At the Museum of East Dorset, we recognise that accessibility is an important part of our role. We are pleased to welcome visitors of all ages and abilities to the museum and are committed to facilitating access for all, regardless of ability, age, gender, cultural or social background, sexual orientation, faith, language, location or wealth. We strive to do this by ensuring that there are no unnecessary barriers that may prevent or deter visitors from interacting with the museum, our team and our digital channels. Our aim is to make your experience here a positive one, so if you have any special requirements, please let us know.

Admission Prices

Adults                                                            £8.00 Gift Aid

Concession                                                   £7.00 Gift Aid

Children        (5-16 years)                           £4.00 Gift Aid

Family           1 Adult, up to 4 Children     £13.50 Gift Aid

Family           2 Adults, up to 4 Children   £20.00 Gift Aid

Child             (0-4 years)                              FREE

Carer *                                                          FREE

If you’re a regular visitor, you can save with an annual pass:

Single annual pass                                                   £14.00

Family annual pass: 1 Adult, up to 4 Children     £24.00

Family annual pass: 2 Adults, up to 4 Children   £33.00

* Visitors may bring an essential carer/helper free of charge.

We want to make sure that everyone can come to and enjoy the Museum of East Dorset. We want to make it easy for everyone to visit and feel welcome.

Drop off

There are three disabled parking spaces adjacent to the entrance of the museum.

The nearest car park to the museum is a gravel car park in the High Street, or King Street car park, located beyond The Minster church. Details of all of the town car parks can be found by clicking here.

Access information for wheelchair users

We have:

• Thanks to the newly installed platform lift between the ground and first floors, we have a wheelchair accessible route. If you need assistance to operate this for you, please let us know.
• There is also ramp access throughout the museum and garden.
• Accessible toilets.
• There are two routes to the Tea Room and garden. The first one through the double doors may be too narrow for some wheelchair users. Please ask us and we will show you the best route for you.
• The bookshop is currently not accessible to wheelchair users but please ask a member of the team for any assistance.

Assistance Dogs

Well behaved dogs on a lead are very welcome in the garden and Assistance dogs are also welcome in the museum. 

Seating

There are a number of chairs with arms and benches available for visitors to use throughout the museum in most rooms and galleries.

Buggies and Pushchairs

Visitors with buggies and pushchairs are welcome, with ramped access throughout the ground floor and garden. There is also a lift to the first floor and a buggy park nearby should you wish to leave your buggy or pushchair whilst you explore.

Tearoom

Large print menus are available along with allergen information, upon request.

If you require a highchair, please ask a member of our team.

Toilets

• We have one single toilet on the ground floor of the museum itself and an accessible toilet next to the Garden Tea Room. Our accessible toilet does not have a hoist, however it is Part M compliant. 
• Baby change facilities are also available next to the Garden Tea Room.

If you require further information or if there is anything we can do to make your visit more enjoyable, please call 01202 882533 or email us at [email protected]

Plan Your Visit

Floorplan – We offer a photographic guide to our facilities to help our visitors to navigate more easily and explore with ease.

Quieter Times – We are open every day 10am-4.30pm (until 4pm November – March). There are generally less people at the museum on a Thursday afternoon during school term time, and Mondays and Fridays are quieter during school holidays. Saturdays are busy year round. If you want to talk to us about when is a good time for you, or the people you are supporting, to visit, please contact us.

Getting Here – The museum is easily accessible via car, bus, rail, and coach. Please click here to visit the ‘Getting Here’ page. For a list of local car parks with disabled spaces, please visit the Dorset Council website.

Virtual Museum – If you’re not able to visit in person or are not quite ready to venture out to us, why not visit our virtual museum? Click here to learn more.