Poole Museum & Scaplen's Court

Exterior shot of Poole museum front glass entrance taken from street level

About

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 - Currently closed for the season.

 

Book Now

Opening Times

* Poole Museum is temporarily closed for redevelopment work.

4 High Street
Poole
Dorset
BH15 1BW
Close window

Call direct on:

Tel01202 128888

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      220
    • Very Good
      128
    • Average
      14
    • Poor
      1
    • Terrible
      1

    Recent Reviews:

      Awards

      • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

      Map & Directions

      Hide Facilities

      What's Nearby

      1. Sea Music Sculpture

        Sea Music. located on Poole Quay is the only British public site specific sculpture made…

        0.03 miles away
      2. Twin Sails Lifting Bridge

        Poole's landmark structure and the first bridge of its type to be built in the world.

        0.27 miles away
      3. Poole Old Lifeboat Museum & Shop

        Housing one of Poole's historic lifeboats, Thomas Kirk Wright, the old boathouse offers…

        0.3 miles away
      1. Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts

        Experience, explore, discover and join in with the arts at Lighthouse, the largest…

        0.53 miles away
      2. Poole Speedway

        Poole Pirates are a motorcycle speedway team based in Poole, England, competing in the…

        0.73 miles away
      3. Poole Park

        Just a short walk from the centre of town you'll discover a haven of peace and rare…

        1 miles away
      4. Upton Country Park

        Whatever the season, there's something for everyone - enjoy the wildlife along the…

        1.95 miles away
      5. Brownsea Island - National Trust

        Take a short boat trip from Poole Quay to discover an island rich in history, wildlife &…

        2.09 miles away
      6. Splashdown Poole

        Splashdown Poole is the South’s favourite all-action waterpark! Whatever the weather,…

        2.79 miles away
      7. Compton Acres

        Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven with spectacular themed gardens, relax in the…

        2.81 miles away
      8. Lemur Landings

        Multi award-winning children’s entertainment centre, Lemur Landings is one of the biggest…

        2.83 miles away
      9. Tower Park Leisure Complex

        At Tower Park, Poole, a galaxy of entertainment unfolds. With Splashdown water park,…

        2.85 miles away
      10. Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

        Farmer Palmer’s is the fabulous Farm Park where young adventurers can frankly ‘let their…

        4.55 miles away
      11. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

        The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum houses important collections of paintings,…

        5.16 miles away
      12. Swanage Railway

        What’s better than a leisurely trip behind an historic steam engine through an area of…

        7.18 miles away
      Previous Next