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Information for families in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Poole Museum

Poole Museum logo

Poole Museum tells the inspiring story of a town and its people shaped by the sea.

Following a transformational redevelopment, the museum has reopened with a bold new vision and an exciting visitor experience.

Explore the NEW Poole Museum and discover:

  • Six brand-new galleries spread across five floors
  • Three immersive maritime galleries – Harbour Life, Setting Sail, and Shipwreck!
  • The Poole Iron Age Logboat – nearly 10 metres long and the largest ever found in Southern Britain, now on open display
  • Two flexible exhibition spaces hosting a dynamic programme of touring and temporary exhibitions
  • Interactive displays and engaging new exhibits
  • Family-friendly trails for children of all ages
  • A vibrant calendar of events, workshops, and activities
  • A museum shop featuring locally inspired gifts and products

Also part of the museum estate is Scaplen’s Court and Garden, a beautifully preserved medieval merchant’s house with a tranquil herb and physic garden. It’s also home to the museum’s inviting café – The Old Town Salt Pig.

Free entry ensures everyone can explore, stay a while, then return again and again.

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Venue/Contact Details
01202 128888
hello@poolemuseum.org.uk
https://www.poolemuseum.org.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/PooleMuseum
Poole Museum
4 High Street
Poole
Dorset
Postcode
BH15 1BW
Area coverage
Pan Dorset
Directions
See Journey Planner on right-hand side of this page, where you can view bus, car and train routes from your location.
Facilities
  • Refreshment / Snacks
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Accessible Toilet
  • Lift
Times and Costs
Opening times:
Open daily, 10am to 5pm - come and explore whenever suits you. We do take a short break over the festive season, so we’re closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
Further opening details:
  • Afternoon
  • Morning
  • Daily
Availability
  • All Year Round
Costs:
Entry to the Museum is free. See website for details of any charges for activities.
Ages, Booking Details and Referral Information
Referral process:
  • Contact the Museum by telephone, e-mail or letter with enquiries, for information about special events Local History: 01202 262621 CONTACT NAMES: Donna Price
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Description:

Welcome to Poole for All

 

At Poole Museum, we believe that history and culture should be for everyone, and that every visitor can explore independently, equally, and with dignity throughout the museum.

 

We’ve made some big changes to help everyone feel welcome and comfortable: The entire ground floor of all public areas is now on one level. We’ve installed a larger lift in Oakley’s Mill and, for the first time, added a platform lift in Scaplen’s Court. This lift has two stops to accommodate the unique layout of the historic building. We’ve created generous circulation areas and clear orientation spaces to help you find your way with ease. New ground floor accessible toilets can be found in both Poole Museum and Scaplen's Court.

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Provided Services
The new Poole Museum