Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Sherborne Museum: Explore Dorset's Heritage & History
Established in 1966, Sherborne Museum is a cornerstone of community heritage preservation in Dorset. Our mission is to educate, inform, and inspire through extensive collections spanning geology, archaeology, numismatics, textiles, and art, reflecting Sherborne's rich history. Housed in the Grade II listed Abbey Gatehouse, we combine historical significance with modern accessibility, offering free admission and programs tailored to diverse audiences. Our volunteer-driven team ensures the preservation of local heritage for future generations, supported by memberships, donations, and community engagement initiatives.Accredited by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and awarded VAQAS by Visit England, we uphold professional excellence in curation and customer care. Through exhibitions, educational loan boxes, and events, we foster lifelong learning and cultural appreciation, ensuring our collections remain accessible despite the constraints of our historic building.
Services
Free Exhibitions
Educational Programs
Loan Boxes
Historical Talks
Museum Shop
Volunteer Opportunities
Membership Programs
Accessibility Services
Community Events
Donation Programs
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- We offer free admission and extensive heritage collections spanning 50+ years.
- Our accredited status ensures professional curation and customer care standards.
- Educational loan boxes provide hands-on learning for schools and groups.
- Accessibility initiatives accommodate diverse visitor needs within historic constraints.
- Community-led events connect local history with contemporary engagement.
Associations and certifications
- Museums, Libraries and Archives Council
- Visit England Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS)
What people say
Hidden gem
Well curated
Lovely museum
Child friendly
Fascinating collection
Services
Free Exhibitions
Our free exhibitions showcase Sherborne's heritage through collections in archaeology, geology, textiles, and art. Visitors explore the Sherborne Missal, medieval history, and local industrial legacy. Exhibitions change seasonally, featuring community stories and temporary displays that highlight regional significance.
Educational Programs
We provide hands-on learning tools including loan boxes with historical artifacts for schools. Programs align with curriculum topics from Ancient Egypt to World Wars. Tailored workshops and guided tours enhance student engagement with local history and cultural preservation.
Community Events
Lectures, family-friendly events, and seasonal festivals animate our collections. The winter talks program features experts on archaeology, local traditions, and historical figures. Events like Spooky Stories and Pack Monday Fair foster community connections through shared heritage.
Accessibility Services
Wheelchair access to ground floor exhibits, tactile displays, and sensory areas accommodate diverse needs. Touchscreens provide digital collections access. Support dogs welcome, with private tours available by appointment to ensure equal visitor experiences.
Volunteer Programs
Volunteers support preservation through front-of-house roles, conservation, and outreach. Training opportunities enhance skills in curation, education, and heritage management. Volunteers contribute to maintaining collections and delivering public programs that sustain community interest.
Questions
Is entry to Sherborne Museum free?
Yes, we offer free admission to all our permanent collections and exhibitions held at Abbey Gatehouse.
What are the museum's opening hours?
We're open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10:30am to 4:30pm, from April to mid-December annually.
Can schools access educational resources?
Yes, we provide free loan boxes with artifacts and lesson plans for schools, supporting curriculum learning through hands-on history.
Does the museum accommodate visitors with disabilities?
Wheelchair access is available to ground floor exhibits. We offer tactile displays, support dogs welcome, with private tours by appointment.
How can I support the museum?
You can become a member, volunteer, donate objects, or contribute financially through our website or by post.
Reviews (4)
Steve Whymark
Dec 09, 2019
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Took my 85yo father as I knew he would enjoy seeing some of the vehicles he would have owned and driven during his driving years. I dont know who enjoyed it more me or him. Certainly took me back to my childhood and remembrance of some of the family cars and fond memories from travelling places in them. Great inside and outdoor facilities and cafe.
Theres a go karting track right next door if your feeling a little adventurous with a decent sized out side track.
Theres a go karting track right next door if your feeling a little adventurous with a decent sized out side track.
Adrian Lawrence
Dec 19, 2018
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Really warm ambience with enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff. Lots to see and memories to stir. The
Becky Harvell
Nov 09, 2017
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Would just like to say thankyou to the volunteers who gave up their evening to show us around the museum. We especially enjoyed naming the male mannequin "Robert" thankyou from 1st Sherborne Guides.
Ally Syms
Aug 15, 2017
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Attended the messy Monday session and we had a great time. Such a child friendly place with lots of helpful, friendly staff. We will be back again, thank you for a lovely morning.
