Poole Museum

Poole Museum: 

Poole Museum is housed in historic buildings adjoining Poole Quay. It is entered through a stunning glass and steel atrium. A well-stocked shop is next to the Museum reception. Admission is free and there is full access for visitors with disabilities.

Inside the building you will find a wealth of intriguing items displayed in a fresh, accessible style. You can discover the history of old Poole and learn more about its seafaring past, including pirates and smugglers, as well as the more respectable trade links with Newfoundland. Poole people, at home, at work and at play are a central theme.

Displays in the Museum include the remarkable Iron Age logboat and the most comprehensive display of Poole Pottery anywhere. Poole’s rich harbour and heathland wildlife is featured as are finds from local archaeological sites. 

The displays are enlivened by plenty of “hands-on” activities and audio visual displays making it an ideal family venue. The presence of temporary exhibitions means that there is often something new to see. 

Poole Museum also includes a Local History Centre, housed in the historic Town Cellars. Here you can find out more about the subjects covered in the displays and research family history, maps and charts, old photographs and much more.

Scaplen's Court is an ancient courtyard building opposite the main museum entrance. It is used as an educational centre for children throughout the year and is open to the public during August. Scaplen's Court has a walled garden of great character. It has been restored by a team of volunteers who open it to the public through the summer. 

Poole Museum:

  Summer opening hours (until 2 Nov 08 and from 6th Apr 09):

(Mon – Sat): 10am – 5pm
(Sun): 12 noon – 5pm

Winter opening hours (from 3 Nov 08 to 5th Apr 09):

(Tue – Sat): 10am-4pm.  (Sun):12noon – 4pm:  (Closed): Mon

Local History Centre

Opening Hours: (Tues – Sat):  10am – 3pm.  (Closed):  Sun & Mon

Poole Museum 4 High Street, Poole BH15 1BW. Tel: 01202 262600

Websites: museums@poole.gov.uk - www.boroughofpoole.com/museums