Bygones is a must-see attraction for visitors to St Marychurch and Torquay. Walk freely through a wide variety of interactive displays and over 2000 genuine artifacts from yesteryear!
Just five minutes walk from our neighbouring attractions Babbacombe Model Village and Babbacombe Cliff Railway which regularly traverses to and from Oddicombe Beach.
Bygones is proud to be listed in the top 10 of Things to do in Torquay, we are delighted to welcome well behaved dogs throughout Bygones.
Is Bygones Open?
Bygones is open daily from 10am, and open every day of the year, except Christmas Day.
How long will my visit last?
You can expect your visit to Bygones to last around 2 hours.
Is every item really genuine?
Very much so! We pride ourselves on the fact that all of our items are 100% genuine artifacts, and that every item has its own historical story to tell.
Do you accept Dogs?
We love doggie friends and welcome well behaved dogs throughout Bygones. Dogs must be accompanied by an adult and on a lead.
Can I bring my own food?
Sadly not. With so many historical precious and irreplaceable items on display, we would be very sad to see anything stained or dirtied by food or drink. We do have our very own themed Station Cafe, open every day for drinks, snacks, sandwiches, hot food and handmade cakes. We do ask that all food and drink is consumed within the cafe.
Is photography permitted inside Bygones?
Visitors to Bygones are welcome to take photographs and short videos for personal use during their visit.
Are pushchairs permitted inside Bygones?
Bygones is set over three floors. Based in an old quirky building, there are no lifts and a few steps to tackle between floors. Pushchairs must be left at the visitor reception to conform to our fire regulations.
Is Bygones accessible for disabled visitors?
We do not have lift access due to it being a 1920s building however we welcome everyone to Bygones. There are handrails on all the stairs and there are seats along the way. We offer a ground floor rate to disabled visitors and registered carers. Guide dogs are permitted in the museum.
January, February & March OPEN FROM 10am - Last Entry 3pm
April, May, June & July OPEN FROM 10am - Last Entry 4pm
August OPEN FROM 10am - Last Entry 4pm
September & October OPEN FROM 10am - Last Entry 4pm
November & December OPEN FROM 10am - Last Entry 3pm
Every item tells a story
All of our items are 100% genuine artifacts, the medals once worn with pride, earned from defending one’s country with the guns, swords, and uniforms also on display. Costume jewellery and perfume bottles, worn by our ancestors to prepare for an evening out.
Individual visitors are self-guided and will follow the attraction through the 3 levels, starting with the period rooms, all with original artefacts representing the late Victorian era. Descend into the life-sized Victorian street with 12 shops displaying original products which woudl have been purchased at the time. Notice the smells and sounds to create ambiance as you immerse yourself in Victorian life. Upstairs, through the cafe, there are a vast amount of displays to ponder over, from 50s/60s, WWI,WWII including real life stories with original documentation, P&O, West Ham United & model railway displays. Our cafe offering light, fresh snacks is also available.