Museums in Dorset
Tracing the long history of clockmaking in Dorset, the centrepiece of this small museum is its collection of over 30 longcase 'grandfather' clocks, focussed primarily on the 18th and 19th centuries. In addition to Dorset clocks, there are clocks from across Britain and France, including 'turret' clocks that allow you to see the inner clockwork mechanism.
Owermoigne, Dorset, England, DT2 8HZ
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The Dorset County Museum is a fascinating museum showcasing the rich history of Dorset. Exhibition areas cover geology, archaeology, social history, fine art, decorative art, costumes and textiles, photography, and natural history. There is also an ongoing programme of changing exhibits.
High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, England, DT1 1XA
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The charming Dorset Teddy Bear Museum is a delight for children and adults who haven't forgotten what it is like to have fun! A century's worth of teddy history, from such old favourites as Rupert Bear and Winnie the Pooh to today's TV stars. If you just have to take a friend or two home with you, there is now a teddy bear shop in a separate location on Trinity Street.
Eastgate, Dorchester, Dorset, England, DT1 1JU
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Behind the Town Hall at the top of picturesque Gold Hill is Shaftesbury's Gold Hill Museum (formerly the Town Museum), boasting displays of Shaftesbury's unique heritage. Included are examples of Dorset Buttons, made locally in the early 19th century, and a variety of regional agricultural implements such as billhooks, scythes, and Shepherd's crooks.
Sun and Moon Cottage, Gold Hill, Shaftesbury, Dorset, England, SP7 8JW
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Modern displays in Dorchester's historic Keep Military Museum outline the history of the Regiments of Devon and Dorset. Fantastic views out over Hardy Country from the Keep battlements.
Barrack Road, Dorchester, Dorset, England, DT1 1RN
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Lulworth Cove is a natural harbour on the south Dorset coast, hollowed by the action of wind and water into a horseshoe shape. One side of the Cove terminates in the rock arch of Durdle Door. More important from a natural history standpoint, the area offers a marvellous combination of geological features and is home to a huge variety of plant and insect life, including the Lulworth butterfly. The Heritage Centre offers visitors a chance to learn more about this beautiful and diverse natural landscape.
Lulworth Cove, East Lulworth, Dorset, England, BH20 5QS
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The Cider Museum shows how this popular drink was traditionally made in Dorset. See original equipment used to grind and juice the apples, and learn about the history of cider-making and some unusual facts about cider and its peculiar traditions. On certain days you can press your own apples or simply purchase cider in the giftshop.
33 Moreton Road, Owermoigne, Dorchester, Dorset, England, DT2 8HZ
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The Museum of East Dorset (formerly Priest's House Museum) occupies one of the oldest surviving houses in Wimborne Minster and stands directly opposite the old minster church which gives the town its name.
23-27 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, England, BH21 1HR
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The Royal Signals Museum depicts the history of military communications, science and technology over the past 150 years, from the Crimea to the Gulf, with special displays on the Great War, Second World War, Korea, The Falklands, and the Gulf War.
Blandford Camp, Blandford Forum, Dorset, England, DT11 8RH
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The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum houses a magnificent fine art collection built by hotel-owner Merton Russell-Cotes and his wife Annie. The collection is housed in an opulent late-Victorian villa that the couple gave to the town of Bournemouth.
East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, Dorset, England, BH1 3AA
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Heritage Highlight: Housed in a superb late-Victorian villa
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