Discover Dorset’s history through museums, galleries and historic houses across the county. From prehistoric fossils and Mary Anning’s discoveries to military vehicles, Victorian collections and the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, there is plenty to explore. Our guide brings together attractions in Bournemouth, Dorchester, Weymouth, Wimborne, Portland and Lyme Regis, with practical admission information, seasonal opening details and important closure updates to help plan your visit.
1st November 2026
Dorset’s museums offer different ways to explore the county, whether we’re following the story of the Jurassic Coast, discovering life in a historic town or learning about the people behind major moments in British history.
Some make a full day out, while others fit neatly into a morning of sightseeing. Several operate seasonal hours, so check the official website before travelling, particularly during winter.
The Tank Museum explores the history of armoured warfare through a collection of around 300 military vehicles and the stories of the people who designed, operated and encountered them.
Its galleries cover conflicts from the First World War onwards, making it a substantial visit for anyone interested in military history and engineering. Allow around four to five hours to explore.
Address: Bovington, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6JG
Telephone: 01929 405096
Admission: Adults aged 18+ £19.80 online or £24.75 on arrival; children aged 4–17 £8 online or £10 on arrival. Under-fours free. Standard tickets include an annual pass, subject to conditions.
Opening: Normally 10am–5pm, view the official website for closures
Visit The Tank Museum website.
Overlooking Weymouth Harbour, Nothe Fort combines military history with tunnels, displays and views across the coast. Exploring its different levels gives us an insight into the fort’s defensive role, with the Fort View Café providing somewhere to pause during a visit.
Address: Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF
Telephone: 01305 766626
Admission: Adults £11; concessions £9.50; children aged 5–16 £4.50; under-fives free. Family tickets are available, and admission includes an annual pass.
Opening: Daily, 10am-4pm, until 1 November 2026.
Winter closure: The fort will be closed from 2 November 2026 to 13 February 2027 for maintenance.
Kingston Lacy brings together a historic country house, art collections, gardens and parkland. Although it is a National Trust estate rather than a conventional museum, it offers an opportunity to explore historic interiors and collections as part of a wider day outdoors.
House access and opening arrangements vary through the seasons, so check the calendar for your chosen date.
Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Telephone: 01202 883402
Admission: Published house, garden and parkland admission is £23 for adults and £11.50 for children aged 5-17 without the optional Gift Aid donation. Under-fives free.
Opening: Separate hours apply to the house, gardens, parkland, café and shop. House entry is subject to capacity.
Visit Kingston Lacy’s website.
Overlooking Bournemouth’s seafront, the Russell-Cotes combines a distinctive historic house with paintings and objects collected from around the world. Its interiors form part of the experience, alongside changing exhibitions and the museum café.
Address: East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3AA
Telephone: 01202 128000
Admission: Published Gift Aid admission is £12.50 for adults and £6 for children aged 5-17. Under-fives free. These prices include a discretionary donation; visitors can request the standard fee instead.
Opening: Tuesday–Sunday and bank holiday Mondays, 10am-5pm, however check the official website for closures.
Visit the Russell-Cotes website.
This museum explores the story of the six agricultural labourers whose transportation in 1834 became a defining moment in the history of the trade union movement.
It is a useful stop for anyone interested in working lives, protest and the struggle for collective rights.
Address: Dorchester Road, Tolpuddle, Dorset, DT2 7EH
Telephone: 01305 848237
Admission: Free.
Summer opening, April-October: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. Bank holiday opening is normally 11am-4pm.
Winter opening, November-March: Thursday-Saturday, 10am-4pm; Sunday, 11am-4pm. Closed Monday-Wednesday and over Christmas and New Year.
Visit the Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum website.
Castletown D-Day Museum tells the story of Portland’s role in preparations for the Allied invasion of Normandy. Its wartime setting and military displays help bring the history of this busy embarkation point to life.
Address: Admiralty Buildings, Castletown, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1BD
Telephone: 01305 578286
Admission: Adults aged 18+ £12; young people aged 12–17 £8; children under 12 £7. A family ticket for two adults and two children or young people costs £30.
Opening: 10am-4pm on advertised opening days, with last admission at 3pm.
Opening days vary seasonally. The museum normally closes for the season during November, depending on visitor numbers, so check before travelling.
The ground floor is wheelchair accessible, but there is no lift to the first floor. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Visit Castletown D-Day Museum’s website.
Dinosaurland is an independent fossil museum in Lyme Regis’ old town. Its collections offer an introduction to prehistoric life and the fossils associated with the Jurassic Coast, making it a natural addition to a visit to this seaside town.
Address: Coombe Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3PY
Telephone: 01297 443541
Admission: Adults £7.50; children aged 5-16 £5.50; under-fives free. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs £22.
Opening: Daily, 10am-4pm, during the visitor season. View the official website for closures
No advance booking is required. Dogs are welcome, and there is no on-site parking.
Visit Dinosaurland Fossil Museum’s website.
Built on the site of Mary Anning’s former home, Lyme Regis Museum explores the town’s fossil discoveries, maritime heritage and cultural history.
Inside, we can discover more about Anning’s contribution to palaeontology, explore the geology gallery and follow family museum trails. Guided fossil walks are also available to book separately.
Address: Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QA
Telephone: 01297 443370
Admission: Published prices are £9.95 for adults and £6.95 for children and students; under-sixes free. Tickets include return entry for a year, subject to conditions. A 5% seasonal admission discount is advertised for November.
Opening: Check the museum’s visitor page for your intended date. Its published spring/summer schedule is Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, and Sunday, 10am-4pm, with additional Monday opening during Dorset school holidays. Confirm winter arrangements directly.
Visit Lyme Regis Museum’s website.
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery brings the county’s history, archaeology, natural world and art together in central Dorchester. Permanent galleries sit alongside changing exhibitions, giving visitors a reason to return throughout the year.
Address: High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XA
Telephone: 01305 262735
Admission: Adults aged 26+ £15.50 on arrival; young people aged 16-25 £13. Children aged 0-15 enter free with an adult over 18, subject to conditions.
Online offer: The website advertises 10% off advance bookings using code DM01, bringing adult admission to £13.95 and young person admission to £11.70.
Opening: Daily, 10am-5pm; last entry 4pm.
Unlimited tickets include repeat visits for one year during opening times. Check seasonal closures and individual event charges before travelling.
Visit Dorset Museum & Art Gallery’s website.
Housed in a historic building opposite Wimborne Minster, the Museum of East Dorset explores the people and communities of Wimborne and the surrounding area.
Highlights include archaeological objects, Roman wall paintings and a preserved historic kitchen. The garden and tea room offer a quieter place to pause, while changing exhibitions and family activities add variety throughout the year.
Address: 23-27 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1HR
Telephone: 01202 882533
Admission: Adult annual pass £12.50; concession £11.50; child aged 5-16 £6; under-fives free. A family annual pass for two adults and up to four children costs £35. Essential companions enter free with a paid ticket.
Opening: Monday-Saturday, 10am-4.30pm from April to October; 10am-4pm from November to March. Check bank holiday and seasonal exceptions.
Visit the Museum of East Dorset website.
Before setting off, check the attraction’s opening calendar, ticket conditions and accessibility information. Winter closures can apply even when a museum’s general opening hours remain visible online.
Annual passes can offer good value for repeat visits, although special events may require separate tickets. For families, check children’s age bands carefully, as these differ between museums.
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