Holsworthy Museum
Volunteer-run local history museum in a 17th-century manor house in Holsworthy, with five themed rooms of local objects and records.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Holsworthy Museum is housed in part of a 17th-century manor house that served as a parsonage for more than 200 years and was refurbished in 1999. The building is itself part of the display. The museum is managed and run entirely by volunteers and relies on donations to stay open.
Five themed rooms present the history of the Devon market town. They cover local history, the tools of local tradesmen, medical and apothecary items, the Second World War and a kitchen with its original cobbled floor, copper and fireplace. Topics include why Holsworthy was a port town although it lies almost ten miles from the coast, the Pretty Maid’s Charity and other local customs, manorial weights and measures, a link to Harold Godwinson and historical ties with Australia and New Zealand.
The museum also keeps parish records and other documents, which can be consulted by appointment, and it offers talks and guided walks.
Highlights
- Five themed rooms in a 17th-century manor house
- Kitchen with original cobbled floor, copper and fireplace
- Why Holsworthy was a port town ten miles from the sea
- Manorial weights and measures and the Pretty Maid’s Charity
- Parish records and family history service by appointment
Permanent exhibition
- Five themed rooms of local history – Local history and customs, tradesmen’s tools, medical items, the Second World War and a historic kitchen in a 17th-century manor house.
- Operated by
- Volunteers
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is by donation; the museum relies on donations to stay open.
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
The museum is on one level, but the building is old, so floors are uneven and ceilings are low in places. Groups with special needs should say so when booking.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Quizzes are available to keep children occupied during a visit.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The museum is beside the Manor Car Park, opposite Holsworthy Parish Church.
Holsworthy is in north Devon, about 10 miles from the north Cornish coast at Bude and about 20 miles from the A30 at Okehampton. Sat-nav postcode EX22 6DJ.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Books and gifts, including local history publications, are sold. There are no public toilets in the museum; the nearest are about 100 yards from the entrance.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Out-of-hours visits for school and youth groups and adult clubs can be arranged through the contact form at least one month ahead; tell the museum the group size because larger groups may be split between rooms. Talks, outreach visits and guided walks are offered. Family history research and parish records are available by appointment only. |
