Sidmouth Museum

Sidmouth Museum is run and owned by the Sid Vale Association. Through the efforts of Mary Kilgour, the Museum first opened in 1950 at Woolcombe House, then in 1970 moved to its current location in Hope Cottage (on lease from Sidmouth Council) next to the Parish Church in Church Street. Over the decades the museum has grown and developed, now described in a visitor review as a ’gem’ amongst museums and rated one of the best things to do in Sidmouth. Progressive and outward looking, the museum aims to attract the widest possible audience through its collections to bring enjoyment to all visitors. There are many displays in galleries and rooms over two floors.

The Museum has a large Geology Collection on show including rare fossils found in Sidmouth, giant reptile footprints, mammoth and other relics mostly collected from the Jurassic coastline. Other collections exhibited include Archaeology, Lace, Local celebrities from the past and Social History. Displays include items of local, national and international significance.

Extensive use of interactive TV screens provide informative details about the exhibits and also items we don't have room to show currently. Five screens show the History of Sidmouth, the History of Sidmouth Hotels, Local Geology, Biodiversity in the Sid Valley, the Museum’s Art Collection and the Lace Collection.

Each season we feature new exhibitions from some of the many items in our archive store, so there is always something new to see.

For young visitors there is a Museum Quiz computer table - look around the Museum to find the answers. 

For More Details, Plan Your Visit, Guided Walks ...

Please use this link to go to the SVA's dedicated Sidmouth Museum website