EventsCorporate hire
Poole Museum is no ordinary museum. Set across an estate of Grade I and II listed buildings, including Oakley’s Mill, a striking Victorian grain warehouse; the medieval Town Cellars; and Scaplen’s Court & Garden, this is history you can step right into.
Tucked within a centuries‑old merchant’s house and hidden behind it, a tranquil walled herb and physic garden, Scaplen’s Court offers a space where ideas flow more freely, conversations feel less formal, and every event comes with a story already built in.
Whether you’re gathering the team, hosting clients or planning something a bit special - and whether you want a room to suit 10 people, or to take over the entire building and make it your own, this is business, with a touch more character (and the odd wonky wall!)
Hire rates
Scaplen's Court hire starts from £2,000 for a half day, building up to £3,500 for a full day exclusive venue hire for Scaplen's Court, a truly distinctive setting and perfect for corporate events that want to stand out for all the right reasons.
The museum has a range of rooms you can hire, starting from £250 for a half day (for our smallest rooms).
We also offer a limited number of discounted and community rates for eligible organisations.
The Upper Hall
Grand, gorgeous, and impossible to ignore, with soaring ceilings and a floor-to-ceiling window framing views out to Poole Quay, this is a space that instantly impresses.
Flooded with natural light by day and full of atmosphere by evening, the Upper Hall is perfect for presentations, talks, and events that deserve a bit of drama. Stage it your way with rows, cabaret, standing, and let the setting do the heavy lifting. This isn’t just a room; it’s your event’s centrepiece.
Room capacity: up to 80 guests
Parlour Chamber
Once the master bedchamber, now a masterclass in medieval charm.
Look up and you’ll find a beautifully aged roof structure that’s been quietly impressing people for centuries. Perfect for smaller meetings where you want just the right mix of history, atmosphere, and a touch of 'wow, look at that ceiling'.
Rear Chamber
A room with a view - or two.
Full of character and layered with stories, this space offers glimpses into the building’s past life as a bustling merchant’s house. Ideal for focused sessions, thoughtful conversations, or anything that benefits from a slightly more tucked-away feel.
Room capacity: up to 50 guests
Upper Garden Room
Split-level charm with just enough quirk to keep things interesting - and a view over the tranquil garden.
Once part of the working heart of the house, today it’s a flexible, characterful space that adapts easily to your needs - meetings, workshops, or something a little less expected.
Room capacity: Upper Garden Room – up to 60 guests
Long Chamber
It’s long, it’s lovely, and yes—that iconic mullioned window is a real scene-stealer (even if it’s a rather convincing replica).
Cosy rather than cavernous, it’s ideal for sessions that need focus, flow, and a touch of character.
Lower Garden Room
A mid-1500s kitchen with a seriously impressive fireplace at its heart.
Once the working hub of the house, it’s now a warm, characterful space full of history and quiet charm. Tucked close to the garden, it carries a calm, grounded feel, perfect for smaller gatherings, relaxed sessions, or moments that benefit from a slightly softer pace.
Room capacity: up to 40 guests
Creative Space and Terrace
Learn, make, share, relax - this one does it all.
A bright, flexible space paired with its own balcony terrace, offering views across Poole Quay and up through the Old Town High Street. Step outside for a breath of fresh air, a breakout moment, or just a bit of perspective (the scenic kind).
Perfect for creative sessions, workshops, or anything that benefits from a change of pace, and yes, sunshine is always very welcome.
Room capacity: up to 20 people
The Loft
Who doesn’t love a glorified attic? This charming, elevated nook wears many hats - part art studio, part creative hub, part peaceful retreat for thinking things through.
Tucked up high, it’s a space that invites ideas to wander (in a good way), making it perfect for workshops, away days, board meetings, or anything that benefits from a slightly different perspective.
Whimsical? A little. Practical? Absolutely - it even has it's own toilet and mini-kitchen. It's surprisingly good at bringing out both big ideas and those delightfully unnecessary questions that sometimes lead somewhere brilliant.
Room capacity: up to 30 people
When you hire a space with us, you’ll have support from a team who know the building inside out (and all its quirks). From setting up AV-ready rooms tailored to your event, to helping everything run seamlessly on the day, we’re here to make things easy.
We also offer delicious refreshments from our in-house Salt Pig team who can work closely with you to create the perfect catering offer.
External caterers may also be accommodated, subject to prior discussion and agreement, taking into account venue facilities, insurance requirements, and any additional costs involved.
Whether you know exactly what you need or just have the start of an idea, we’d love to help. Email us to start the conversation!