Bovey Tracey Heritage Centre

About the museum

Bovey Tracey Heritage Centre is housed in the town's former railway station, which served the branch line to Moretonhampstead for nearly a century. The building has been restored and now holds an archive of documents, photographs and objects that follow the story of the town from its medieval beginnings to the present day.

The displays cover family history, the local pottery industry, granite splitting and quarrying, mining, agriculture and the railway. Outdoors, visitors can see the remains of a salt-glaze pottery kiln dating from about 1760, which was moved here from a tile works at Heathfield, and a restored Great Western Railway brake van that stands in the car park.

The centre is run entirely by volunteers on behalf of the Bovey Tracey Heritage Trust, a registered charity, and is funded by grants, donations, sales and fundraising. Exhibitions change from time to time and look at subjects such as the town's part in the two world wars. Children are welcome, and the centre has an activity area for younger visitors. Because it depends on volunteers, opening times can vary.

Highlights

• Remains of a salt-glaze pottery kiln from about 1760
• Restored GWR brake van in the car park
• Archive of local photographs, documents and family history material
• Displays on pottery, granite quarrying, mining and the railway
• Children's activity area

Permanent exhibitions

• Bovey Tracey through the centuries – Archive material and displays on local families, the pottery industry, granite tramway and quarrying, mining, agriculture, railways and the two world wars.
• Pottery kiln remains and GWR brake van – The remains of a salt-glaze pottery kiln from about 1760 and a restored Great Western Railway brake van.

Founded

1998

Operated by

Bovey Tracey Heritage Trust

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free; donations are welcome. Parking on site is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A regional museum network lists wheelchair access and toilets at the centre; the centre's own page gives no accessibility details.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

Children are especially welcome. The centre has a dedicated children's activity area.

Getting there & parking

The centre is in the Old Railway Station on St John's Lane, Bovey Tracey.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Small gift shop selling local history books, cards and local crafts. Toilets on site.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit