Topsham Museum


Artefacts from Topsham's salty past fill this 17th-century waterfront building, including model sailing ships, shipwrights' tools and tublike historic boats. There's also a surprising Vivien Leigh room (she was the sister-in-law of the museum's founder), where memorabilia includes the nightdress the film star wore in Gone with the Wind.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Pebblebed Vineyard

1.4 MILES

You get more than a whiff of southern Europe on these winery tours that take in south-facing slopes, neatly staked vines and the heady aroma of fermenting…

2. Powderham Castle

2.49 MILES

The historic home of the Earl of Devon, Powderham is a stately but still friendly place built in 1391 and remodelled in the Victorian era. A visit takes…

3. Exeter Livestock Market

2.87 MILES

For a sense of what life's like on the farms tucked into East Devon's red-soil hills, head to one of the auctions at Exeter Livestock Market. Join farmers…

4. A La Ronde

3.51 MILES

This quirky 16-sided cottage was built in 1796 so two spinster cousins could display a mass of curiosities acquired on their 10-year European grand tour…

5. Exeter Quay

4.04 MILES

On fine sunny days the people of Exeter head to the quay. Cobbled paths lead between former warehouses that have been converted into antique shops, quirky…

6. Wharfinger's House

4.07 MILES

Newly arrived ships in Dartmouth would once have paid their wharfing fees at this picturesque house, which was built in the 1700s. Not open to the public.

7. Customs House

4.08 MILES

This stately 17th-century building was once the address where ships arriving in Dartmouth were required to pay customs duties. Look out for the antique…

8. Exeter Cathedral

4.23 MILES

Magnificent in warm, honey-coloured stone, Exeter's cathedral is one of Devon’s most impressive ecclesiastical sights. Dating largely from the 12th and…