Welcome to The Devil’s Porridge Museum

The Devil’s Porridge Museum tells the story of HM Factory Gretna, the greatest munitions factory on earth in World War One, where the devil’s porridge (or cordite, an explosive) was mixed. There were 30,000 workers: 12,000 of them were women. Their contribution to the war effort helped women to achieve the vote.

Our state of the art, award-winning, 5 star-rated museum is one of the top things to do in Dumfries and Galloway.

Our museum is open 10am to 4.30pm daily with last entry at 3.45pm. You can pay for The Devil’s Porridge Museum admission tickets on arrival. For those who would like to book online, please be aware there is an online booking fee.

The green TripAdvisor owl logo with 2026 on it. Underneath are the words "Traveller's Choice."

Latest News

News

Dog Friendly Days

Following our Dog Friendly Trial Week we have an announcement to make... Back at the end of June to the start of July we hosted a Dog Friendly Trial Week.…

Some young people sat around a table painting Warhammer miniatures. A volunteer is stood up at the end of the table and another is sat painting.

News

We’re Looking For Young Volunteers!

We’re looking for young people (aged 15 to 25) who would like to bring their viewpoints, creativity, ideas, and enthusiasm to our work at the museum. We have new opportunities…

A wooden cut out of Sherlock Holmes holding a pipe and wearing a hat

News

A Busy Week at The Devils Porridge Museum

I have been lucky enough to enjoy a weeks work experience at the Devils Porridge museum, where I have been able to work with many people who have been extremely…

A red flower growing in The Devil's Porridge Museum's Dig For Victory garden. The Devil's Porridge Museum is in the background.

News

Gardening Volunteer Needed

Would you like to help develop and maintain our ‘Dig for Victory’ garden at the Devil’s Porridge Museum? We’re looking for new volunteers to join the team and help care…

Exhibitions

Poster for a Summer 2026 exhibition at The Devil's Porridge Museum. This reads: "When the state took over the pubs. Discover the fascinating story of why the government took control of all the pubs in Carlisle and district why they made the beer weaker and the pubs drab. Find out how they closed hundreds of drinking dens and engaged a man to design fifteen new model inns and set the standard for pubs throughout the country and finally how it all ended. The poster includes photos and illustrations of State Management Pubs from the past, some state management bears, labels, some photos of people in the past, a newspaper article and the front page of a document called A Bill.

Current Exhibition

State Management Exhibition 2026

What to Expect at The State Management 2026 Exhibition Discover the fascinating story of why the government took control of all the pubs in Carlisle and district why they made…

Events

Mini Treasure Boxes

When is Mini Treasure Boxes? Wednesday 5th August 2026 Drop in and join us any time between 11am and 12.30pm or 2pm to 3.30pm. What to Expect from Mini Treasure…

Events

Zentangle Drawing

When is Zentangle Drawing? Thursday 6th August 2026 Drop in and join us any time between 11am and 12.30pm or 2pm and 3.30pm. What is Zentangle Drawing? Join us for…

The Mossband Swifts women's football team at H.M. Factory Gretna arranged in three rows. Some of the image has been colourised in a paint splat shape while the rest is in black and white.

Events

Tinted Postcards and Watercolour Scenes

A free family art activity at The Devil's Porridge Museum! When is Tinted Postcards and Watercolour Scenes? Thursday 13th August 2026 Drop in any time between 11am and 12.30pm or…

Arts and Crafts Club poster. This Club will be happening every Mondays from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. It is perfect for 7 to 11 year olds and booking is essential. To book please contact 01461 700021.

Events

Arts and Crafts Club 2026

When is Arts and Crafts Club? Arts and Crafts Club will return on Monday 13th April 2026. Arts and Crafts Club will be on every term-time Monday starting on Monday…