Ilfracombe Museum

About the museum

Ilfracombe Museum was founded in 1932 by Mervyn Palmer, a collector and explorer with a special interest in butterflies. His own collections of natural history and objects from around the world formed the core of the museum, and local history, costume and maritime displays were added over time.

The museum is housed in a maze-like building on Wilder Road that looks small from outside but holds eight rooms. They include a main gallery, a gallery on Ilfracombe, a costume room with a bird gallery, a Victorian kitchen and laundry, the Palmer Room, a maritime room and a display on the town in wartime.

It is run as an independent charity and receives no funding from the local authority. Because the current lease is ending and the risk of flooding is growing, the museum plans to move to the Old Post Office on the High Street.

Highlights

• More than 1,000 butterfly and moth specimens in drawers
• Birds and mammals displayed in the galleries
• A wedding dress worn on Boxing Day 1918
• Model ships, including HMS Bounty, and a Morse code station in the Maritime Room
• Victorian kitchen and laundry

Permanent exhibitions

• Natural history collection – Butterflies and moths in drawers, birds and mammals, and bats in cupboards, collected by the museum founder and others.
• Maritime Room – Model ships including HMS Bounty and a Morse code station tell the story of the town's links with the sea.
• Costume Room and Bird Gallery – Historic clothing, including a wedding dress from 1918, shown beside bird displays.

Founded

1932

Operated by

Ilfracombe Museum (independent charity)

Admission & discounts

Prices apply from 1 January 2026. No family ticket is listed. Members get free entry.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• 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 and has a ramp. The toilet is the only area that wheelchair users cannot reach. Disabled visitors can be dropped off at the entrance, and some galleries have seating. Dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Children can try brass rubbing, follow a trail and use a dressing-up box. A Shipwreck Trail runs through the summer and is included with admission. The museum also holds workshops and history talks.

Getting there & parking

The museum is next to the Landmark Theatre, about a 15-minute walk from Ilfracombe harbour. By car, follow signs for the harbour and take the turning behind Runnymede Gardens.

Amenities & dining

The museum does not mention a café, shop or Wi-Fi. A café is only mentioned for the planned new building.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit