Wet or dry, there's lots to see and do

The entrance to the Museum is a small doorway in the Butterwalk, next to the bank

Dartmouth Museum is a small, fascinating and interesting museum housed in an atmospheric old merchant's house, built in approximately 1640. It's the best tourist attraction in Dartmouth, a real treat, and not just for those who already know they like history.

The Museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts, models, paintings and photographs which can help you explore and develop your interests, whether they be in maritime history, the social and economic history of the town of Dartmouth, or the physical changes to the town over the past centuries.

From the moment you walk through the door you will be transported into the past life of this wonderful town, and begin to understand more about the strong link between the people of the town and the sea.

The Museum has undergone a gradual refurbishment over the last few years, which enables the display of artefacts in a way which both makes them accessible, and conveys a sense of Dartmouth as it has developed into the town we know today. We have more things on display than ever before and more room to display them in using the same floor area. What a wonderful paradox!It's a real living tribute to our museum designer and our curator, and it means our visitors, that's you, have a great view of the exhibits. And, in the bottom drawers, are "Yes you can!" things for the kids to discover.

The beautifully redesigned exhibition area inside the King's Room

This has to be one of the best things to do in Dartmouth, whether the weather is wet or dry!

What do you want to know about Dartmouth? Our volunteer stewards probably know the answer. And, if they don't, our archives are huge. They know how to find out and they know whom to ask if they can't get at an immediate answer.

When you visit us, please tell us that you found us via this web site, or from Facebook, or from Twitter: put a note in our visitors' book. And please do check in on Foursquare, too, if you use it.

The Museum has a formal mission statement which you may read on our About Us page.