House of Marbles
House of Marbles
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,026 reviews
Excellent
599
Very good
336
Average
64
Poor
16
Terrible
11
Carrie F
Carterton, UK387 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We visited on a whim on the way through and was pleasantly surprised. They are fully dog friendly and although it is not a huge attraction you could still spend a few hours there as there is something for everyone!
A fantastic gift shop, marbles of all shapes and sizes, marble runs, glass blowing, pottery museum, jewellery making and a great cafe which was very reasonably priced for snacks. We ordered 2 scones, a pot of tea and a coffee for less than £10 and the scones were a great size. I would highly recommend to anyone in the area to stop by, and it's free :)
A fantastic gift shop, marbles of all shapes and sizes, marble runs, glass blowing, pottery museum, jewellery making and a great cafe which was very reasonably priced for snacks. We ordered 2 scones, a pot of tea and a coffee for less than £10 and the scones were a great size. I would highly recommend to anyone in the area to stop by, and it's free :)
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laps693
Bexhill-on-Sea, UK3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
The day we agreed to visit was a raining day and in a guide book this is listed as the second best thing to do with children first being crabbing. So off we went arrive (hours journey from where we were based) enter the building and then it hit us….not a place for children at all
Lovely displays of glass items to buy, tiny room with three/four marble runs a ‘games’ garden and adventure playground
I guess we were expecting a whole array of interactive marble type exhibits for kids of all ages instead it is a high end pottery shop with some glass marbles thrown in
We didn’t stay long and headed for Trago Mills, a strange place but much better set up for a day out with children
The breakfast was the best (and only) breakfast we had out out on our hols
Lovely displays of glass items to buy, tiny room with three/four marble runs a ‘games’ garden and adventure playground
I guess we were expecting a whole array of interactive marble type exhibits for kids of all ages instead it is a high end pottery shop with some glass marbles thrown in
We didn’t stay long and headed for Trago Mills, a strange place but much better set up for a day out with children
The breakfast was the best (and only) breakfast we had out out on our hols
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John A
Brentwood, UK346 contributions
Sep 2022
A large gift shop linked to a glass blowing enterprise which has made a thing of marbles. If you are into retail therapy then there are lots of nice items (at nice prices) with a very wide range.
The pottery museum is worth a quick look, as is the collection of glassware.
The highlight are the marble runs/machines where marbles or balls are lifted up and then drop down following differing routes with a lot of banging and crashing. It takes quite a while of watching each one to work out where all the balls go and the different sequences.
We enjoyed a coffee in the restaurant/cafe which is best described as organised chaos. We had to wait to be seated but then the drinks came pretty quickly.
The pottery museum is worth a quick look, as is the collection of glassware.
The highlight are the marble runs/machines where marbles or balls are lifted up and then drop down following differing routes with a lot of banging and crashing. It takes quite a while of watching each one to work out where all the balls go and the different sequences.
We enjoyed a coffee in the restaurant/cafe which is best described as organised chaos. We had to wait to be seated but then the drinks came pretty quickly.
Written September 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Debbi S
Callac, France4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Free to go in and tour the glass works, and very interesting. We’re not that interested in marbles, but the museum and marble runs were great fun. The shops reasonably priced, and a good mix of things to choose from. We took our three kids and spent just over an hour there - they all enjoyed watching the glass birds being made, and we bough a few little bits from the shops, reasonably priced marbles in unusual designs.
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kerryb
2 contributions
May 2021
A wonderful visit to The H of M while holidaying in Lyme Regis (an hour away). I came with my dog and received a wonderful welcome (despite the fact we were damp from the carpark dash in the torrential rain). All the staff, in all areas were really friendly and helpful. At first glance I thought the place was just a large, glorified gift shop (despite my parents having recommended I visit). Oh, but it is is so much more than that. The museum displays are fascinating, the marble runs were captivating, the café was marvellous and in my view, great value for money and veggie-friendly (I can thoroughly recommend the takeaway picnic box), and as for the shop, that was excellent, I did plenty of early Christmas shopping. It was a wet and miserable day outside, but we managed to while away a good few hours. Thanks to all the staff and also lots of friendly customers I chatted to on that day too.
As for COVID compliance, everything seemed fine to me, but it was a quiet day. Loos were exceptionally clean.
As for COVID compliance, everything seemed fine to me, but it was a quiet day. Loos were exceptionally clean.
Written May 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kemp37
Gillingham, UK146 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
I came across this looking through trip advisor. It wasn’t a great weather day so me and 1 of my sons headed off to check it out. We arrived & had a quick look at the amazing ball run upstairs. Then headed for breakfast before it got too busy. Breakfast was so good we booked back in for the next day! We looked around the glass making room (stunning glasswork for sale) & watched them while making something! Had a look around the museum and found the penny press. Then the shop where marble purchases were had.
Restaurant - only had breakfast here but was delish! Very clean, all masked or visored up. Very polite & helpful. Price wise for 2nd day for family of 5 we paid half price due to government incentive so £22 (Would have been £44 otherwise). That was 5 breakfasts and 3 extra orange juices.
Toilets on site
Play area although heard something play things removed due to covid still lovely climbing frame
Museum is small but really interesting and make sure you have your £1 & 1p for the penny press.
On the wet day we arrived around 9.30 and was not too busy but when we left around 10:40 was rammed
Non wet day got there for 9am (booked table time) and left at 10:30. Wasn’t as busy as still car park spaces in main car park. So if it’s wet get there first thing and aim to be out of there by 10:30!
Restaurant - only had breakfast here but was delish! Very clean, all masked or visored up. Very polite & helpful. Price wise for 2nd day for family of 5 we paid half price due to government incentive so £22 (Would have been £44 otherwise). That was 5 breakfasts and 3 extra orange juices.
Toilets on site
Play area although heard something play things removed due to covid still lovely climbing frame
Museum is small but really interesting and make sure you have your £1 & 1p for the penny press.
On the wet day we arrived around 9.30 and was not too busy but when we left around 10:40 was rammed
Non wet day got there for 9am (booked table time) and left at 10:30. Wasn’t as busy as still car park spaces in main car park. So if it’s wet get there first thing and aim to be out of there by 10:30!
Written August 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kim P
9 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We went here with my three year old grandson and his parents. He loves mechanical things and marble runs so this was perfect. He was entranced by the big marble run. We were interested in the pottery kilns and Victorian buildings generally. You have to bear in mind that entry is free which needs to be balanced against lots of things for sale. There’s a good playground outside with two marble games that he also loved and had great fun with another little boy! It was busy (December) as there’s a Santa’s grotto.The restaurant looked lovely although we didn’t go in. The glass blowing workshop was also of great interest to the three generations. If you are close by and love Marbles- who doesn’t- you must go!
Written December 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sherlock_Holmes_RDG
Newbury, UK40 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Having read the other reviews we expected much more of this. The marble runs on display and we’re amazing you could spend ages watching them. Had hoped to have been able to purchase something similar but what they did have for-sale was expensive and over priced for what it is.
Cream tea in the restaurant was great and safe very friendly and helpful.
Cream tea in the restaurant was great and safe very friendly and helpful.
Written September 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Sherlock
Thank you for your feedback - it is important to us.
I am delighted to hear you enjoyed the marble runs & cream tea.
We stock a huge range of products in our shop, with many items at reduced prices & of course lots of marbles, with prices starting from as little as 5p - I am very sorry that you could not find what you wanted at a price to suit you.
Written September 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sam P
11 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
We normally really enjoy visiting the House of Marbles however today left us disappointed. COVID compliance is very poor. We felt unsafe. There was far too many people in the building, no social distancing and no observing the one way system. At the very least the House of Marbles needs a booking system or someone at the door limiting numbers. I will not be visiting again until COVID has gone!
Written October 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello
Thank you for posting your feedback - it is important to us.
We are genuinely very sorry that you did not enjoy your visit here. In order to ensure that we are doing our best to keep everyone safe we have worked with and acted on the advice of our local Environmental Health Officer to further improve on the systems we already have set in place & to regulate the number of visitors on site & she is satisfied with what we have done.
We have worked hard to ensure that we comply with government guidelines & regulations including carrying out risk assessments, installing hand sanitiser stations, setting up one way systems, using enhanced cleaning regimes, putting up signs, adding screens around counters etcetera.
Whilst we are still working on skeleton staff we simply do not have the capacity to employ someone on the door or to take bookings (particularly as we do not charge entrance fees). On busy days we put a large and very clear sign outside our doors asking customers not to enter until another one leaves - whilst the majority observe this & follow social distancing guidelines - unfortunately not everyone does.
We hope that you and your family stay safe.
Written November 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JonPratt
Devon, UK58 contributions
Oct 2020
There is much to delight here, not least the marble runs, the intimate museum exhibits, the glass making viewing and the welcome and enthusiasm of staff. The cafe is very good and all of this is free. But two things. Firstly the Covid protection is poor; there were too many people in this small space at one time. They must have booked or staggered entry. Secondly the shop is an odd mixture of quality and "fart joke" tat.
I am far from prudish but my six year old grandson did ask me what "I would rather have a sh*g" on a prominently displayed mug meant. You don't need this. Paignton seafront, yes. Here, no!
I am far from prudish but my six year old grandson did ask me what "I would rather have a sh*g" on a prominently displayed mug meant. You don't need this. Paignton seafront, yes. Here, no!
Written October 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karen V
United Kingdom
Could I please ask, How Accessible, easy is it to get around with a wheelchair? Please, can you get to all areas, is there ramps, lifts, toilet. Thank you
Rosey O
Exeter, UK29 contributions
Pretty good downstairs I think; restaurant, glassworks, shop and toilet are all on one floor. I don’t think they have wheelchair access to the shop floor upstairs. There’s more info on their website x
123Gill
Folkestone, United kingdom3 contributions
are dogs allowed into house of marbles
Dawkin
Great Leighs, UK70 contributions
Yes they can sit with you in the cafe and I saw some in the shop area too. I didnt feel comfortable taking mine around with me as it was very busy and there are lots of glass displays so to prevent accidents we took it in turns to look around. They did sit with us in the cafe and were very welcome.
bubble96
southampton
how long should we allow for a visit? half day? whole day?
Phoebe Heard (Teh Phoey Lee Heard)
Wrexham, UK637 contributions
A day or half a day depends on your interest. There are museum, marble factory and shops and etc.
nicholaspyke1
Gravesend, UK
Do you make marbles on site and can visitors watch them being made??
Tom P
Winchester, UK42 contributions
no you can't and they don't make marbles on site.
jennifer474
shaftesbyry136 contributions
Are dogs allowed at house of marbles ?
Manger1234
Bovey Tracey, United Kingdom
Hello
Firstly, please accept our sincere apologies for the delay in responding to your question.
We welcome dogs everywhere here except for inside our restaurant (assistance dogs are allowed inside the restaurant). However, if you would like to have something to eat you can take your dog in our restaurant garden. We also have doggy drinking bowls outside the restaurant and shop.
I hope this helps and that you and your dog will visit us soon.
LizF196
Taunton, UK7 contributions
opening times
patricia m
Eastbourne, UK51 contributions
9 til 5pm Monday through Saturday
10 till 5pm sunday free admission
House of Marbles (Bovey Tracey) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about House of Marbles
- House of Marbles is open:
- Sun - Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near House of Marbles:
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- Restaurants near House of Marbles:
- (0.01 mi) The Old Pottery Restaurant & Pottery By Night
- (0.13 mi) The Orangery Restaurant
- (0.63 mi) Brookside Tea Rooms & Gardens
- (0.65 mi) The Dolphin Hotel Restaurant
- (1.08 mi) Home Farm Café