A pebble's throw from the best beach in Devon, we're a volunteer-run museum for life-long learners of all ages and everyone who loves our corner of the world. We have nationally important costume and geological collections and excellent resources for local and family history researchers. Our new opening hours are 11.30 - 4.30 Tuesday - Sunday, and Bank Holiday Monday.

Some facilities, such as public access to local history documents, are temporarily withdrawn. We request that visitors wear face-masks and continue to observe social distancing guidelines for everyone's benefit. Thank you for your patience and support. We look forward to welcoming you to Fairlynch.

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History Report

Fairlynch is an educational charity, staffed entirely by volunteers and financed by donations. It is housed in a pretty Grade II Listed Georgian thatched cottage beside the sea. The building that now houses Fairlynch Museum and Arts Centre was built by local ship-owner Matthew Lee Yeates. It was then called Primrose Cottage.

Volunteers Report

Fairlynch is a friendly and inclusive charitable organisation that relies on its volunteers to help out in all sorts of roles. Our volunteers share a belief in the value of local history and culture within our community and enjoy being part of a dynamic group with a mission to show off the very best heritage assets of our region to visitors of all ages, near and far.

Trustees Report

Our Chairman, Trevor Waddington, retired to Budleigh Salterton with his wife Diane in 2012 after a 35-year career in the Royal Navy followed by 17 years of running an antique clocks business in Bradford-on-Avon. He is a Fellow of the British Horological Institute and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers.

Friends and Supporters Report

For over half a century Fairlynch Museum and Arts Centre, Budleigh Salterton's most famous landmark, has been displaying and conserving the precious memories and artefacts that make the town and surrounding area so special. Last year Fairlynch welcomed over 5,000 visitors, thereby making a significant contribution to the local economy.

Donations Report

Fairlynch is a wonderful organisation housed in a lovely but expensive to maintain building. Funds are being raised to 'balance the books'; an attempt to bridge the gap between annual income and expenditure. In recent years expenditure has exceeded income by between 4,000 and 5,000, which is unsustainable.

Reviews (11)

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Amanda Jones

Sep 30, 2021

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Very interesting lovely displays to show how history has grown over the years. Well worth going to see.

Linda Roberts

Sep 16, 2021

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Lovely little visit ladies working there were so nice very friendly xx

Stephanie Scotting

Sep 08, 2021

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A lovely little museum in the most beautiful building. A wide variety of exhibits, for adults and children.

Stuart Shaw

Dec 24, 2019

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The staff were very friendly and helpful we had fun doing the treasure hunt,which was pretty rock solid! The kids like dressing up too. The section on Burleigh's pebble beach answered all questions we had after our afternoon there.

David Nash

Nov 28, 2019

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Have been here before and found it very interesting especially the history of the railway which previously ran into Budleigh. On this occasion though we just sat in the pleasant garden and ate an ice cream.

Kim Morris

Nov 16, 2019

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Fascinating little museum with lots of information about the area free to visit

Omar Iqbal

Oct 21, 2019

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Brilliant for adults and kids and it's free but I did donate 10 notes you can dress up in fancy dress the kids loved this place could've of stayed hours

Angela Pearce

Sep 05, 2019

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Great Museum to visit lots of interesting items there. Staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. Well worth the visit.

Caroline Hempstead

Jun 20, 2019

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A must see when visiting Budleigh Salterton, it is a real gem. Full of local history and amazing facts of the area and of times gone by. Very helpful and knowledgeable stewards and a pleasure to talk with.

Sophie Brookes

Sep 01, 2018

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Really nice museum, showing a true taste of the local community and it's history.

Julia Whyte

May 17, 2018

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A really lovely museum which I visited today with my daughter and her baby. It's a small museum that doesn't overwhelm. Worth a second visit!