History in Devon

Devon is steeped in history. From the times of the Ancient Britons right through to World War II, if you want to take a step back in time, then it is only a small stride from North Hill.

Arlington Court
Arlington, Barnstaple, EX31 4LP. Tel: 01271 850296.
Website: www.nationaltrust.co.uk/arlington_court
Historic house with interesting collection of small objects d'art. Gardens with rhododendrons, azaleas and hydrangeas. Carriage museum and rides. Nature trails.

Opening Times: 18 Mar-28 Oct 2007, daily except Tue. Closed 18 Aug. Garden and grounds, daily, 1030-1730. House and carriage collection: 5 Nov-31 Mar, daily, 1100-1730 

Admission Charges: Adult: £7.00 Child: £3.50 Family: £17.50 Family (1adult): £10.50; Garden and Carriage Collection only Adult: £5.00 Child: £2.50 Sats Jul & Aug (gardens & bat cave only) Adult: £2.60 Child: £1.30 Fri-Sun Nov & Dec (gardens only) Adult: £2.00 Child: free 

Dogs admitted: Yes - grounds only, on leads

Barometer World
Quicksilver Barn, Merton, Okehampton, Devon. Tel: 01805 603443.
Website: www.barometerworld.co.uk/Museum.html
Unique collection of English barometers through the ages from c1680 to the present day.

Opening Times: Tue-Sat, 0900-1700. Closed Bank Hols.

Admission Charges: Adult: £2.50 Child: £1.00

Dogs admitted: No.

Okehampton Castle
Castle Lodge, Okehampton, Devon. Tel: 01837 52844.
Website: English_Heritage/Okehampton_Castle
Ruins of one of Devon's largest and most important castles. Built in 11thC, home of Courtenays, Earls of Devon, c1172 to 16thC. Remains of Norman keep, motte and 14thC hall.Walks
Opening Times: 1 Apr-30 Sep, daily, 1000-1800, Oct, daily, 1000-1700. 

Admission Charges: Adult: £2.50 Child: £1.30 Concession: £1.90

Dogs admitted: Yes - on a lead.

South Molton Museum
Town Hall, The Square, Broad Street, South Molton, Devon. Tel: 01769 572951.
Website: South Molton Museum
Life and times of the Town and surrounding area Highlights of the collections include:
South Molton fire tenders, dating from 1736 and 1886;
two Town Charters, granted by Elizabeth I and Charles II; Victorian household items;
a Penny-farthing bicycle; an 18th Century cider press and mining and geology collections.

Opening Times: 5 Mar-30 Nov, Mon, Tues, Thur, 1030-1300, 1400-1600, Wed, Sat, 1030-1230. Closed 13,16 Apr. 

Admission Charges: Free 

Dogs admitted: No - Guide dogs only.

Torrington 1646 Centre
Castle Hill, South Street, Great Torrington, Devon. Tel: 01805 626146.
Website: www.torrington-1646.co.uk
The Battle of Torrington was the last major conflict of the Civil War, involving 15,000 troops. The town was occupied by The Prince of Wales' Army under the lords Hopton, Capel and Wentworth. On the night of February 16th 1646, the town was taken by the Parliamentary New Model Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell. This led to the defeat and eventual execution of King Charles I. Step back in time and meet the colourful 17th century characters, who will guide you through Torrington on the night of the battle.....


Opening Times: 16 Feb-31 Mar, Oct, Mon-Fri, 1100-1600; 1 Apr-30 Sep, Mon-Fri, 1030-1700; School Holidays open 7 days a week, 1030-1700.

Admission Charges: Adult: £3.80 Child: £2.30 Under 5: free Concession: £3.00 Family (2+3): £11.00

Dogs admitted: No - Guide dogs only.

Torrington Museum
The Town Hall, Great Torrington, Devon. Tel: 01805 624324.
Website: Torrington Museum
The Way We Lived Industry, agriculture, dairying, railways, roads, people, costume, bygones, the town, the country and the customs are all featured in our collection. Of special interest amongst the wide variety of artifacts is a display about the life and works of William Keble-Martin, author and illustrator of the Definitive Book of Wild Flowers and vicar of this Parish for 9 years. Portraits of note include the Clinton Collection.

Opening Times: 5 May-30 Sep, Mon-Fri, 1100-1600, Sat, 1100-1300.

Admission Charges: Free

Dogs admitted: No.

St Anne's Chapel
Church Lane, Barnstaple, Devon EX32 8LN - England, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1271 78709
St Anne's Chapel Web site
This beautiful parish church has a history that dates back to 1107 and since that time has been one of the most important and well-loved religious structures in this area of North Devon. The current structure largely comes from the 1318 building process that was undertaken at the wishes of Bishop Stapleton. The exceptional interior of the church, including the fantastic altar and stained glass are amongst the most popular attractions

The Elliott Gallery
Hillsview, Braunton, North Devon EX33 2LA - England, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1271 812100
The Elliott Gallery Web site
Here at the Elliott Gallery is an exciting art exhibition that the more discerning person will not want to miss. It contains one of the largest and most comprehensive exhibitions of quality paintings, sculpture and craftwork in all North Devon. Much of the artwork displayed is for sale at unusually competitive prices. If you are one of those people who enjoy looking at all kinds of beautiful things then you must make sure you visit one of the most exciting exhibitions in the region.

Cobbaton Combat Collection
Chittlehampton, Umberleigh, North Devon EX37 9RZ - England, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1769 540740 - Fax: +44 (0)1769 540141
E-mail Cobbaton Combat Collection - Cobbaton Combat Collection Web site
The Cobbaton Combat Collection has over 50 mainly World War II British and Canadian military vehicles and artillery pieces plus thousands of smaller items, from tanks to ration books, all undercover, plus a building dedicated to the Home Front. Military and souvenir shop, NAAFI cafeteria and children’s play vehicles. Vehicles and spares are available to sell.

North Devon Maritime Museum
Odun Road, Appledore, Devon EX39 1PT - England, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1237 474852 - Mobile: +44 (0)1237 474852
North Devon Maritime Museum is housed in a beautiful Georgian listed building on the edge of the historic shipyard. On the banks of the River Taw and Torridge Estuary, the area was an important player in the 18th and 19th Century shipbuilding market. The museum offers an interesting collection of memorabilia, artefacts and displays that bring to life this industrial heritage.

The Old Corn Mill and Pottery
Watermouth Road, Hele Bay, Ilfracombe, North Devon EX34 9QY - England, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1271 863185 - Fax: +44 (0)1271 863185
E-mail The Old Corn Mill and Pottery - The Old Corn Mill and Pottery Web site
Unique in North Devon – 16th century watermill with 18ft overshot wheel – magnificent restoration from dereliction, containing a wealth of information and interesting machinery. The mill can produce 100% wholemeal stoneground flour and muesli if required. Unique pottery is made at the mill by Robin Gray – inexpensive giftware, tableware and individual pieces, no charge to look. See a demonstration on the potter’s wheel or ‘you’ can make a pot on the wheel. Your pot can be fired/glazed, initialled, and posted to you.