Poole Museum & Scaplen's Court

Poole Museum is temporarily closed for redevelopment work. Reopening Summer 2025. Scaplen's Court and Garden is now open!

Poole's rich history is revealed in Poole Museum's four floors of galleries, which tell the story of Poole. It is a fascinating story that will take you through thousands of years, across oceans and into the lives of many Poole people.

Set in a Victorian quayside warehouse, the Museum's galleries tell the story of the historic maritime town of Poole and its harbour from prehistory to the 21st century, with display from archaeology to art, pirates to potteries.

The museum hosts an exciting programme of events and activities throughout the year from trails and talks to living history.

The Town Cellars. originally built about 1300, now houses the Local History Centre, where residents and visitors can delve deeper into archives and resources covering the history of Poole and its people.  

Scaplen’s Court, is Poole’s most complete medieval domestic building, now principally dedicated to the Museum education service . The herb and physic garden is open throughout the summer and Scaplen’s Court can be visited during August.  The character-filled period rooms and pretty walled garden are also available to hire exclusively, creating a fantastic setting for weddings and corporate and private events. events.

Small cafe serving snacks and hot drinks.  

The Museum and temporary exhibitions are free of charge, and fully accessible.  

Scaplen's Court and Garden is now open following a transformational redevelopment of the entire Poole Museum estate over the last three years.

It's still full of art and culture, but now with more coffee, creativity, and character than ever before - and it's open year round - not just when we're all in a good mood over the summer months.

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