Great Torrington Museum

The building itself - a Victorian structure with proper character - sits in the heart of Great Torrington, a town that punches above its weight if you know where to look. Inside, the museum tells the story of this corner of Devon through artefacts, photographs and exhibits that chart everything from the English Civil War skirmish that took place here to the town's industrial heritage. It's small, genuinely manageable, and feels like the kind of place where locals have actually had a hand in what gets displayed.

History enthusiasts will find plenty to linger over, especially anyone curious about the English Civil War or Victorian-era Devon. Families with older children won't feel they're wasting time, though younger kids might fidget after thirty minutes or so. The staff are usually chatty and happy to fill in gaps, which makes all the difference.

If you're based at nearby Owl Valley Glamping or Broad Park Camping and Glamping - both strong spots in their own right - Great Torrington is easy to slot in between other activities. Bideford is close by for proper seaside time, and the surrounding countryside is cracking for walking. The museum itself costs very little and typically takes an hour to do properly. Tuesday to Saturday mornings tend to be quietest. It won't blow your mind, but it's exactly the kind of local museum that rewards a visit when you're in the area.