Museums & Galleries · Poole
Museum of East Dorset
📍 BH21 1HR
Photo: Mike Searle (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
- Historic house with Roman wall paintings and archaeological artefacts
- Preserved period kitchen display
- Walled garden with traditional fruit trees to explore
- Tea Room overlooking the garden serving refreshments
- Second-hand book shop in a Georgian book room
The Museum of East Dorset is a historic house museum in the heart of Wimborne, found opposite the Minster church. Inside you can explore themed exhibitions and collections, including Roman wall paintings, ancient artefacts and a preserved period kitchen, while outside the walled garden offers fruit trees and a peaceful spot to relax. There's a Tea Room for refreshments, a gift shop, a second-hand book shop and a varied learning programme for all ages. It's a good family day out, combining history with hands-on activities. For visitors planning a longer trip, the nearest station is Hamworthy, 5.3 miles away, and there are 38 bookable places to stay within 5 miles on BritStays.
Practical details
- Accessibility
- The museum is working to improve accessibility throughout
- Best for
- Families looking for hands-on, interactive exhibits
From the attraction's own website on 26 Oct 2026 — check before you travel.
Facilities
- ✓ Gift Shop
- ✓ Guided Tours
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Make a proper break of it — these stays are all within 25 miles.
0.1 mi
0.2 mi
0.8 mi
1 mi
1.2 mi
1.3 mi
🎪 What's on near Museum of East Dorset
Events from
Skiddle
Sat 14 Nov · 14:30
The Sound of Musicals - Poole
St Aldhelm's Church, Poole · 5.9 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Sat 14 Nov · 14:45
Raver Tots Bournemouth
Cameo Bournemouth, UK, Bournemouth · 7.3 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Sat 5 Dec · 15:00
An Afternoon of Indie: BOURNEMOUTH (over 30s), 3pm-7pm
O2 Academy Bournemouth, Bournemouth · 8.2 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Sat 5 Dec · 18:00
Muffled Ear Club's Christmas Groove
Bear Cave, Bournemouth · 7.5 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
🗓️ Make a break of it
Turn a visit to Museum of East Dorset into a proper getaway — ready-made plans, and the drive worked out with fuel, EV charging and the best stops.
🚆 Or come by train
- Hamworthy 5.3 miles
- Poole 5.5 miles
- Parkstone (Dorset) 5.6 miles
Straight-line distances · live departures on each station page