Name: Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
Rating: 5.0

Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon, The Square, Barnstaple EX32 8LN, UK

1-99 Years

Description

Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon if you are looking for the best things to do with kids in Barnstaple, the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon offers an engaging and educational day out. Located in a historic building by the river, the museum helps families explore everything from prehistoric discoveries to the industrial heritage that shaped the town.

Admission to the museum is always free for all visitors. While the museum is free, donations are welcomed to support its ongoing collections and community events.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this museum is a fantastic, budget-friendly choice. With interactive trails and fascinating galleries, it provides an inspiring environment that brings local history to life for young minds.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Educational Day Out: Immerse yourself in the story of North Devon through local collections, archaeology, and social history galleries.
Interactive Exhibits: Engage with hands-on displays designed to help children connect with the history of their local landscape and environment.
Family-Friendly Trails: Participate in popular scavenger-style trails like "Barney’s Trail," which encourages under-5s to explore the museum with a mascot.
Community Gallery: View rotating projects that celebrate local heritage, commemorate anniversaries, and showcase creative work from regional groups.

Detailed "What to See"

The Barnstaple Elephant: Discover "Barney," a prehistoric elephant whose fossils provide a glimpse into the ancient wildlife that once roamed the area.
The Tarka Trail Gallery: Experience the landscape that inspired the famous Tarka the Otter story, perfect for families who love nature and local literature.
The Railway Room: Watch the "Somweir Junction" model railway in action, a detailed layout that fascinates children and history buffs alike.
North Devon Art Pottery Gallery: Explore one of the country's finest collections of pottery, showcasing beautiful craftsmanship from medieval times to the present.
The Victorian Gallery: Step back in time to see how families lived in the 19th century, featuring period-accurate furniture and daily items.

Facilities

Tearoom: Bromley’s tearoom is on-site, with staff happy to warm baby bottles; highchairs are available.
Museum Shop: Located near the entrance, selling pocket-money-friendly gifts and local souvenirs.
Accessibility: The museum features an accessibility guide for visitors, with quiet spaces available if needed.
Toilets: On-site facilities are available for families.

Pro-Tips for Families

Plan Your Trip: Check the official museum website "What’s On" page before visiting to catch free family workshops held during half-term holidays.
Quiet Time: If your child needs a break from the exhibits, ask staff about available quiet spaces.
Avoid the Rush: The museum is generally quieter on Wednesday mornings, making it a great time for a relaxed visit with younger children.

Targeted FAQs

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, toddlers often enjoy the sensory-based "Barney’s Trail" and the visually interesting model railway, which provide a simple, engaging introduction to the museum for younger visitors.
How long does a visit take? Most families find that one to two hours is the perfect amount of time to explore all the galleries and enjoy a treat in the tearoom.
Where is the best place to park? There are various public parking options throughout Barnstaple town centre, with the Cattle Market car park providing convenient access for those visiting the museum and the nearby riverside.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The museum is praised for being a welcoming, inclusive space that is perfectly sized for a shorter family visit.
The staff are highly regarded for their friendly, helpful nature and their ability to engage children with stories about the exhibits.
Families appreciate that admission is free, providing a high-quality educational experience without the cost.

What Visitors Don't Like

Because it is housed in a historic building, some areas can feel a bit compact during very busy periods.
Occasional school group visits can make certain galleries feel crowded, so it is worth checking ahead if you prefer a quieter environment.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The museum holds a vast collection of objects documenting local history:
11th Century Barnstaple Mint Penny: A rare silver coin from the reign of Cnut the Great.
1903 Brannam Vase: An iconic sgraffito jug featuring Japanese-influenced design.
Queen Victoria’s Black Satin Slippers: Footwear allegedly worn by the Queen herself.
1912 Aviator Postcard: A souvenir documenting Henri Salmet’s historic flight over Westward Ho!
1944 Evacuee Doll: A sentimental object belonging to a young child sent to Devon during the war.
1930 Pilton Gauntlet Gloves: Embroidered decorative arts created by Dent, Allcroft and Company.
Shapland Hooter: A steam whistle from the town's largest 20th-century factory that once signaled the daily rhythm of life.
1740 Barnstaple from Sticklepath Painting: A historic landscape capturing the town’s early industry.
Royal Devon Yeomanry Medals: Military decorations awarded for service during the World Wars.
Prehistoric Bone Fragments: Tusk and tooth remnants from the region’s ancient past.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Barnstaple offers plenty of secondary activities nearby:
Rock Park: A short walk away, this riverside park provides a large playground and space for picnics.
The Tarka Trail: Enjoy a walk or bike ride along this famous cycle path that follows the old railway line.
Barnstaple Pannier Market: Explore this historic market for local food, crafts, and a true sense of the town's culture.

New for 2026

The museum is hosting several special exhibitions and events throughout the year:
Documentary Photography Open 2026: Explores the theme "This Is Me" through an exploration of the people living, working, and passing through North Devon (runs until 20 June 2026).
The Art of Resurgence: Celebrating 60 years of the magazine and the artists who shaped its visual history (runs until 18 July 2026).
Curious Creators: Regular family-friendly holiday workshops inspired by local pottery and archaeology.
Satish Kumar Talk: A special event on 5 June 2026 titled "60 Transformative Years of Resurgence."
Annual Symposium: Held on 13 June 2026, exploring the archaeology and community heritage of Barnstaple.
Medicines from the Hedgerows Workshop: A practical workshop led by a medical herbalist on 20 June 2026.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Mon - Sat: 10am - 4:30pm.

Address: Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon, The Square, Barnstaple EX32 8LN, UK

Post Code: EX32 8LN

Council: North Devon

County: Devon

Car: Accessible via the M5, A361, A39 and A377, follow signs for Barnstaple and look for the brown tourist signs towards the town centre and railway station.
Train: Barnstaple train station it is a 10 minute walk to the museum. Arriving at the station follow Station Road with Tesco and Costa Coffee on your right. Once at the roundabout turn right keeping Halfords on your right. Cross at the traffic lights to walk over the bridge. The museum is the prominent building on your right as you approach the end of the bridge.
Coach and Bus: Barnstaple Bus Station is on Silver Street, a 3 minute walk to the museum. Leaving the station on Belle Meadow Road, continue past the traffic lights and cross the road onto the square where the museum is situated. Stagecoach, National Express and Megabus all run services from the bus station.
Bicycle: For cyclists there are bicycle racks outside the building on the square. Centrally placed the museum is close to the famous Tarka Trail, 21 miles of car free routes spanning North Devon. Cycle hire and repair is available from Bikeshed opposite the museum.
Parking: There is no free parking available outside the museum. The nearest large car parks are Belle Meadow, Seven Brethen and Green Lanes Car Park. Further information can be found at North Devon Council. There are two disabled parking bays situated outside the museum. Orange and Blue Badge Holders may use these free of charge provided that a permit from the museum is displayed alongside their orange or blue badge.