Discover the intriguing history of HM Factory Gretna at The Devil’s Porridge Museum. Dive into interactive exhibits and uncover stories that shaped women’s rights during WWI.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
No particular fitness level required; suitable for all ages and mobility levels.
Wildlife
History
The factory was established in 1915 and played a crucial role in Britain’s wartime manufacturing efforts, symbolizing remarkable industrial resilience.
Conservation
The museum promotes sustainable tourism by maintaining the site responsibly and encouraging visitors to respect the historic environment.
The Devil's Porridge Museum
Discover the intriguing history of HM Factory Gretna at The Devil’s Porridge Museum. Dive into interactive exhibits and uncover stories that shaped women’s rights during WWI.
The Devil's Porridge Museum in Eastriggs, Scotland, preserves the history of HM Factory Gretna and the extraordinary home-front effort during World War I. The museum tells how around 30,000 workers — including some 12,000 women — produced cordite and other munitions, and how that work influenced local communities and the wider movement for women's suffrage. Visitors experience award-winning, state-of-the-art interactive exhibits that explain the factory's operations, personal stories, technology, and social impact.
Admission tickets grant access to permanent and rotating displays, guided tours, and hands-on interpretation suitable for adults, families, and school groups. The museum also offers specialist workshops and events designed to combine creativity with historical context. Creative sessions such as the Bath Bomb Lab and Melted Magic wax-painting activity are suitable for teens aged 12 and over and provide supervised, practical art experiences. Seasonal family programming includes themed events like the Children's Halloween Party 2025, with costume competitions and family contests, and a Halloween Stop Motion Workshop where participants learn to create short animated films.
The museum operates as a heritage attraction that partners with local educators and cultural organizations to deliver accurate historical interpretation and community engagement. Facilities support accessible visitor experiences, educational resources, and event bookings. The Devil's Porridge Museum maintains a focus on factual storytelling, conservation of industrial heritage, and public learning, offering an informative and engaging visit for history enthusiasts and creative families exploring the story of HM Factory Gretna. On-site parking, a museum shop, and pre-bookable group experiences available for schools and families.
Location
Eastriggs, Scotland
Located in Eastriggs, Scotland.
Historic Workforce
30,000 workers
Workforce size at HM Factory Gretna.
Award-winning
State-of-the-art
Recognised for interactive exhibits.
Events & Workshops
Bath bomb, wax, stop motion, Halloween
Creative sessions for teens and families.
Book admission tickets or reserve a workshop — explore HM Factory Gretna's history and join hands-on experiences for teens and families.
Visit during off-peak hours
Arrive early or late in the day to enjoy a less crowded experience and more personalized attention.
Check for special events
Look out for temporary exhibitions or events that provide deeper insights into wartime history.
Bring a notebook or sketchpad
Capture your favorite exhibits or jot down thoughts inspired by this historic site.
Plan your visit with local eateries
Gretna has charming cafes and eateries to enjoy after the tour, perfect for reflecting on what you learned.
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for exploring the indoor exhibits and outdoor surroundings comfortably.
Notebook or sketchpad
Great for jotting down insights or sketching visuals inspired by the exhibits.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Dress accordingly to stay comfortable when walking around the outdoor areas.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Camera or smartphone for photos
Capture memorable moments from your visit to share later or keep as souvenirs.