Museum of Dartmoor Life
About This Museum
Tucked away on a quiet Okehampton street, the Museum of Dartmoor Life is an absolute gem. I stepped inside the old stone mill and was immediately transported through centuries of local history, from prehistoric tools to the clatter of a Victorian kitchen. It’s not a stuffy, silent hall but a place that feels alive with the stories of the people who shaped this rugged landscape. Wandering its three floors, you get a real sense of the grit and ingenuity it took to live on the moor.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the recreated tin miner's cottage—it's incredibly detailed and gives you a stark look at their tough living conditions. Upstairs, an entire exhibit is dedicated to Dartmoor's infamous prison, which is as chilling as it is fascinating. I also loved the collection of traditional farming tools; you can almost feel the weight of them in your hands.
Visitor Information
It's surprisingly spacious across its three floors, so give yourself a good couple of hours. The gift shop is small but lovely, full of locally made crafts and books. It’s the perfect rainy-day activity, but honestly, it’s worth visiting in any weather.
Architecture & Building
The museum itself is housed in a wonderfully preserved 19th-century granite mill, all thick stone walls and rustic charm. You can still feel the industrial soul of the place as you walk past the original waterwheel and through its sturdy, timber-beamed rooms.
Contact & Location
Address: 3, West Street, Okemoor Park, Okehampton, West Devon, Devon, Devon and Torbay, England, EX20 1JZ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1837 52295
Website: Visit Website
