Things to do in the museum

There are lots of free things to do in the museum, whatever your age.

RAMM’s galleries hold over 8,000 fascinating objects. Come and be delighted by fascinating displays of exotic animals, birds and insects, hear stories of Devon and Exeter’s rich history, and immerse yourself in the important world cultures collections.

Grab a Bite in the Café

The Café at RAMM is open from 11am to 2pm and offers sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, paninis and freshly-baked cakes from local suppliers. Pop in to enjoy a break during your visit, or feel free to eat your own packed lunch at one of our tables.

Museum trails

Pick up one of our printed trails or visit the Exeter Time Trail site to follow a trail on your phone. Why not try our Treasures of the Museum trail, and pick your own favourite object?

Visit the New Family Area

Opening on Friday 25th April 2025, take a few moments to read a book together or create postcards in the new World Cultures gallery family area, under cloud lamps and a hot air balloon.

Beastie Bags

Pick up a free Beastie Bag from one of the museum receptions. Friendly giraffe, owl and ladybird wheely suitcases containing a selection of toys and ideas for enjoying the museum with young children.

two young boys approx 5 years old wheeling small suitcases shaped like animals (one giraffe, one owl) along a museum corridor

Museum Tours

Join one of our experienced guides for a revealing one hour tour of RAMM’s permanent collections. Explore the objects and stories of the past. Book here.

Museum Interactives

Touch specimens from our geology collection and watch a film about how Devon has been shaped over millions of years. Dress up as a roman, have a go at making a mosaic, climb into a real WWII bunker and more. There are plenty of interactive displays to explore!

Play RAMMbingo

A collection of eight fun activity cards, co-designed by local people with disabilities. Ask at reception for a card or download your own by clicking here or on the image below. How many things can you tick off in each gallery?

6 different a5 RAMMBingo cards in plastic stands, against a pink background.

Take a Sound Journey

A collection of sound pieces that bring together ideas and creative responses to museum objects that help you look at them differently and playfully. Created in collaboration with sound artist Gemma Nash and local people with disabilities. Listen on your phone or device at your own pace. Headphones available to borrow from reception.

A colourful postcard with a variety of different coloured shapes in the background, overlayed by the text 'Take a sound journey' in a bold black font

Listen to the Mindful Museum audio guide

Explore the museum at a slower and more mindful pace with this free audio guide, created in collaboration with Devon Recovery Learning Community. Choose your own route and space in the museum to carry out the activities. Go at your own pace; pause, reflect and return to the resource depending on how you feel. Headphones available to borrow from reception.

Out and About: Queering the Museum

Visit the Out and About: Queering the Museum butterfly interactive in the Making History gallery and listen to stories and voices from Exeter’s LGBTQ+ community, or pick up a Rainbow Trail from the museum reception.

The Stand and Stare interactive, an interactive installation shaped like a butterfly

This is Me Activity

To celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month visitors to RAMM will have the opportunity to connect with our collections in a different way.

Local artist Scotty Gillespie has created an engaging activity that invites people of all ages to explore the museum’s remarkable collections and discover connections to your own identity. Through this fun activity book, you will have the opportunity to create your own unique character, drawing inspiration from the treasures found within the museum. 

Pick up your free copy from either RAMM reception or the RAMM shop on arrival.

An illustration by Scotty Gillespie of a child in an exhibition with a leaflet.

See Things Differently Cards

20 free creative activity game cards are available at RAMM’s Garden Reception, inspiring creativity and prompting visitors to engage with the museum in different ways. There is a hashtag (#SeeThingsDifferently) to use on social media if you do take part and would like to share your outcomes!