In short: Bygones Victorian Museum is a museum in Torquay, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1,802 Google reviews.
Details checked · source: Google Places
About Bygones Victorian Museum
Step back in time at this fascinating Torquay museum where full-scale recreated Victorian street scenes complete with period shops and an operational model railway bring history vividly to life.
What's nearby
- Boots Pharmacy next door
- St Marychurch Post Office next door
- Chilcote Surgery next door
- John Lake Estate Agents Torquay next door
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible entrance
Payment
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
What visitors say
Wonderfully weird British institution. Any fans of living history will love this place. I first visited Bygone’s back in 2001 as a young child, and it left a huge impression on me. I remembered so much of it vividly, from the terrifying dentist and the crying baby to the sounds and smells of the Victorian street and WW1 trench. It was so nice to come back 25 years later and find that it hadn’t changed much. I’m amazed at how well preserved many of the exhibits are, and I commend the Cuming family and staff for taking such good care of everything over the years. I really hope this place stays open for many years to come. Places like this are vital for children and adults alike, offering an immersive glimpse into history. Especially in an age of smartphones, cost cutting and uncertainty, it’s wonderful to experience the past in such a tangible way. I’m slightly baffled by some of the more negative reviews from people complaining that there’s too much to look at (?!). What a strange thing to moan about! I could easily spend all day here. Perhaps I was lucky that my partner and I practically had the whole place to ourselves, and I can understand that it might be harder to take everything in if it’s busy. I’d recommend visiting as early in the day as possible, particularly on nice weather days when more people are likely to be at the beach!
· via Google
A fair price for an enormous collection of old today and furniture and train things and a massive train inside. The cafe is good too. It's a one way system, but you can backtrack. No guide or staff to help you, but it's still good. Not interactive. I'd visit again.
· via Google
Oustanding and a must to visit. So good I went back next day without the wife to look at everything I missed and was there for 2 hours. This place puts Torquay museum to shame. They say a picture paints a thousand words so if you want an idea of what you are going to see then look at the photos which represents a small sample of whats available. Great shop on the way out selling memorabilia and medals. The Cafe is a must, best clotted cream, jam and a home made large scone with a pot of tea for £5.50. The museum used to be a cinema and you can see the projectionist outlet in the cafe.
· via Google
My son asked to visit this museum whilst we were on holiday nearby. The museum is packed with all sorts of memorabilia. They even managed to get a steam train on the upper floor! Interesting place to visit.
· via Google
Visitors say this museum offers a vast collection of genuine memorabilia, including a full-sized steam engine, and features beautifully recreated Victorian street scenes and WWI trenches. They also highlight the friendly and welcoming staff, as well as the on-site cafe serving drinks and cakes. Many guests mention it provides excellent value for money and is a great option for a rainy day.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- 4 Fore Street, St Marychurch, Torquay, TQ1 4PR Get directions
- Category
- Museums & Galleries
- Guest rating
- 4.6 / 5 (1,802 reviews)
- Suitable for
- Ages 4+
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Torquay
Quick answers
What are the opening hours of Bygones Victorian Museum?
Bygones Victorian Museum is open Mon–Sun 10am–4pm (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go).
Is Bygones Victorian Museum any good?
Bygones Victorian Museum is rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1,802 Google reviews.
Is Bygones Victorian Museum good for children?
Yes, Bygones Victorian Museum is listed as good for children.
Is Bygones Victorian Museum indoors or outdoors?
Bygones Victorian Museum has both indoor and outdoor areas.
What ages is Bygones Victorian Museum suitable for?
Bygones Victorian Museum is best for ages 4+.
Is Bygones Victorian Museum wheelchair accessible?
Bygones Victorian Museum has a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
Is there parking at Bygones Victorian Museum?
Yes: paid car park and paid street parking.
How do I contact Bygones Victorian Museum?
Call Bygones Victorian Museum on +44 1803 326108.