The Victorian street was constructed using original period shop fittings and authentic period artifacts sourced from across Britain.
The museum includes a working model railway layout that covers over 300 feet of track.
The collection features a genuine steam engine displayed in a dedicated gallery.
Visitors can view a 1950s-style cafe setup that serves as a transition point between different historical eras within the building.
The entire exhibition was developed as a family project and has been expanded continuously since its inception in the late 1980s.
Bygones is a privately-owned, immersive social history museum featuring an expansive, life-sized Victorian shopping street. The attraction spans three floors of meticulously recreated period environments, including shops, a post office, and a blacksmith’s forge. Beyond the Victorian era, the museum houses extensive collections documenting the Edwardian period and the World Wars. A notable highlight is the large-scale model railway featuring interactive elements. The site is located in the St Marychurch district of Torquay. It functions as a sensory-rich walk-through experience rather than a traditional glass-case exhibition. The collection includes over 250,000 items accumulated over several decades. It remains a fixture of the local St Marychurch community heritage sector.
The central Victorian cobblestone street area provides the most authentic perspective for photography.
Wear comfortable, flat shoes as the attraction involves walking across several floors and uneven period-style surfaces.
Allow extra time for the model railway area if visiting with children, as it is highly interactive.
Check the museum website for seasonal event schedules, such as Christmas-themed displays.
Rushing through the displays; many of the most interesting details are hidden in the cluttered windows of the recreated shops.
Open daily throughout the year, though operating hours may be reduced during winter months.
