Discover Dorset’s Museums and Art Galleries: Culture, Curiosities and Coastal Charm

Whether you’re escaping a rainy day or looking to explore the region’s creative and cultural side, Dorset’s museums and art galleries offer a treasure trove of stories, artefacts and inspiration for all ages.

Here are some of our favourite places to explore on your next Waterside holiday:

Perched on a clifftop overlooking the sea, this Victorian villa is one of Dorset’s most distinctive cultural landmarks. The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum was once the home of Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes, avid travellers and art collectors. Inside, you’ll find an eclectic mix of fine art, sculptures, artefacts from their foreign travels, and exotic curiosities, all set against ornately decorated interiors. The sea views from the garden terrace aren’t bad either!

Closest park: Osmington Mills Lodge Park, around 55 minutes away.

Perfect for aviation enthusiasts young and old, this hands-on museum lets visitors get up close to a fascinating collection of aircraft and helicopters - many of which you can climb inside! With everything from fighter jets to cockpit flight simulators, the Bournemouth Aviation Museum offers a fun and educational day out, just a short drive from the seafront.

Closest park: Osmington Mills Lodge Park, around 55 minutes away.

One of Dorset’s most popular family attractions, The Tank Museum tells the story of armoured warfare through a unique collection of tanks and military vehicles. With interactive exhibits, live displays, and the chance to see iconic machines like the Tiger I and Whippet, it’s a must-visit for history buffs and kids alike.

Closest park: Osmington Mills Lodge Park, around 20 minutes away.

A compact but captivating museum tucked into the heart of Bridport’s vibrant arts scene. It’s home to exhibitions on local archaeology, the town’s rope and net-making heritage, and provides historic guided walking tours.

Closest park: Chesil Beach Holiday Park, around 35 minutes away.

If you’ve ever been fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast, this award-winning museum is the perfect place to continue the adventure. The Etches Collection showcases an astonishing array of fossils - all collected by local fossil hunter Steve Etches - including dinosaurs, ammonites and the remains of prehistoric sea creatures. 

Closest park: Osmington Mills Lodge Park, around 40 minutes away.

Housed in two 17th-century cottages, Portland Museum offers a quirky and intimate insight into the history of the Isle of Portland, covering shipwrecks, stone quarrying, local folklore and more. Its coastal setting is ideal for combining with a cliff-top walk or beach picnic.

Closest park: Chesil Beach Holiday Park, around 10 minutes away.

From contemporary art to ancient fossils, Dorset’s museums and galleries offer something for everyone - rain or shine. Whether you’re planning a family break, a romantic weekend, or a solo escape, there’s no shortage of indoor adventures to enrich your holiday.

Book your Dorset getaway today with Waterside and discover the creative, curious and captivating side of the rich cultural heritage of the South Coast.

Interested in Cornwall's culture? Read our blog about Cornish museums.