The Devil’s Porridge Museum at Eastriggs offers a fascinating visit for all ages, with children’s activities, café and shop. Our Visit Scotland 5* rated interactive museum tells the story of HM Factory Gretna, a massive complex nine miles long with 30,000 workers. The quiet, rural area of Eastriggs and Gretna was transformed in 1915 to meet the needs of the shell crisis which was putting British soldiers in peril.
By 1917 the “greatest factory on earth” was producing 1,100 tons of cordite per week, more than all the other munitions plants in Britain combined. Our museum tells you the story of the 10,000 navvies who by day were striving hard to complete the factory in double-quick time and by night were terrorising local towns after an excess of drinking, and the 12,000 women, who came from all over to do their bit for their country.

There are artefacts outside in our grounds. Take a look at Sir James, our recently refurbished original fireless locomotive from HM Factory Gretna, specially designed to pull volatile devil’s porridge explosive. There’s also the recently erected memorial to animals who gave their lives in wartime and our authentic World War Two Anderson Shelter and Dig for Victory Garden are well worth a look.

The First Floor of the Museum has been transformed into a new gallery exploring the Solway region’s story from 1939-1945. The interactive exhibition uses a range of family friendly games, film footage and audio clips to support new interpretation and period objects. The display examines stories of Evacuees, POWs, RAF Fighter Pilots, Land Girls, and the experiences of children on the Home Front. Key war time stories have been sourced illustrating the experiences of local people who worked in the local Munitions Depots and Factories and those that served with the Armed Forces overseas.
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Our team of knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to tell you all about the history of the area and to answer any questions. As well as our exciting displays our café offers light lunches, tea, coffee, cakes and scones.

The museum is located just off the A75, only ten minutes from the M6 and M74. It is well signposted. There is full disabled access and free parking with room for coaches. We are able to cater for group visits and school parties. Guided tours and access to our multi-purpose Learning Room can be booked in advance.

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