The Devil's Porridge Museum: Unveiling the Hidden History of HM Factory Gretna
Discover the untold story of HM Factory Gretna, the world’s largest WWI munitions factory, through immersive exhibits and community heritage.
The Devil's Porridge Museum in Eastriggs, Scotland, commemorates HM Factory Gretna, the largest munitions factory in Britain during World War I. It reveals the extraordinary story of the 30,000 workers, including 12,000 women, who produced cordite—nicknamed 'the Devil's porridge'—under hazardous conditions. The museum features immersive exhibits, including a recreated WWI trench, a workers’ bedroom, and historic artifacts, celebrating the factory’s vital wartime contribution and the community it built.
A brief summary to The Devils Porridge
- Annan Rd, Eastriggs, DG12 6TF, GB
- +441461700021
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Allow 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the interactive exhibits and outdoor displays.
- Visit the museum café for homemade soups, quiches, and baked goods to complement your visit.
- Check opening hours before visiting; the museum is closed on Sundays after 4 PM and opens daily at 10 AM.
- Accessible facilities are available, though café access may be tight for larger wheelchairs.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
Take a train to Annan station, approximately 10 km from Eastriggs. From Annan, a taxi or local bus can reach the museum in 15–25 minutes. Train services run regularly from Dumfries and Carlisle, with fares typically between £10-£20 GBP.
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Car
Driving from Dumfries or Carlisle takes about 20–30 minutes via the A75 and local roads. Free parking is available on-site. Note that rural roads may be narrow, and GPS navigation is recommended.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Eastriggs with Annan and Gretna, with travel times ranging from 20 to 40 minutes depending on the route. Bus frequency varies; check local timetables. The museum is a short walk from the nearest bus stop.
The Devils Porridge location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Devils Porridge
Origins of a Secret Wartime Giant
The Devil's Porridge Museum tells the remarkable story of HM Factory Gretna, established in 1915 as Britain’s largest cordite factory. Conceived in response to a critical shell shortage during World War I, the factory was built rapidly across a nine-mile site straddling the Scotland-England border. At its peak, Gretna employed 30,000 workers, including 12,000 women, who mixed volatile chemicals to produce cordite—the explosive compound dubbed 'the Devil's porridge' by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The factory’s scale and secrecy were unprecedented, with operations governed under the Official Secrets Act to protect wartime efforts.A Community Forged in War
To house the vast workforce, two new townships—Eastriggs and Gretna—were constructed, featuring schools, hospitals, shops, and entertainment venues. The museum highlights this social experiment, including the State Management Scheme which controlled alcohol sales to maintain order among workers. Exhibits recreate workers’ living conditions, such as a typical bedroom and a WWI trench complete with lifelike details. The museum also honors the sacrifices and dangers faced by munitions workers, many of whom suffered injuries or health issues from toxic exposure.From Humble Beginnings to a Modern Museum
Originating as a small local history display in a church, the museum grew through community passion and volunteer dedication. By 2014, it moved into a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility in Eastriggs, offering interactive and engaging exhibits that bring the factory’s history vividly to life. The museum houses unique artifacts including a fireless locomotive used to transport cordite safely, a Hawker Hurricane engine, and a memorial to animals that served in wartime.Exploring the Legacy and Wider Impact
Beyond the factory, the museum explores related local history, including the post-war era and the nearby Chapelcross nuclear power station. It also celebrates the diverse workforce, many from across the British Commonwealth, whose contributions helped shape the war effort and social history. The ongoing Miracle Workers Research Project seeks to uncover untold stories of the 30,000 individuals who worked at Gretna, preserving their legacy for future generations.An Immersive Educational Experience
Visitors can engage with interactive displays, personal testimonies, and detailed recreations that reveal the human side of industrial wartime production. The museum’s gardens feature a “Dig for Victory” plot, an Anderson shelter, and wartime relics, providing a tangible connection to the era. With a welcoming café and knowledgeable volunteers, the museum offers a comprehensive and moving insight into a hidden chapter of British and Scottish history.Standing as a Testament to Community and Courage
The Devil’s Porridge Museum exemplifies how local initiative and dedication can preserve vital heritage. It stands not only as a tribute to industrial achievement but also as a memorial to the resilience and spirit of those who labored under difficult and dangerous conditions. The museum continues to grow, fueled by community involvement and ongoing research, ensuring that the story of HM Factory Gretna remains alive and accessible.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Educational
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
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- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
