Bygones

Description

Step back in time to experience the authentic charm of Victorian-era Britain at the Bygones, an immersive historical museum that brings the past vibrantly to life. I’ve always been fascinated by how this three-floor time capsule manages to transport visitors through different periods of British history. The centerpiece is a meticulously recreated Victorian street, complete with shopfronts that’ll make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a Dickens novel.

But y’know what really caught my attention? It’s not just about the Victorian era. The museum also features an incredibly detailed World War I trench experience that gives you a sobering glimpse into soldiers’ lives during the Great War. And train enthusiasts (like my nephew who drags me here whenever he visits) absolutely love the model railway display – it’s seriously impressive!

Key Features

• Authentic Victorian street scene with period-accurate shop windows and interiors
• Detailed World War I trench recreation with atmospheric sound effects
• Large-scale model railway featuring miniature landscapes and working trains
• Original Victorian-era artifacts and collectibles
• Interactive displays letting you experience daily Victorian life
• Traditional sweet shop selling old-fashioned candies
• Period-costumed mannequins showing historical fashion
• Vintage arcade games that still work!
• Wartime memorabilia collection
• Cozy on-site café serving classic British treats

Best Time to Visit

From my multiple visits, I’ve found that weekday mornings tend to be the quietest time to explore the Bygones. The museum gets pretty packed during school holidays and weekend afternoons – especially when it’s raining outside (which, let’s be honest, happens quite a bit in Britain).

If you’re bringing kids, try to arrive right when they open at 10am. That way, you’ll have more space to explore the interactive exhibits before the crowds roll in. Winter months are actually fantastic for visiting – there’s something magical about stepping into the Victorian street scene when it’s cold outside, plus the café’s hot chocolate tastes even better!

How to Get There

Getting to the Bygones is pretty straightforward, though I remember getting a bit turned around my first time! The museum is easily accessible by both public transport and car. If you’re taking the bus, several local routes stop nearby – just hop off at the Torquay stop and it’s a short walk.

For those driving (which I usually recommend if you’re coming with family), there’s on-street parking available in the surrounding area. Just keep in mind that spaces can fill up quickly during peak tourist season. You might want to arrive early to snag a good spot.

Tips for Visiting

Listen, I’ve learned a few things from my visits here that’ll make your experience even better. First off, give yourself at least 2-3 hours to properly explore – there’s way more to see than you might think! The Victorian street alone deserves a good hour of your time.

Bring your camera (or make sure your phone’s charged) because you’ll want lots of photos, especially in the Victorian street scene. The lighting can be a bit tricky though, so maybe practice with your camera settings beforehand.

If you’ve got kids with you, grab one of the activity sheets from the front desk – they’re brilliant for keeping little ones engaged. My friend’s children absolutely loved the scavenger hunt-style activities last time we visited.

The café’s actually pretty good (and reasonably priced!), but it can get busy around lunchtime. I usually aim for an early or late lunch to avoid the rush. Their cream teas are particularly tasty – perfect after all that walking around!

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: some of the displays have really interesting details that are easy to miss. Take your time reading the information cards – there are some fascinating stories hidden in there. I discovered something new about Victorian dentistry on my last visit that was equal parts horrifying and fascinating!

Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking, and the Victorian street’s cobblestones can be a bit uneven. Also, bring a light jacket – some areas of the museum can get a bit chilly, especially in the trench experience section.

Finally, don’t rush through the gift shop at the end – they’ve got some unique souvenirs that you won’t find anywhere else. I always end up buying those old-fashioned sweets that remind me of my grandmother’s favorites!

Location

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