Museum of East Dorset

Wimborne

Over 20% off with Family Tickets

Spend Easter at the Museum of East Dorset - Super Museum Adventure included with your visit!

Saturday 21 March - Saturday 18 April 2026, 10am - 4pm (4.30pm from 1st April)

  • All activities included in your tickets!
  • Embark on a colourful, interactive adventure trail inspired by classic video game worlds as you hunt for hidden coins, collect stars and complete fun family challenges throughout the museum.
  • Enjoy hands‑on craft activities, a fancy‑dress station and playful tasks designed to bring the museum’s stories to life while keeping young explorers moving and engaged.
  • Power up your visit by collecting stars as you complete challenges, unlocking your inner adventurer as you journey through the museum’s historic rooms.
  • Mario Gaming Sessions (selected dates): Relive the nostalgia or introduce little ones to Mario for the first time with gaming sessions on a Nintendo Wii in the Garden Room. Sessions must be booked on arrival.

Mario Gaming Sessions at Museum of East Dorset:

  • Thursday 2 April: 10.00am - 1.00pm
  • Friday 3 April: 10.00am - 4.30pm
  • Saturday 4 April: 10.00am - 4.30pm
  • Monday 6 April: 10.00am - 4.30pm
  • Tuesday 7 April: 10.00am - 4.30pm
  • Wednesday 8 April: 10.00am - 4.30pm
  • Friday 10 April: 10.00am - 4.30pm

Book Museum of East Dorset tickets & explore the award-winning museum in Wimborne! 

The Museum of East Dorset offers an engaging, family‑friendly experience within a beautifully preserved historic house, inviting visitors to explore centuries of local stories, heritage and community life.

General admission gives you access to the museum’s collections, themed exhibitions, historic rooms, peaceful garden, tea room and more - perfect for visitors of all ages!

  • Explore a historic Wimborne townhouse filled with local stories spanning centuries
  • Discover themed exhibitions, Roman wall paintings & archaeological artefacts
  • Relax in the charming Tea Room overlooking the heritage‑planted garden
  • Browse the gift shop and second‑hand Georgian book room for unique finds
  • Perfect for families with accessible spaces, hands‑on activities & seasonal trails

Historic rooms, gardens, exhibitions & children's activities - all included in your tickets

  • Opening Times: Open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm
  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages
  • Duration: Spend as long or as little onsite as you like
  • Location: 23 - 29 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1HR
  • Tickets Include: Access to museum galleries, exhibitions, historic house rooms, garden, Tea Room seating, hands‑on activities, and seasonal family trails

Explore numerous collections, themed exhibitions and find out more about Wimborne Minster and East Dorset!

  • The Historic House: Step through centuries of East Dorset life with preserved rooms and stories of past residents
  • The Garden: A tranquil 100‑metre medieval burgage plot featuring fruit trees, lawns and peaceful seating areas
  • The Tea Room: Enjoy drinks, cakes and light refreshments served by friendly volunteers in a beautiful garden setting
  • The Gift Shop: Locally sourced gifts, handcrafted items & Dorset delicacies to take home
  • The Book Shop: A charming Georgian room filled with second‑hand classics, favourites & unique titles
  • Learning: Hands‑on history, early years learning spaces & educational exhibits in the Hilda Coles Open Learning Centre
  • Kids Activities: Pick up Hands on History resources, including trails, magnifying glasses, torches & Eye Spy games to explore the museum interactively and dress up as a Victorian before delving into activity boxes!

Book your Museum of East Dorset tickets & discover history, heritage and hands‑on fun in the heart of Wimborne Minster! Tickets delivered instantly via email & SMS. 

Location

Museum of East Dorset

23-29 High St,
Wimborne,
BH21 1HR
Show on Google Maps

How to find us

Location: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High St, Wimborne BH21 1HR

By Car:

  • Wimborne Minster is located just off the A31.
  • When travelling from the west, take the B3078; from the east, take the B3073 towards the town centre.
  • From Poole and Bournemouth, you will enter the town from the south on the A341.

To find out about car park locations and number of spaces available, please click here to visit the Dorset Council website. Disabled parking spaces are also available nearby and these can also be found on the website.

By Bus:

By Rail:

  • The nearest railway station is in Poole, which has a regular direct service from London Waterloo. From here you can continue your journey via bus or taxi.
  • Wimborne Minster. Alight at Wimborne Square, from where the museum is 1 minute’s walk. The journey time is approximately 30 minutes.
  • A short walk from the railway station is Poole Bus Station, where you can use the bus journey planners above to find the best route to Alternatively, there is a taxi rank just outside the station.
  • Click here to plan your journey by rail.
Facilities
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Sensory-friendly
More Info
Is Museum of East Dorset sensory-friendly?

Yes - the Museum of East Dorset is sensory‑friendly and highly inclusive.

  • The museum provides a Sensory Map, visual story and accessibility guides to help visitors prepare before arriving. 
  • A dedicated Sensory Shed offers a calming space with soft lighting, gentle sounds, tactile items, and fidget toys for anyone needing a sensory break.
  • Visitors can borrow free sensory backpacks, including ear defenders, fidget toys and craft items to support sensory needs during their visit.
  • The museum highlights quieter visiting times for those who prefer low‑sensory environments (e.g., Thursday afternoons in term time, Mondays & Fridays in school holidays).
  • The venue participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, welcoming visitors who use Sunflower items.
  • Facilities throughout the site are designed to support neurodiverse visitors, including accessible navigation, clear signage, and supportive staff.
Is Museum of East Dorset wheelchair accessible?

Yes - the Museum of East Dorset is wheelchair accessible and designed to welcome visitors of all abilities.

  • The museum provides a Wheelchair User Guide with details on level access points, door widths and accessibility routes throughout the site.
  • There is ramped access throughout the museum and garden, supporting wheelchair users, mobility aid users and visitors with pushchairs.
  • A lift is available, giving access to upper galleries and exhibitions.
  • Accessibility features include Braille books, interactive displays, dementia‑friendly adaptations, and an accessible toilet with supportive facilities. 
  • The museum supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, creating a supportive environment for visitors with additional needs.
  • The gardens and tea room offer clear signage and inclusive features such as accessible crockery and easy‑grip utensils.
Is the Museum of East Dorset suitable for children?

Yes - the Museum of East Dorset is very child‑friendly and designed to welcome families with children of all ages.

  • The museum has signed up to the Kids in Museums manifesto, showing its commitment to being welcoming, accessible and enjoyable for children, young people and families.
  • Children can enjoy interactive, hands‑on activities, including dressing up as a Victorian schoolchild, exploring activity boxes, using magnifying glasses and torches, and completing Eye Spy games.
  • There are free family craft activities during school holidays, plus seasonal trails and fun quizzes to keep children engaged.
  • Outdoor fun includes traditional garden games and searching the garden for Pixie Doors (small charge applies). 
  • The museum provides family‑friendly facilities such as baby changing, breastfeeding‑friendly spaces, highchairs, booster steps, ear defenders, accessible toilets, and pushchair parking.
  • Children can take part in Little Explorer craft mornings, workshops, and themed events (e.g., summer HAF workshops, Living History days, and festive activities).
  • Kids can also enjoy free trails, dressing‑up corners, interactive exhibits, and chances to learn through play in historically themed spaces. 
Is there food and drink at the Museum of East Dorset?

The museum has an on‑site Tea Room, described as a “true gem” set in the museum’s idyllic garden. It serves tea, coffee, light refreshments, cakes, and seasonal treats, all in a peaceful setting overlooking the heritage‑planted walled garden.

  • The Tea Room is run by friendly volunteers and offers a relaxing spot for all visitors, including families and those needing an accessibility‑friendly space. 
  • The garden surrounding the Tea Room provides additional space to sit, unwind, and enjoy food and drink during your visit.

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