Allhallows Museum: Honiton lace and local history

Allhallows Museum gives a visit to Honiton a clear local-history focus. On the High Street beside St Paul’s Church, it brings together lace, pottery, fossils and objects associated with the town and surrounding district. For guests staying at Primrose Cottages in Upottery, it is a useful way to put familiar local place names into context.

Honiton lace is central to the collection, tracing a craft that shaped the town’s identity. Look closely at the scale and detail of the work before moving on to everyday objects and archaeological discoveries. The fossil collection includes remains associated with the Honiton hippos, an unexpected introduction to the area’s much earlier past. Visitors interested in textiles, making and social history may find this particularly rewarding.

The museum is run by volunteers and its opening pattern changes through the year. Check the current visitor page before planning a journey, especially outside the main season. The historic building has specific access arrangements, including a separate level entrance to the Nicoll and Norman galleries and equipment available on request. Contact the museum in advance if you need assistance or wish to understand access to a particular collection.

Consider pairing the museum with time elsewhere in Honiton rather than filling the day with distant attractions. It provides an indoor element when the weather interrupts walking plans, while keeping the focus on the area around your cottage. Give yourself time to follow whichever displays catch your interest.