Ashburton History Museum

The museum sits quietly on Ashburton's high street, a small converted building that punches well above its weight. Inside, you'll find the sort of local history that actually matters - medieval pottery, tools from the tin-mining days, photographs of the town when it looked completely different. It's genuinely absorbing if you care about how places evolved.

A solid hour gets you round everything, maybe ninety minutes if you stop to read properly. The layout is intimate rather than overwhelming, which means you won't need to drag reluctant teenagers through endless glass cases. That said, it's not a destination on its own - it works best as a rainy-day option or a brief stop if you're passing through South Brent anyway.

Admission's free, which removes the guilt factor entirely. Go when you're basing yourself at either Ashbourne Woods or Dornafield - both are within easy reach and proper five-star sites. The museum pairs nicely with a walk round the town itself, which still has bits of genuine character despite being rather busy during peak season.

The exhibits focus heavily on Ashburton's medieval wool trade and later tin and copper mining, so history enthusiasts will find it worthwhile. For families with young children, it's a bit dry. For serious walkers or people interested in Devon's industrial past, it's well worth an hour of your time.