Torbay Museums

(Brixham / Paignton / Torquay - Torbay, Devon, England, UK)

Although most tourists come to Torbay for its beaches and sunshine, there are a small number of museums that are perfect for rainy days. The Torquay Museum on Babbacombe Road is especially notable and is dedicated to all aspects of local Torbay history.

In Brixham, there are two main museums to choose between. The first is the Brixham Heritage Museum, which is located close to the centre of Brixham and occupies the town's former Police Station and Sergeant's House, standing next to the library and Fore Street. Second is the wonderful full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake's famous ship, the Golden Hind, which has been permanently moored in the port of Brixham since 1963 and provides a genuine insight into the lives of 16th-century sailors.

Golden Hind Museum Ship

Address: The Quay, Brixham Harbour, Brixham, Torbay, Devon, TQ5 8AW, England, UK
Tel: +44 01803 856223
Operating as a museum-type attraction, the Golden Hind replica has certainly become a focal point for tourists. Step aboard and you will learn the tales of the many voyages of Drake, who circumnavigated the world in the original Golden Hind between the years of 1577 and 1580. During your visit you will learn about the cramped sleeping conditions of its sailors, their poor food and diet, monthly pay, and the historic battles between the English and Spanish navies. A choice of fun seasonal events are staged here each summer, with Pirate Thursdays being a particular favourite for children.
Open hours: daily, mid-February to July, September and October - 10:00 to 16:00; August - 10:00 to 21:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and seniors

Torquay Museum

Address: 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay, Torbay, Devon, TQ1 1HG, England, UK
Tel: +44 01803 293975
Opened in 1845 by the Torquay Natural History Society, the Torquay Museum is actually now Devon's oldest museum attraction. Highlights include an array of artefacts discovered at the Kents Caverns, various archeological relics, and a detailed exhibition about Torquay's most famous novelist, Agatha Christie, who grew up here to gain the prestigious accolade of the best-selling author in the world. The recently opened Explorers Gallery offers the chance to learn about famous local explorers, such as Colonel Percy Harrison Fawcett, and contains some valuable Egyptian treasures. Children will enjoy the various hand-on activities here, where they can crawl through an Egyptian tunnel and search for the combination of a treasure chest. Regular lectures and exhibitions are held here in the recently refurbished Pengelly Hall.
Open hours: mid-July to September, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 13:30 to 17:00; October to mid-July, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, students and families (two adults and three children)

Brixham Heritage Museum

Address: The Old Police Station, Bolton Cross, New Road, Brixham, Torbay, Devon, TQ5 8LZ, England, UK
Tel: +44 01803 856267
Visitors to the Brixham Heritage Museum will be provided with a lively insight into the town's rich maritime history and its close relationship with the sea, with literally thousands of exhibits and local artefacts on display. These include past and present photographs of Brixham, an interesting display of historic toys, and information about the town's RNLI lifeboat, the summer sailing regatta, the World Wars and the days of smuggling, as well as authentic reconstructions of Victorian shops and rooms. There is also a display about the famous 17th-century sailing ship, the Mayflower and its replica the Mayflower II, the latter of which was built at Brixham's Upham Shipyard in 1955 and now resides in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in the USA, after retracing its predecessor's famous route.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 13:00
Admission: nominal charge, one child is free with each paying adult