Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life
Community museum in Tiverton on Mid Devon life, with galleries on lace-making, farming and transport and the GWR locomotive known as the Tivvy Bumper.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Tiverton Museum opened in 1960. It was started by a few energetic local people who feared that objects and information about Tiverton and its surrounding area would be lost during the rapid changes of the post-war years. Today it is run by a charitable incorporated organisation, with a contribution to running costs from Mid Devon District Council, and holds Accreditation from Arts Council England.
The galleries cover the history of Mid Devon. Displays show home life and toys, and local trades and industries from the wool trade of the 1700s to John Heathcoat’s lace factory of 1816, together with brewing and local shops. Farming is represented by implements and an unusually large number of farm carts and waggons. Another gallery looks at Mid Devon in wartime and includes an Anderson air raid shelter, and a transport gallery covers roads, the Grand Western Canal and the railway.
The largest object in the collection is the Great Western Railway locomotive no. 1442, nicknamed the Tivvy Bumper. Visitors can stand on its footplate. The museum also houses Tiverton’s Tourist Information Centre.
Highlights
- GWR locomotive no. 1442, the Tivvy Bumper
- Lace-making and the Heathcoat factory
- Farm carts and waggons
- Mid Devon at war, with an Anderson shelter
- Transport gallery on the Grand Western Canal and railway
Permanent exhibition
- The Tivvy Bumper – The museum’s largest object is Great Western Railway locomotive no. 1442, nicknamed the Tivvy Bumper, which visitors can climb aboard.
- Founded
- 1960
- Operated by
- Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life (charitable incorporated organisation, charity no. 1181976)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £9.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £8.08Students aged 16 and over with ID, and Blue Light and Defence Discount Card holders (15% off) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 16 · Children aged 16 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Carers and support workers of visitors with disabilities or additional needs are admitted free with proof of entitlement, such as a Carers’ Card, a DLA or PIP award letter or a Blue Badge. |
| Students & apprentices | £8.08Valid student ID required |
| Groups (10+ people) | £8.50 per personPre-booked groups of 10 or more adults; coach drivers are free. |
| Self-led school group, non-member schools (per child, includes a trail) | £2.50Accompanying adults free; member schools free, with a trail costing £0.50 per child |
The standard adult price is £9.50. An adult ticket with a Gift Aid donation costs £10.50. Museum members are admitted free. Pre-booked evening openings are available for groups of 20 or more.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- 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 states that it is fully accessible to wheelchair users, with a lift to the first floor and an accessible toilet. A wheelchair can be borrowed if booked in advance by phone or email. A portable induction loop is available at the front desk on request. All toilets are on the ground floor near the entrance. Assistance dogs and other dogs are welcome on a short lead. Blue Badge holders pay in the car park but receive one extra hour on their ticket. A pre-visit accessibility guide can be downloaded from the website.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 16 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
A Family Activities Station near the entrance is the place to start. Children can use trails, quizzes and free Explorer Backpacks with trails, toys and books, try dressing-up stations, ride on scooter vehicles and stand on the footplate of the Tivvy Bumper. Tiverton Tots sessions are held for under-5s, and holiday activities and handling sessions are listed on the events page. Prams and pushchairs can be parked by the front desk.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Tiverton bus station
The main bus station is a few minutes’ walk from the museum. The museum gives no train information.
By car
Paid parking
A short-stay pay-and-display car park is right outside the museum, and a long-stay multi-storey car park is a few minutes away. Blue Badge holders still pay but get a one-hour extension.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
There is no café, but the museum shop sells hot and cold drinks and snacks. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and visitors may bring their own picnic. A highchair is provided in the indoor seating area.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided walks for groups can be arranged. Allow at least an hour. A leaflet with a floor plan can be downloaded from the website. The museum also houses Tiverton’s Tourist Information Centre. |
