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You are here > Things to do > Attractions > Museums, History & Heritage

Arlington Court

Arlington Court

National Trust

Clovelly

Clovelly

Clovelly, North Devon.  Welcome to a different world! The picturesque, ancient, fishing…

Hartland Abbey & Gardens exterior

Hartland Abbey & Gardens

A day out at Hartland Abbey, a stately home and popular film location in a stunning valley a mile…

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Museums, History & Heritage in North Devon

From connections to the second world war to being the set of a variety of films, North Devon has a fascinating heritage.

Museums and more

Delve into its past at any of the local museums, many of which are free to enter. In North Devon you can find a whole host of museums with displays across a range of different subjects, including pirates, maritime history and even modern history! 

Exmoor has a long history, with fascinating links back to the Iron Age and earlier, everywhere you look there are hints of North Devon's history, so if museums aren't your bag, you can still immerse yourself in the region's history just by heading outside!

Another great place for history is the village of Clovelly, an ancient fishing village that was once owned by British royalty and is completely car free! 

Pirates, me hearties!

North Devon has a long history of pirates, thanks to it's maritime connections. In Appledore you'll find a museum dedicated to pirates and Lundy Island, just off the coast was once home to many a local pirate. There are even festivals that take place throughout the year teaching you more about this nefarious part of the region's heritage. 

Victorian archetecture

One of North Devon's most picturesque tourist spots is the Tunnels Beaches in Ilfracombe, which is a feat of Victorian engineering and these days is often host to weddings because of its stunning scenery. You can also find remains of Victorian holiday resorts at a number of popular places around the county, particularly in places like Ilfracombe and Westward Ho! There is even a Victorian steam railway!

Immerse yourself in history 

Discover the captivating world of barometers or travel back in time to the age of steam, whatever era you want to escape to, you’ll find the area steeped in history.

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  1. Hartland Abbey & Gardens exterior

    Add Hartland Abbey & Gardens to your Itinerary

    Hartland Abbey & Gardens

    Bideford

    A day out at Hartland Abbey, a stately home and popular film location in a stunning valley a mile from Hartland Quay on the N W Devon coast, is to step back in time.

  2. Clovelly

    Add Clovelly to your Itinerary

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 2696 review(s)from 2696 review(s)

    Clovelly

    Bideford

    Clovelly, North Devon.  Welcome to a different world

    The picturesque, ancient, fishing village of Clovelly is uniquely special and was once owned by the Queen of England. …

  3. tarka valley railway

    Add Tarka Valley Railway to your Itinerary

    Tarka Valley Railway

    Station Hill, Great Torrington

    The Tarka Valley Railway Group was formed in 2008 to preserve what remained of the railway at Torrington. Passenger services had closed in late 1965 and by the 1990’s the…

  4. Great Scenic Railways of Devon and Cornwall

    Great Scenic Railways of Devon and Cornwall

    Explore Devon and Cornwall by train and enjoy stunning coastal views, rolling green countryside, wooded valleys and river crossings.

  5. Dartington Crystal

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 606 review(s)from 606 review(s)

    Dartington Crystal

    Torrington

    As the only remaining UK glass factory, Dartington Crystal Torrington is the true home of British glass making. Visitors can watch skilled glass makers in action, creating…

  6. Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

    Add Lynton & Barnstaple Railway to your Itinerary

    Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

    Parracombe, Barnstaple

    Steam trains through rolling countryside, with views out to wild moorland and the rugged coastline.

  7. Park and Gardens

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    Tapeley Park & Gardens

    Instow

    Tapeley Park Gardens, North Devon, invites you to explore a unique landscape. Its gardens combine sculpted Italian Terraces, enchanted woods, coastal views and the exotic…

  8. Castle Hill Gardens

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    Castle Hill Gardens

    Barnstaple


    Situated between South Molton and Barnstaple in the village of Filleigh, Castle Hill offers visitors a great garden experience whatever the season. As you arrive your eye…

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