Braunton & District Museum

The museum sits in the heart of Braunton, a village that's far more interesting than most people realise when they're just passing through to Ilfracombe. This is local history done properly - the kind of place where you can actually understand what life was like here over the centuries, rather than just staring at random objects in a glass case.

You'll find exhibits covering everything from the Bronze Age onwards, with a particular focus on Braunton's role in farming and maritime life. The displays about the village's agricultural heritage are genuinely engaging, especially if you've got any interest in how Devon's landscape came to be what it is. There's also material on the Second World War, which felt particularly relevant - the village was heavily involved in the D-Day preparations.

It's the kind of museum that works best if you spend 45 minutes to an hour here rather than rushing through. Families with children aged eight and upwards will get something from it, though younger kids might lose interest quickly unless they're already keen on local history. History enthusiasts and walkers exploring the area will absolutely rate it.

The real advantage is location. You're only a few miles from Ilfracombe, and remarkably close to several camping parks - Ruda Holiday Park and Woolacombe Sands are both under five miles away. If you're based at one of the nearby campsites for a week, it's a solid rainy-day option that won't feel like a detour. Ring ahead or check the website for current opening hours and admission prices before you visit.