There’s so much to see in Dorset, with its glorious coastline and gorgeous scenery, that it’s easy to overlook the many museums dotted about the county.
But whatever the time of year, these museums are warm, welcoming and often intriguing places to visit. They’re ideal when the weather is a little grey or damp, but don’t relegate them to wet-weather attractions. Even on a sunny day, many of them will reward the time you put into exploring them.
Some museums close for the winter. This is our list of some outstanding Dorset museums that are open almost every day of the year.
The Tank Museum, Bovington
Armoured vehicles might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but the Tank Museum is doing all it can to make a visit as interactive and interesting as possible – for children and adults alike.
This is one of Dorset’s premier museums, housing one of the world’s largest collections of tanks. Star attractions are the world’s oldest combat tank (British Mark I) and the only Tiger I that’s still running.
Be prepared to spend several hours here, because there’s more to do than just looking at tank after tank.
If you plan to visit out of season, it’s best to check their website in advance. They have occasional closures of some areas for events or training.
The Tank Museum is just over 20 minutes away from us by car. There’s plenty of free car parking at the site.
Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, Dorchester
This is where you’ll discover millions of years of Dorset history, from dinosaurs to the desk where Thomas Hardy wrote classic English literature.
There are displays about smugglers, the Romans, life in rural England and much more. Thomas Hardy’s study is recreated with much of the original furniture. You’ll see amazing art, historic costumes, and, of course, incredible fossils.
There are a number of interactive displays, including a human-size pin-art board.
The museum is open almost all year. However, it’s best to check if you plan to visit in January, because they sometimes have a closed period.
The Dorset Museum and Art Gallery is in Dorchester. It’s less than 20 minutes away by car. You can’t park on the site, but there are plenty of car parks nearby.
Etches Collection
If fossils really are your thing, you have to visit the Etches Collection. Built around a collection amassed over 40 years by one man, it now comprises over 2,800 individual fossils.
It’s now the permanent home to David Attenborough’s giant sea monster, ‘Sea-Rex’, that featured on the BBC a few years ago.
The Etches Collection is open almost every day. It’s a little over 30 minutes away from us by car. There is a car park, but it can fill up at busy times.
Poole Museum
People have been sailing in and out of Poole Harbour for thousands of years. This newly refurbished museum has highlights from many different eras, several of which have been recovered from shipwrecks.
There’s no charge to look around Poole Museum. It’s about a 50-minute drive from us, and there are several local car parks to choose from.
Royal Signals Museum
The museum of the Royal Corps of Signals traces their history over the last couple of hundred years. It tells the story of how military communication has changed, from signal towers to typewriters, and radios to today’s digital devices.
The museum is on a working military base near Blandford, so you need to carry photo ID to be allowed entry. It’s a 45-minute journey from us by car. There’s parking at the museum.
Lyme Regis Museum
Yet more fossils! Lyme Regis is famous as the home of Georgian fossil collector Mary Anning. However, there’s more to Lyme than ancient sea creatures. It’s been a busy port for centuries. It was besieged during the English Civil War and in 1685 the Duke of Monmouth landed here with a small army. He was attempting to depose James II.
There’s lots of history packed into this small museum, which is open most days during the year. However, as with all the museums, it’s best to check their website in advance. There’s a higher chance of occasional closures out of the main season.
Lyme Regis Museum is about an hour’s drive from us. It’s best to park on the edge of town, in one of the major car parks.