Museums & Galleries in Dorset

Dorset's museums tell the story of a county shaped by the sea, agriculture, military history and world-changing discoveries.

Visit Gold Hill Museum in Shaftesbury to learn about life in rural Dorset through the centuries or uncover local stories at the Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne. 

For those interested in military history, Castletown D-Day Museum and other heritage attractions across the county reveal Dorset's important role during wartime.

Explore the Jurassic Coast's Prehistoric Past

As home to England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dorset is one of the best places in the UK to discover prehistoric life.

The award-winning Museum of Jurassic Marine Life at Kimmeridge showcases extraordinary fossil discoveries from the Jurassic Coast, while Dorset Museum & Art Gallery houses remarkable geological collections and tells the story of world-famous fossil hunter Mary Anning. 

Visitors to Lyme Regis can also explore 185 million years of history at Lyme Regis Museum, overlooking the coastline that helped transform our understanding of the prehistoric world. 

Family-Friendly Museums & Galleries in Dorset

Looking for family-friendly attractions in Dorset? The county's museums and galleries offer fun, interactive experiences that bring history, science, art and discovery to life for visitors of all ages. 

Children can get up close to historic tanks and enjoy live action displays at The Tank Museum, uncover dinosaur fossils and explore hands-on exhibits at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, or discover fascinating prehistoric creatures at the Museum of Jurassic Marine Life in Kimmeridge. 

Younger visitors will also enjoy exploring local stories through interactive displays at Museum of East Dorset, and learning about Dorset's coastline, wildlife and history at West Bay Discovery Centre.

Many museums offer family trails, seasonal events, craft activities and hands-on experiences throughout the year, making them ideal for school holidays and rainy-day adventures.

Art Galleries and Creative Spaces

Dorset's thriving arts scene includes galleries, exhibitions and cultural venues that celebrate creativity past and present.

Discover internationally significant collections at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth, admire masterpieces at Kingston Lacy, or explore contemporary exhibitions at TheGallery in Poole.

Throughout the year, venues such as Highcliffe Castle, Durlston Castle and The Sherborne host changing exhibitions, events and cultural programmes, ensuring there's always something new to see.