We’re looking forward to welcoming groups back to Poole Museum once we reopen in summer 2025.
From tour groups to family and friend groups, we offer a range of bespoke group tour packages for 10 or more people, designed to suit your interests and schedule.
Enjoy a self-guided group visit or unlock Poole’s remarkable history on one of our guided group tours to experience the transformed museum.
Discover
- Discover Poole’s heritage from lustrous Poole Pottery vases to cannonballs salvaged from a shipwrecked Spanish galleon! Dive into our three new maritime galleries with exciting new exhibits and interactive displays.
- Explore more in our beautifully restored historic buildings including Scaplen’s Court and Garden, originally built as a medieval merchant’s house.
- Experience something for everyone with fully accessible spaces, modern amenities and a vibrant programme of events, workshops, and activities.
- Enjoy high-profile and touring exhibitions within our new dedicated gallery
- Recharge with refreshments in our new café or enjoy as part of your group package within a private dining area in our unique and historic surroundings.
Tours for all
Book onto a guided group tour of the museum led by our knowledgeable and welcoming hosts – with a selection of themed bookable tours available which may include a museum highlights tour, a maritime galleries tour, and an historic building and garden tour.
Or take the unique opportunity to book onto one of our specialist tours which we're currently planning. These could include a special exhibition tour, subject specialist tour, or a behind-the-scenes style tour.
Benefit from discounted rates on group catering packages when booking ahead with a tour – refreshments can be enjoyed within our unique and historic surroundings for that something extra special.
Sample group itinerary
We're still finalising our new and improved group tour packages, but we've put together a sample group itinerary to give you a flavour of what a visit to Poole Museum may entail:
10am: Welcome - a warm welcome and introduction to the Poole Museum experience onboard the coach – this comes with unexpected surprises!
10.30am: Refreshments - arrival refreshments in the Upper Hall of our newly renovated and fully accessible Scaplen’s Court, previously a medieval merchant's house.
11am: Tour - you could be taken on a 60-minute highlights tour giving an overview of Poole’s remarkable history. You'll visit the museum's brand new galleries, which include three maritime galleries, our Ceramics, Art and Design gallery, which hosts the world's largest public collection of Poole Pottery, our temporary exhibitions gallery and so much more!
Be introduced to some of the most prized objects in our collections, including the stories behind them. Our knowledgeable guides will look after you and can even provide you with top tips on where to head during the rest of your visit.
1pm: Sustenance - a Buffet Lunch or Afternoon Tea at Scaplen’s Court with the opportunity to explore this beautiful house and walled garden - an oasis of green on Poole Quay! We'll have a number of different catering options to suit all palates.
2pm: Partnerships - With so much to see and do on Poole Quay, why not enjoy a combination tour with an afternoon boat trip from Poole Quay, and enjoy the views while you glide along the water after visitng the museum (TBC).
Special group tours
To make the day extra special, we're planning special activities for our group tours which may include:
- Costumed guides
- The opportunity to experience a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look in previously unseen collections
- Hands on and interactive elements with the opportunity to get up close and handle the objects
We're also busy planning other combination tours such as a tour and special tastings experience, or one of our unique hands on workshops, where you get an exclusive interaction with our collections.
Contact us
Pre-book self-guided visits – our galleries are free to visit but all groups of 10 or more are encouraged to book in advance to avoid any disappointment on the day of your visit.
Whether you're planning a day out with friends, a school trip, or a special interest group tour, Poole Museum offers something for everyone. Contact us to discuss your perfect trip.
T: 01202 128 888
E: museums@bcpcouncil.gov.uk