offers historic lighthouse views.
Woolacombe Beach: A short drive away, this famous sandy beach is ideal for surfing, sandcastles, and coastal relaxation.

New for 2026

The museum frequently refreshes its displays to showcase different aspects of its local heritage archive. Please check the official website or village noticeboards for updates regarding:
Seasonal Guided Walks: New information on local heritage trails starting from the village square.
Exhibition Rotations: Updated displays focusing on specific periods of the village’s maritime and social history.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The museum does not currently offer commercial birthday party packages. For information regarding group visits or educational enquiries, please contact the museum directly.

Inquiry Email: info@mortehoemuseum.org.uk

Temporarily closed.

Address: Mortehoe Museum, Woolacombe, Devon EX34 7DT, UK

Post Code: EX34 7DT

Council: North Devon

County: Devon

By Bus: Local bus services connect Mortehoe to Ilfracombe and Woolacombe.
By Car: Mortehoe is well-signposted near Woolacombe; there are public car parks in the village.
Parking: The village provides public parking facilities near the centre, a short walk from the museum.