Museums and Heritage

The Dorset Museums Association exists to represent museums of Dorset & to support and encourage each museum in their endeavours to reach and maintain the highest standards of museum practice.

The Royal Signals Museum From the sudden flare of flaming torches and the menacing glint of sunlight on polished shields to the use of ever more sophisticated micro computers and satellite communications, the story of military communications is as dramatic and exciting as the history of war itself.

Six years of continuous development has created a unique and fascinating Family day out featuring displays on the Secret Agents of the SOE, Special Forces, and Despatch Riders with many fun trails and activities aimed to keep the children happy and occupied. The Museum also highlights the role of Women at War, particularly as one in every five signallers in the modern Royal Corps of Signals is a woman.

The Blandford Fashion Museum collection dates from the 1730's to the 1970's and provide a unique history of fashion and accessories during those years charting the changes in style and manufacture during that period. Opening hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11am - 4pm. Tearoom/Shop 10am - 4pm. Last admission 1/2 hour before closing.

Sturminster Newton Museum is the thatched building prominently located in the centre of the town with nearby parking. The museum holds exhibits showing the history of the town including the cattle market, the railway, the milk factory and local poets together with a souvenir and gift shop. Open January to end March Monday, Friday & Saturday 10am – 12.30pm, April to end December Monday, Thursday, Friday 10am – 3pm, Saturday 10am – 12.30pm.

Sturminster Newton Mill is still in good working order despite the current structure dating back to the 1650s. The informal guided tours provide an opportunity to journey back to see how stone ground flour was produced.  It is close to the Town Bridge and has a car park and picnic area by the river.
Open April to end September Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm.

The Tank Museum brings the story of tanks and tank crews to life, with the worlds best collection of tanks and live action displays during school holidays.

The Tank Museum is open daily 10.00 - 17.00, see website for further details.

The Ancient Technology Centre Is an outdoor education centre, the ATC has introduced many school children to the past – what it was like, where people lived, how they lived, their daily activities and some of the animals they would have encountered. The site, along with the exciting teaching programme, has the ability to make the past relevant to today’s children.

Shaftesbury Heritage
For information on Gold Hill Museum and Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Gardens. Opening hours:

Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Gold Hill Museum: 10.30am to 4.30pm

Gillingham Museum

Sherborne Museum

Shillingstone Railway Project