This 18th-century farmhouse-turned-museum showcases the history and culture of Whimple and its surroundings. The centre features exhibits on the village's agricultural heritage, its role in World War II, and its notable residents. Visitors can explore the restored farmhouse, outbuildings, and gardens, which offer a glimpse into rural life in the past. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year.
A small but perfectly formed collection of local items that have connections with this charming village located near Exeter. We (mostly my owners) learnt about the history of the village, some of the past inhabitants and its role it has played in history. The display on the Land Army girls was very interesting and the important role the village played in Devon during the 2nd world war to support their training. There is also a galley dedicated to the Whiteway's family and the cider company they created which in its heyday enjoyed sales across globe. Some of the old product cans and bottles that are on display brought back some memories of my own younger years, and evoked some interesting questions from other visitors' children...like "Daddy why would you buy so much drink (it was sherry) in a big purple plastic container"?... it made me chuckle anyhow. There is a small corner of the museum showing a very old black and white film of the local Wassailing tradition that is very entertaining, and apparently according to the helpful volunteer steward is still very much alive in the village to this day. I should mention that there is no entrance fee to visit and it is entirely run by volunteers, so I felt that a donation popped into the donations box was only right and proper. and I say donations box, it in fact a repurposed milk churn, quaint and quirky, which kind of sums up the whole place.
An interesting little museum alongside an excellent village pub. Run entirely by volunteers it is truly a labour of love and commitment to the village of Whimple (In itself a lovely Devon village). The Heritage centre has two halves to it, one half has excellent displays on all things about local village life, its history and those notable residents that have lived in the village during the ages. The other half of the building is dedicated to the Whiteway's Cyder company which had its factory and HQ in the village for almost 100 years before its closure in the late 1980's (I learnt that on my visit ), although obviously quite a niche subject it has a wealth of memorabilia associated with not only the company but cider making in general. If you want to enjoy a few hours exploring for the first time or reminiscing on days gone by then this is the museum for you, and afterwards you can pop into the adjacent pub for a pint of the Devon nectar itself if that's your tipple...the pub does serve other drinks and fabulous food too. Overall, highly recommended.
Enjoyed visiting the centre (free, donations appreciated) while on holiday in the area. Interesting information and artefacts - very well laid out and organised - friendly and knowledgeable volunteer who was happy to chat. Bought some locally made jam.
Excellent little museum type attraction that celebrates the local history of the village of Whimple. Highly recommended to while away an hour either before or after enjoying a meal and drink in the adjacent New Fountain Inn.
Open for Xmas shopping. Lovely Xmas gifts. Worth visiting next year.
Great range of photos and items. Friendly staff.
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Restaurant
Good for kids
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A small but perfectly formed collection of local items that have connections with this charming village located near Exeter. We (mostly my owners) learnt about the history of the village, some of the past inhabitants and its role it has played in history. The display on the Land Army girls was very interesting and the important role the village played in Devon during the 2nd world war to support their training. There is also a galley dedicated to the Whiteway's family and the cider company they created which in its heyday enjoyed sales across globe. Some of the old product cans and bottles that are on display brought back some memories of my own younger years, and evoked some interesting questions from other visitors' children...like "Daddy why would you buy so much drink (it was sherry) in a big purple plastic container"?... it made me chuckle anyhow. There is a small corner of the museum showing a very old black and white film of the local Wassailing tradition that is very entertaining, and apparently according to the helpful volunteer steward is still very much alive in the village to this day. I should mention that there is no entrance fee to visit and it is entirely run by volunteers, so I felt that a donation popped into the donations box was only right and proper. and I say donations box, it in fact a repurposed milk churn, quaint and quirky, which kind of sums up the whole place.
An interesting little museum alongside an excellent village pub. Run entirely by volunteers it is truly a labour of love and commitment to the village of Whimple (In itself a lovely Devon village). The Heritage centre has two halves to it, one half has excellent displays on all things about local village life, its history and those notable residents that have lived in the village during the ages. The other half of the building is dedicated to the Whiteway's Cyder company which had its factory and HQ in the village for almost 100 years before its closure in the late 1980's (I learnt that on my visit ), although obviously quite a niche subject it has a wealth of memorabilia associated with not only the company but cider making in general. If you want to enjoy a few hours exploring for the first time or reminiscing on days gone by then this is the museum for you, and afterwards you can pop into the adjacent pub for a pint of the Devon nectar itself if that's your tipple...the pub does serve other drinks and fabulous food too. Overall, highly recommended.
Enjoyed visiting the centre (free, donations appreciated) while on holiday in the area. Interesting information and artefacts - very well laid out and organised - friendly and knowledgeable volunteer who was happy to chat. Bought some locally made jam.
Excellent little museum type attraction that celebrates the local history of the village of Whimple. Highly recommended to while away an hour either before or after enjoying a meal and drink in the adjacent New Fountain Inn.
Open for Xmas shopping. Lovely Xmas gifts. Worth visiting next year.
Great range of photos and items. Friendly staff.
