Buckfastleigh’s much‑loved Valiant Soldier — the time‑capsule former pub turned museum — has a cosy run of autumn and winter goings‑on. Come along for candlelight tales, a friendly AGM with cake, and a warm welcome during Wintertide, with plenty of chances to pop in on Wednesdays through the colder months.

Dates for your diary:

• Friday 31 October  — Halloween Special at the Valiant Soldier Museum. Explore by candlelight, hear mysterious tales, and finish with a hot chocolate and snack. No need to book, but places are limited; if you’d like to be sure of a spot, please get in touch (details below). Prices: £6 adults, £3 children, £15 family.
• Monday 17 November  — AGM, 1.30pm at the Valiant Soldier Museum. A friendly chance to hear what’s been happening — with coffee and lovely cakes. If you’re curious about volunteering, do come along (more details on our website; see below).
• Saturday 29 November  — Wintertide Open Day, 10am–5pm at the Valiant Soldier Museum. Free entry to the museum all day as part of Buckfastleigh’s Wintertide celebrations. Enjoy Gluh(less)wein, mocktails and hot chocolate; a pop‑up shop with gifts, greetings cards and our special 2026 calendar of local photos; plus Timeless Garments by Clair Dunn, Open Studios’ original art, and vintage vinyl from Jon.
• Wednesday 3 December — Christmas Fair at the Valiant Soldier. We’ll be open and the bar will be serving festive drinks — we’d love to see you.

Winter opening: Although we usually close after the main season, this winter we’ll be open each Wednesday, 10am–3.30pm (last entry 3pm). Regular opening resumes in March 2026. It’s a lovely time to explore the old rooms at a quieter pace — the building was a working pub until the mid‑1960s, and much of it remains just as it was.

Looking ahead: Our 2026 exhibition will spotlight Buckfastleigh’s historic wool and serge trades and the Hamlyn family’s role. If you have artefacts, photos or stories to share, the archive team would love to hear from you (see contact details below).

Support the Valiant: You can help by playing the Teignbridge Lottery — there’s a chance to win £25,000, tickets are £1 for six numbers, and 50p from each ticket supports the Valiant Soldier. Play here: https://www.teignbridgelotteryforcommunities.co.uk/support/the-valiant-soldier-museum-and-heritage-centre

Contact: General enquiries, booking and volunteering: info@valiantsoldier.org.uk | 01364 644522 | valiantsoldier.org.uk. Archive offers for the 2026 exhibition: valiantsoldierbuckfastleigh@gmail.com