Sidmouth Toy and Model Museum

Tucked away in Sidmouth, just a short drive from Budleigh Salterton, this toy museum is exactly what it says on the tin - a proper collection of toys and model railways that'll transport you back decades. The displays span everything from vintage tinplate to die-cast cars, plus some seriously impressive model train layouts that actually run. It's the sort of place where adults spend longer than they expected, hunched over glass cases spotting toys they owned as kids.

Families with children under twelve will get the most mileage here, though the detail-oriented model railway enthusiasts tend to camp out longest. The museum isn't massive - you're looking at an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're really into it - but it's a solid wet-weather option when the Devon coast is being typically drizzly. Worth ringing ahead to check current opening hours and admission prices before you visit, as these smaller museums can be a bit variable.

If you're staying at Ladram Bay or Oakdown nearby, this makes a decent rainy-day filler between beach trips to Sidmouth's pebble shore. Don't expect blockbuster-scale exhibits, but if your family actually enjoys handling memories and spotting collectibles, you'll find it oddly absorbing. The town itself is worth a wander too.