See through our children’s eyes as they embark on a Climate Change Challenge around Dorset – from creative artworks to budding scientific experiments.

Hear from them as they pledge to protect the planet and find out what we can all do to advocate for change.

A selection of work will be on display on Floor 2 of Poole Museum. To find out more about the Climate Change Challenge visit: www.wessexmuseums.org.uk/dorset-goes-wild-climate-change-challenge/

Free. Available during museum opening hours. No booking required. Donations are welcome.

Take a moment to breathe, relax and explore the life and literature of the Victorian novelist and poet, Thomas Hardy.

Poole Museum invites you to explore artefacts in the calm of the Temporary Exhibition Gallery spaces using mindfulness. Through breathing, listening, observing and drawing.

Mindfulness is a valuable skill of self-care that can support our wellbeing. It helps us to connect with the present moment through our senses which, in turn, can deepen our appreciation of artefacts and works of art.

What to expect
During your visit to the exhibition collect a sketch and de-stress self-guided worksheet, art board and drawing pencil. You will be invited to take a closer look at the exhibition and objects. Draw and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Wessex. Listen to the recording of a scene from Hardy’s novel. Draw what you see in your mind’s eye as he paints the picture with words.

Poole Museum Temporary Exhibition Galleries. Available with exhibition entry, during museum opening hours.

Discover and explore the Thomas Hardy exhibition with Wessex the Dog. Through this fun detective trail, look for clues in the objects, solve puzzles and draw your own sketches!

Poole Museum Temporary Exhibition Galleries. Available with exhibition entry, during museum opening hours.

Tickets: £45
Places available: 10
Location: Scaplen's Court Museum and Garden

Explore Hardy’s Wessex through pen and ink, with artist Jessamy Keily.

Dorset-based artist Jessamy Keily specialises in pen and ink. Experimenting with a traditional medium, she uses her inks to capture the unique forms and patterns of nature that inspire her. Jessamy has been teaching the art of ink for a number of years and holds regular workshops.

What to expect:
In this relaxed 1.5 hour workshop for beginners, you will learn all about dip pens and Indian ink, how they work and their history. There will be a chance to explore a variety of mark-making techniques and experiments before creating a final sketch or piece of handwriting that can be taken home and framed.

As part of your booking you can enjoy complimentary exhibition entry after the workshop to explore Hardy’s Wessex.

All tools and materials are provided on the day. No previous experience is required.

Please note places are limited to ensure lots of space, and to allow for plenty of support and guidance to each person. 

Book Your Ticket

Tickets: Free, Pre-booking required due to limited places
Places available: 20
Location: Poole Museum 3rd Floor Family Area

Gather round for a storytelling adventure into the world of Hardy’s Wessex with storyteller and musician Tim Laycock.

From stories of magicians on the heathland to the curious tale of Old William and the Bull, with music and songs from Thomas Hardy’s childhood.

Join us on Poole Museums' third floor family area to enjoy this free family-friendly session. Pre-booking required due to limited spaces. Suitable for up to 11 years.

Book Your Tickets

Tickets: £70
Places available: 8
Location: Scaplen's Court Museum and Garden

Explore Hardy’s Wessex through wood engraving, with artist Robin Mackenzie.

Robin Mackenzie is an elected member of The Society of Wood Engravers and has exhibited his work all over the UK. Wessex Museums commissioned Robin to create the Wessex map and vignettes which feature in the four ‘Hardy’s Wessex’ exhibitions. He also creates prints for books, magazines, merchandise and works from his open studio at Walford Mill Crafts in Wimborne.

This one-day workshop is perfect for beginners looking to learn a new technique, or for those who have done a little engraving and wish to progress their technique further.

What to expect:
You will be taught the principles of designing for wood engraving, methods of engraving into a block of end grain wood, and how to print by hand from your finished block.

During your workshop you can enjoy complimentary exhibition entry to explore Hardy’s Wessex for inspiration.

The museum café will be open for an elevenses refreshment and lunch. During the break enjoy our unique and inspiring setting of Scaplen’s Court and Garden.

All tools and materials including the wood blocks are provided on the day. No previous experience is required.

Please note places are limited to ensure lots of space, and to allow for plenty of support and guidance to each person.

Book Your Tickets

Tickets: £4
Places available: 16
Location: Scaplen's Court Museum and Garden

An interactive session for those living with dementia and their carers.

A chance to view and discuss the works of an exhibition that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and literature of the Victorian novelist and poet, Thomas Hardy. Explore the stunning Wessex landscapes that shaped his view of the world and discover his story, retold in exciting new ways by the museum collections.

£4 per person including refreshments. A hot drink and cake will be provided in the café at the end of the session.

Book Your Place

Advance booking essential. If you require support with booking please contact Erni on 01202 127 433 or e-mail erni.pelham@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Come out, ’tis now September, the hunters’ moon’s begun,
And through the wheaten stubble we hear the frequent gun;
The leaves are turning yellow, and fading into red,
While the ripe and bearded barley is hanging down its head.
The Ripe and Bearded Barley Traditional Song

Join us at Scaplen's Court Museum and Garden to celebrate Harvest Festival inspired by our Hardy’s Wessex exhibition. It is a time for feasting, celebrating and giving thanks.

Enjoy family themed craft and cooking activities and sample a recipe or two.

Free, donations are welcome. No booking required.


Make the most of your families visit by pre-booking a Family Afternoon Tea, available 1 – 3pm

Adult’s Afternoon Tea, £15.00 pp includes a selection of sandwiches, scone, jam and cream, a selection of mini themed cakes and a Dorset tea or hot drink.

Child’s Afternoon Tea, £5.00 pp includes half a sandwich, crisps, cake, veg sticks and a small orange juice or water.

To book your Family Afternoon Tea, contact our catering team.
T: 01202 128888
E: museumhire@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Scaplen’s Court is a Grade I listed building and the upper levels do not currently meet all access needs. If you would like to discuss any additional requirements, please get in touch.

Tickets: Free, Pre-booking required due to limited places
Places available: 20
Location: Poole Museum 3rd Floor Family Area

Gather round for a storytelling adventure into the world of Hardy’s Wessex with storyteller and musician Tim Laycock.

From stories of magicians on the heathland to the curious tale of Old William and the Bull, with music and songs from Thomas Hardy’s childhood.

Join us on Poole Museums' third floor family area to enjoy this free family-friendly session. Pre-booking required due to limited spaces. Suitable for up to 11 years.

Book Your Tickets