Fairlynch Museum, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
Part of the attraction of Fairlynch Museum in Budleigh Salterton is that its home is a quirky Georgian cottage with white washed walls, ornate windows and a heavy thatched roof; right at the top is a turret, also thatched and said to have been added by the ship owner who built the cottage so that he could see his vessels in the bay.
Fairlynch Museum isn’t very big by any means but it has some fascinating collections; there are nationally important costumes, stacks of local history and geological finds from this part of Devon, and an array of over 500 teddy bears and toys dating from the 19th century. There’s even a Smuggler’s Cellar, and a whole room dedicated to Sir Walter Raleigh who was born just a few miles away in 1552. There are regular exhibitions at the museum, and they have a little shop where they sell souvenirs and cards, oh, and whilst you’re here you must see the gorgeous Regency style gardens! It’s all so very charming, a world away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Open 10 April – end of October Tues-Sun 2.00 pm-4.30 pm
T: 01395 442666 All information correct at the time of writing