Step into an award-winning museum and historic townhouse in the heart of the beautiful market town of Wimborne. Discover the stories of the people who lived there over the centuries and find out more about Wimborne and the East Dorset area. From a unique collection of Victorian Valentine cards to a kitchen that takes you back in time there is something for everyone. The charming Tea Room opens onto a tranquil walled garden with heritage fruit trees. Discover the gift shop, bookshop and Information Centre. This vibrant heritage and cultural centre reopened in 2020 following a PS1.8 million National Lottery project which created a welcoming, accessible space offering interaction, participation, engagement and plenty of fun.
Wow! We have just had a wonderful afternoon at MofED and it totally surpassed all expectations. We're on holiday in the area with a big group of us ranging from 7 years to 60-something years (so a good mix of ages) and we all left talking about how great it was in there. We loved all the hands on activities, photo opportunities, how well the place was looked after and kept and how passionate the staff and volunteers were. We also loved how everyone was considered, all needs etc, it was so inclusive. If we lived closer we'd definitely go back, especially for the seasonal activities. Thank you all for a lovely day out.
Fantastic local museum in an historic building. Recently refurbished and conserved in an innovative, sympathetic way that makes the building one of the main exhibits. Lots of fascinating objects, with stories linking them with the previous owners of the house and local community. Displays are wonderfully presented so your senses are not too overwhelmed, with some really innovative interpretations and interactives. Amazing garden and tea room at the back. Plenty for children. Excellent gift and book shop at the entrance/exit.
Lovely old building, a real boom for the town. Attended a late night ghost hunt and met a young boy called Thomas in the bookshop. Picture taken upstairs shows a strange red mist....
I took my 4 year old here on a wet weather day and we both loved it. There are so many fun and interesting interactive displays! Upstairs each room has topical toys, puzzles, books and crafts which are well presented and looked after. You can take a magnify glass or a torch from the front and walk round and do the childrens trail to add some more structure if you like. We loved the kitchen and school room. It was great to be in a place I didn't need to keep reminding him 'not to touch that'. There's a lovely tea room and big garden too. Highly recommended!
Really lovely little museum and beautiful garden. A little expensive entry fee but I would recommend. I notice a lot of whinging dog owners on hereNot every wants a dog sniffling round you in a cafe as you try and eat a bit of cake or whining cos it's bored. I'm very glad you don't allow them. The town seems to be overrun with them and their inconsiderate owners.
What a great place. If you like local history, indeed if you like Dorset history, this little museum is definitely worth a visit. It is small, but it is housed in a 15th century building which has had many different uses. The stories of the inhabitants of the building are all detailed within the museum, along with other information and artefacts from the area. I took my daughter and Mum last week. Everyone found it very interesting. My Mum actually felt that it was better than the Dorset Museum (Dorchester), but don't tell them that ;-) A small entrance fee and a gorgeous tea room set in the pretty museum gardens, ensure this a worthwhile visit.
On-site services
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Restaurant
Toilets
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Discounts for kids
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
Kid-friendly activities
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Wow! We have just had a wonderful afternoon at MofED and it totally surpassed all expectations. We're on holiday in the area with a big group of us ranging from 7 years to 60-something years (so a good mix of ages) and we all left talking about how great it was in there. We loved all the hands on activities, photo opportunities, how well the place was looked after and kept and how passionate the staff and volunteers were. We also loved how everyone was considered, all needs etc, it was so inclusive. If we lived closer we'd definitely go back, especially for the seasonal activities. Thank you all for a lovely day out.
Fantastic local museum in an historic building. Recently refurbished and conserved in an innovative, sympathetic way that makes the building one of the main exhibits. Lots of fascinating objects, with stories linking them with the previous owners of the house and local community. Displays are wonderfully presented so your senses are not too overwhelmed, with some really innovative interpretations and interactives. Amazing garden and tea room at the back. Plenty for children. Excellent gift and book shop at the entrance/exit.
Lovely old building, a real boom for the town. Attended a late night ghost hunt and met a young boy called Thomas in the bookshop. Picture taken upstairs shows a strange red mist....
I took my 4 year old here on a wet weather day and we both loved it. There are so many fun and interesting interactive displays! Upstairs each room has topical toys, puzzles, books and crafts which are well presented and looked after. You can take a magnify glass or a torch from the front and walk round and do the childrens trail to add some more structure if you like. We loved the kitchen and school room. It was great to be in a place I didn't need to keep reminding him 'not to touch that'. There's a lovely tea room and big garden too. Highly recommended!
Really lovely little museum and beautiful garden. A little expensive entry fee but I would recommend. I notice a lot of whinging dog owners on hereNot every wants a dog sniffling round you in a cafe as you try and eat a bit of cake or whining cos it's bored. I'm very glad you don't allow them. The town seems to be overrun with them and their inconsiderate owners.
What a great place. If you like local history, indeed if you like Dorset history, this little museum is definitely worth a visit. It is small, but it is housed in a 15th century building which has had many different uses. The stories of the inhabitants of the building are all detailed within the museum, along with other information and artefacts from the area. I took my daughter and Mum last week. Everyone found it very interesting. My Mum actually felt that it was better than the Dorset Museum (Dorchester), but don't tell them that ;-) A small entrance fee and a gorgeous tea room set in the pretty museum gardens, ensure this a worthwhile visit.
