28/05/2021 10:00 - 30/09/2021 16:30

Scaplen's Court is a Grade I listed medieval building dating back to the 1300s. The building we see today is mainly a courtyard inn built in the 1500s and 1600s. The inn was called The George, and graffiti made by Parliamentarian soldiers who were lodging here in the 1630s can be seen carved into one of the stone fireplaces.

Adjoining Scaplen’s Court is a delightful walled garden providing an oasis of colour and tranquillity. Originally designed by George Dillistone in 1930, it was restored by volunteers in 2000 as a herb and physic garden.

The character-filled period rooms and pretty walled garden will be open to the public from Friday 28 May*.

The garden and house will be stewarded by volunteers and if you would like to know how you can get involved the email us a culturevolunteers@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

(*Scaplen's Court House may close to accommodate school bookings and private hires. Please check the website or call 01202 128 888 before making your journey) 

18/06/2021 10:00 - 05/09/2021 17:00

This display shines a light on the largely hidden heritage of Gypsies and Travellers in and around Poole. Based on the research of Raymond Wills, this has been developed in partnership with Kushti Bok, the organisation that gives a voice to Gypsies and Travellers in Dorset. Ray, local “Gypsy Poet” is a poet and author from a rich Traveller heritage. Come and view family research and discover the meanings behind the evocative names of historic Gypsy camps like Heavenly Bottom and Monkey's Hump.

The display is located on Floor 2 of the museum. 

Kushti Bok are dedicated to spreading awareness about race equality and aim to do this through cultural awareness and understanding. 

17/07/2021 10:00 - 05/09/2021 17:00

This temporary exhibition celebrates the fascinating world of automata. The interactive displays give visitors the chance to get up close to these mechanical marvels. Presented in collaboration with Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, the exhibition showcases some of the UK’s finest contemporary automata makers. With a family activity area and accompanying workshops, the exhibition is fun for all ages. 

28/07/2021 11:00 - 05/08/2021 15:00

Wednesdays from 28 July – 25 August

To celebrate Poole Museum’s Mechanical Marvels exhibition we will be running family drop-in craft sessions every Wednesday. Come along and have a go at making your own marvel based on one of our exhibits. You can try a different one each week from ‘Cat up a chimney’ to ‘Cranky junk’. 

02/08/2021 11:00 - 31/08/2021 15:00

Step back in time every Monday and Tuesday throughout August with our free historically themed activities. Our experienced activity leader will be demonstrating cookery and crafts from the past and encouraging visitors to have a go.

Plants and herbs their uses throughout time 2nd and 3rd August

Ye Olde Pirates of Poole 9th and 10th August

Some Tudor Nonsense 16th and 17th August

Time for a Victorian Tea 23rd and 24th August

Making do in WW2 30th and 31st August

09/09/2021 11:00 - 14:00

Learn about the exciting process of Raku in this half-day workshop with our Ceramicist in Residence Imogen Charleston!

Choose from a selection of handmade biscuit fired pots. You will use a range of prepared glazes to decorate your pot. Working together to load and fire the Raku kiln. Watch as your pots are fired, then put into the reduction box. Finally give them a wash to reveal the glaze transformation. You will be able to take your raku-fired pieces away with you on the day.

Includes lunch with locally sourced home-made cake!


"Dress for mess" and wear closed toe shoes.

£75 per person to include lunch and your own raku-fired piece to take home.

Visit the eventbrite link below to reserve your place. After booking, a member of the team will be in contact to discuss payment methods.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/raku-firing-workshop-tickets-161490178471

19/09/2021 11:00 - 15:00

Step back in time and join our Tudor cooks at Scaplen’s Court, one of Poole’s oldest buildings.  See our brick bread oven, find medicinal herbs in our Physic garden and discover why Elizabeth I was proud of her rotten teeth.

This gastronomical Tudor exploration is not to be missed!

www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/edible-england-tasty-tudors-at-poole-museum

Free, no booking required