Priest's House Museum

23-27 High Street
Wimborne
Dorset
BH21 1HR

Tel: +44 (0)1202 882 533
Email: priestshouse@eastdorsetdc.gov.uk

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The Historic House

The Priest's House is an historic town house dating from the 16th century. This Grade II* listed building retains many original architectural features.

Recent research and restoration means that you can now enjoy the rooms that provided home comforts for the families who lived and worked here over the years. From the 17th century hall to the 18th century parlour and Victorian kitchen with its working 'Beetonette' range, the rooms bring the past to life.

The East Dorset Villages Gallery gives a taste of local community life from industry to shopping, school to church life, with a hands-on Victorian schoolroom.

The Museum

This fascinating building also houses the Priest's House Museum, where the historic rooms provide authentic settings for the Museum's local history collections. Displays include reconstructions of local businesses that once ran from the building. Mr. Low's Victorian stationery shop (closed up for over 30 years)..... ...and the Coles' Ironmongers, both recreated from original shop stock. You can also come face to face with East Dorset's ancient history in a hands-on archaeology gallery.

The Walled Garden

The delightful walled garden behind the Priest's House covers one third of an acre. With its ever-changing flowering plants, set amongst mature fruit trees, topiary work and smooth lawns, there is something of interest at all times of the year. Seats are provided where visitors to the museum can rest in this surprisingly tranquil retreat in the centre of Wimborne.
Limited access to the garden in 2011.

Other Facilities


  • Hands-on experience supporting the National Curriculum
  • Victorian Britain/Local History Units.
  • Ground floor and Garden accessible to wheelchair users.
  • Lavatories are on the ground floor.
  • Seating is available around the building and garden.
  • Coach and car parking in nearby town car parks.
  • Shop for quality gifts and souvenirs.
  • Tea Room

    Allow 1-2 hours to visit the Priest's House - it's bigger than it looks!
    Opening Times
    (2011 times)
    1st April to 31st October: Monday to Saturday 10.00am - 4.30pm.

    Admission Charges
    (2011 prices)
    Adults £3.50; Senior Citizens/NUS Students £2.50; Children £1.00; Family ticket (2+3) £8.50.

    Directions
    Show map of Priest's House Museum...

    Priest's House Museum Postcode for SatNav: BH21 1HR

    Nearby Attractions
    Kingston Lacy (2 Miles)*
    Kingston Lacy is a magnificent mansion with important collections, set in attractive formal gardens and parkland.
    Knoll Gardens (3 Miles)*
    Hidden away in a quiet corner of east Dorset is the garden of internationally acclaimed plantsman Neil Lucas.Strolling around this secluded four-acre garden you'll discover rare and unusual trees and shrubs
    Compton Acres (7 Miles)*
    Compton Acres invites you to escape to a different world. Twelve individual gardens in one, set in ten acres with spectacular views over Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills.
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    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Hotels
    Kings Head Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
    Comfortable, friendly and oozing historic character, the King's Head Hotel is a charming and convenient base for short breaks in Dorset.
    King's Head Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
    The Kings Head is a 200-year-old hotel on the town square in Wimborne Minster. It has free Wi-Fi internet access, a bar, a good-value restaurant and free guest parking.
    Les Bouviers Restaurant With Rooms (2 Miles)*
    Set in 5.5 acres of green belt land with 6 stunning rooms overlooking the grounds, here a nationally acclaimed restaurant is supported by art themed accommodation.
    more hotels near Priest's House Museum ...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Self Catering
    Pinetop Cottage (4 Miles)*
    Stylish and well maitained cottage, set in a quiet wooded close with large driveway and garden.
    Sea Cottage (11 Miles)*
    Sea Cottage is a happy family holiday home with all the necessities but no frills. It is set in a quiet cul-de-sac overlooking the National Trust Heath to the sea.
    Highcroft Cottage (12 Miles)*
    Highcroft Cottage is located in the pretty New Forest National Park village of Burley with ponies and donkeys freely roaming the local streets. The cottage can sleep seven-eight people.
    Your property could be here
    Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
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    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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