Poole Museum — Attraction in England

Free entry. Museum has a cafe (closed on my visit) and toilets on third floor - stairs or lift.

Excellent layout but beware of low ceiling beams (padded) and light fittings for tall visitors, I'm 6ft 3in tall.

There were two sections by local bird preservation society for Poole Harbour - really good informative displays. Volunteer member present to talk with.

Creative arts table with supervision for very young children.

Plenty of local history on tile manufacturing and Poole pottery (now located in Stoke-on-Trent).

Historical modern appliances in the kitchen, fishing industry, 2 world wars and Poole's involvement.

Stunning platoon photo of 14 young army men ready for action on Western front WW1. Most probably not much more than 18 yrs old....

Also some natural history, ceramics from Europe and impressive paintings by Nash.

I spent an hour and a half there, bought a cycling/walking map guide to New Forest and left a cash donation.

Dynamic and amazing place for adults...

Good museum with lots of really interesting things. All the ladies working here are really nice with big smiles and very helpful. The lady in the tearoom today was also really nice and the views on the quay make it worth popping in for refreshments when you are passing, even if you don't go around the exhibits. Lots to learn, and although we thought we knew our home area really well, I learnt even more. The highlight for me was definitely the long boat. Long is an understatement! I first saw this boat back in the 70's when it was soaking in a liquid to preserve it, in Scaplen's Court. To see it again, out of the conservation solution and in its full glory was really great. With free entry as well, what's not to like? Gave it 4 stars because we liked it, however, for us, Salisbury Museum is absolutely fantastic and really hard to beat, so it wouldn't be fair to give Poole the same as they are not on...

We stumbled across this having a wonder round Poole - what a hidden gem! You'll need a good few hours here to read everything on offer, and there are interactive bits for children too. It's free entry, and the staff are really helpful and knowledgeable about the history of the building (which we were curious about - it's in really good condition, yet full of character). There are some great things to see here - the logboat found just off the coast, the RNLI displays and also the home life floor. Look out for the items on display from current brands: Bovril, Vaseline, Harpic, Elastoplast, Beechams and Oxo. Also, keep an eye out for the more amusing 'Bile Beans' and...