Mortehoe, like most of the surrounding area, is built on a band of Devonian Slates, Sandstones and Igneous rocks such as Basalt.

The museum has displays about the local farming communities, the railway, and the numerous shipwrecks that occurred off the treacherous rocks around the nearby coast.

The rebuilding of the heritage site was managed by surveyor, and later landlord, Douglas Victor Watkins.

The village contains the historic church of St Mary's, Morthoe which dates back to Norman times, but has been added to in later years.

The bell tower, carved pews and the tomb of Sir William de Tracy are of medieval origin.