Welcome to the Tavistock Museum Website
We are a town and community museum situated at the historic Court Gate in the centre of Tavistock. Our exhibitions and stories will fascinate the whole family!
There’s plenty to discover at Tavistock Museum!
- Explore the history of Tavistock’s once magnificent Medieval Abbey.
- Find out why local hero Sir Francis Drake is now such a controversial figure.
- Discover how the town lost its two railway stations.
- Learn how the Tamar Valley and Tavistock came to form part of the Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.
Tavistock Museum is run by a charitable trust and staffed by a dedicated team of volunteers. Could you spare some time to help out with our town and community museum? Find out how you could get involved!
CAN YOU HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF TAVISTOCK MUSEUM?
We’re looking for five new Trustees, including Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, who can bring their energy, skills and proactive approach to help guide our experienced team.
Full information and application details are available here, where you will also see the Officer roles advertised separately below the entry.
What's Happening?
A Stitch in Time... saves treasures
Our fabulous new exhibition, ‘A Stitch in Time’, looks at fashions between the mid-1800s and mid-1900s and connections to Tavistock.
It was inspired by a newly conserved Edwardian Mourning Dress donated by the late Robin Fenner, instrumental in setting up Tavistock Museum and former town mayor, and a 1945 Wartime Bride wedding dress, donated last year to the museum.
Conservation is at the heart of this year’s exhibitions and we are also displaying our newly restored 1846 edition of Rachel Evans’ first guide book to Tavistock, depicting the daily lives of the local people and descriptions of the area.
Improved accessibility for all is front and centre at the museum this year, with a newly installed stairlift, Braille guides, subtitled videos and an audio guide.
And while you’re here, make sure you follow the clues around the museum to complete our interactive ‘Time to Get Dressed’ game!
The Railways of Tavistock
Our previous, mini exhibition has been extended to provide more information on Tavistock North and Tavistock South Railway Stations.
Tavistock once boasted not one, but two railway stations! The London and South Western line ran through Tavistock North station and the Great Western Railway line through Tavistock South.
Visit our exhibition to find out more about their importance to the town, their eventual closure and about the movement to get a station reinstated once again for Tavistock.
With many before and after photos, this is an engaging exhibition for everyone.
Mines, Minerals and Maidens
Did you know that Tavistock Museum is an Area Centre for the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site?
In 2006, the Tamar Valley and Tavistock were jointly named as one of 10 areas in Cornwall and West Devon to be awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO. That means we sit alongside the likes of the Taj Mahal, The Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier Reef, the Amalfi Coast and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Our 2025 exhibition looks at the mining heritage, minerals and Bal Maidens – the women who worked in the industry – of West Devon and the Tamar Valley area.
Markets, Trades and Occupations
Tavistock has always been a thriving centre of commerce and its markets, trades and occupations are brought to life through our exhibition.
Agricultural implements highlight how the sector has changed over the years and items from the town itself include books and objects from local chemists and dairies as well as tourist mementoes.
Our textiles display includes fashion and accessories and make sure you check out what was once the latest in cutting-edge technology – a magic lantern and slides – plus many more items that give a glimpse into this rich tapestry of everyday life.
How to Find Us
The front entrance to the museum is tucked away in the corner of Guildhall Square. There is a small, short-term car park in the square and long-term parking options within walking distance.
Please note we only have disabled access to the ground floor welcome area, audio-visual room and museum shop. The two main galleries are on the first floor of the building and accessible only by stairs.
Opening Times
11 am – 3 pm Tuesday – Saturday from 9 May to 31 October 2026.
All other times by prior arrangement only.
We welcome school visits – please contact us to arrange your trip!