Dorset Museums

The Best Dorset Museums to Explore During Your Stay

Ready to learn more about the intriguing chapters of Dorset’s past? Here are some of the best Dorset museums to explore during your stay.

The Tank Museum, Bovington

Home to one of the world’s largest collections of tanks and military vehicles, The Tank Museum in Bovington is a must-visit. Telling the moving story of both local and national war efforts, the museum showcases around 300 military machines, representing major battles from the First World War to the present day. Read soldiers’ stories, browse the collections, and take part in special events hosted throughout the year.

The Dorset Museum, Dorchester

Inviting you to “connect with 250 million years of Dorset’s stories”, The Dorset Museum in Dorchester is a superb destination. Amongst its collections, the mysteries of the county’s natural world, human history and culture are unlocked through photographs, arts, relics, and archaeological finds. With new exhibitions alongside permanent favourites, there’s always something fascinating to discover.

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth

For cultural things to do in Dorset, turn your attention to The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth. Nestled within a Grade II* listed building, once known as East Cliff Hall, it was once the home of Annie and Merton Russell-Cotes and now preserves an eclectic array of beautiful artworks. Enjoy the location overlooking the sea and peruse the house and its gallery rooms, from the sea-view conservatory to the regal drawing room, for artistic inspiration.

Wareham Town Museum

For over 50 years, Wareham Town Museum has shared the stories and secrets of Wareham’s history. Documenting life in the area from prehistoric times to the modern day, it offers a unique look into the region’s yesteryears. Special features include an exhibition dedicated to Lawrence of Arabia, who lived out his final years at his Wareham cottage, Clouds Hill, now cared for by the National Trust.

Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection, Kimmeridge

An independent museum residing in the village of Kimmeridge, the Museum of Jurassic Marine Life is a magnetic attraction. One of the best Purbeck museums, it takes pride of place on the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast and is home to one of the world’s finest collections of Late Jurassic fossils – most of which were found within 2 miles of the museum. Highlights include the 150-million-year-old Big Sara, an Allosaurus skeleton, spanning 10 metres long.

Poole Museum

If you can’t wait to explore more Dorset history museums, add Poole Museum to your bucket list. Just a short stroll from the waterfront in Poole’s old town, this renowned maritime museum, art gallery, and cultural hub is easy to reach and free to enter year-round. With intriguing exhibition spaces and immersive experiences, visitors can anticipate something to see and do at every turn. Expect everything from pirates to pottery!

Tyneham Village

A living museum, Tyneham Village is one of the most haunting historical attractions in Dorset. An abandoned community on the Isle of Purbeck, this “lost village” was once home to a population of over 200 people before it was evacuated in 1943. Taken over by the military, Tyneham was used for training purposes, but once the war was over, the villagers were never allowed to return. Today, you can still walk around the overgrown remains of the village and its buildings, including local homes, the 1920s schoolroom, and church.

Lyme Regis Museum

One of the best museums in Dorset, Lyme Regis Museum is situated on the site of Mary Anning’s former home and fossil shop. A world-renowned palaeontologist, Mary was responsible for shining a light on the Jurassic Coast’s rich fossil legacy and many of her most famous discoveries were unearthed right along the coast in Lyme Regis. Today, you can learn about Mary’s work, as well as the area’s vast history, through this museum’s informative exhibits and displays.

Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden

For a museum experience with a touch of garden escapism, head to Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden. Located in the picturesque town of Shaftesbury (of Gold Hill fame), Shaftesbury Abbey was first founded in 888 and boasts centuries of history. With its reaching views across the Blackmore Vale, romantic ruins, and florally perfumed walled gardens, it makes for a lovely place to stroll and absorb the otherworldly atmosphere.

Return to Comfort at The Priory Hotel Wareham

A former monastery with roots dating back to 809, our beautiful Priory Hotel makes for one of the most exquisite getaways in Dorset for lovers of history. Encompassed by four acres of English cottage gardens on the banks of the River Frome, timeless reveries come easily from the comforts of our lovingly curated indoor and outdoor spaces. Select from one of our elegantly appointed rooms and enjoy fine dining, a peaceful atmosphere, and the unrivalled historic charm of our Dorset hotel.

Discover Dorset’s Culture from The Priory Hotel Wareham

Ready to secure your dream getaway? Peruse our collection of luxurious rooms and reserve yours today for an unforgettable escape.