Wimborne Minster, a charming town nestled on the banks of the rivers Stour and Allen, is a picturesque location that has a rich heritage dating back to pre-Roman times.
The town is a traditional and pretty place filled with shops and boutiques surrounded by red brick houses and cute cottages.
Yet there is plenty of scenic countryside surrounding Wimborne, making it a lovely place to visit or come to stay.
From ancient churches to family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone.
Here’s a list of some of the best things to do in Wimborne to get the most out of your visit. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
1. Explore The Museum of East Dorset
Step into the charm of the Museum of East Dorset and uncover stories from the past.
This museum, set in a historic house from the 1500s, offers a journey through time with its numerous collections.
Visitors are treated to themed exhibitions that cover various aspects of life, from landscapes and architecture to travel and communication and even life and death.
The museum features 11 galleries, each dedicated to different themes related to Wimborne Minster and East Dorset.
Visitors can enjoy a light refreshment in the peaceful garden or visit the gift shop to pick up Wimborne and Dorset memorabilia, toys and more.
💡 Good to know:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Family-friendly
- Events held throughout the year, such as murder mysteries, craft afternoons and summer fetes
📍 Address: 23-29 High St, Wimborne BH21 1HR
2. Take a Creative Workshop at Walford Mill Crafts
Walford Mill Crafts offers a range of workshops perfect for anyone looking to unleash their creativity.
These workshops are run by local and nationally recognised makers.
Participants can enjoy activities like stencil printing, papercutting, willow deer crafting and jewellery making.
No experience is necessary, and all skill levels are welcome.
Each workshop requires booking in advance and some may need you to bring your own materials.
A great place to visit to improve your mental health, get creative and learn something new.
💡 Good to know:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Adult and children’s workshops
- Cafe
📍 Address: Walford Mill Crafts, Knobcrook Rd, Stone Ln, Wimborne BH21 1NL
3. Explore Kingston Lacy
Kingston Lacy is a stunning country house with beautiful gardens.
It’s located near Wimborne Minster and is perfect for a family day out.
Visitors can wander through the Japanese Garden, which leads to the Kitchen Garden. Each one with its unique and beautiful plants and flowers.
The house itself is spectacular; visitors can wander around the grand rooms and speak to friendly and knowledgeable National Trust staff about the history of the house and Kingston Lacy.
There is an amazing children’s play park that has beautiful views of the gardens and countryside, a cafe and a gift shop.
💡 Good to know:
- Lots of family-friendly events are held during school holidays
- Map of the accessible route for wheelchairs available from Visitor Reception
- National Trust
📍 Address: Blandford Rd, Wimborne BH21 4EA
4. Enjoy The Beautiful Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens is a must-visit for garden lovers.
It’s renowned for its stunning collection of grasses and a great place to enjoy nature and find some gardening inspiration.
It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for a relaxing walk; the gardens have vibrant flowers and foliage, creating a picturesque setting.
The knowledgeable and friendly staff are always ready to help visitors select the right plants.
💡 Good to know:
- The on-site nursery offers a variety of unusual and hard-to-find plants for sale
- Events and classes available, such as yoga in the gardens
- Open Wednesdays to Saturdays
- Most of the garden is accessible with help
📍 Address: Stapehill Rd, Hampreston, Wimborne BH21 7ND
5. Enjoy an Alpaca Walking Experience at Hope Farm Alpaca Rescue
Hope Farm Alpaca Rescue is a unique place to visit in Wimborne.
They focus on saving and rehabilitating alpacas; there are also other animals, such as goats and chickens.
Visitors can meet, walk, and feed these friendly animals. The staff are knowledgeable and do a great job of guiding the experience.
Spending time with the alpacas will bring so much happiness to all and will be a day out that you won’t forget.
Don’t forget to pre-book your visit, as they require a 48-hour notice for cancellations.
💡 Good to know:
- Fun for all the family
- Keep up with recent events on Facebook
📍 Address: Mill St, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne BH21 3RQ
6. Try The Delicious Jim’s Cheesecakes
If you’re in Wimborne Minster, you have to head to Jim’s Cheesecakes.
This small shop offers a variety of mouthwatering cheesecakes, known for being the lightest and fluffiest in town.
Besides cheesecakes, they also serve fantastic coffee and a tasty selection of sausage rolls and pastries.
Be prepared to enjoy every bite!
📍 Address: 10 East St., Wimborne BH21 1DS, United Kingdom
7. Visit Wimborne Minster, Church of St Cuthburga
Wimborne Minster, the Church of St Cuthburga, is a must-see with its breathtaking Gothic architecture, standing proudly in the heart of Wimborne Town for everyone to admire.
This historic church has roots dating back to the pre-Roman era.
Inside, visitors can explore intricate carvings and beautiful stained glass windows.
Don’t forget to check out the chained library, a collection of books dating back to 1686.
An amazing slice of history in the heart of Wimborne.
For more, check out this post on the beautiful historic churches of Dorset.
💡 Good to know:
- Disabled access is available (no disabled access to the chained library)
📍 Address: High St, Wimborne Minster, Wimborne BH21 1EB
8. Pamphill Dairy Farm
Pamphill Dairy Farm is a must-visit.
The farm is especially stunning in spring, with bluebells covering the woodland floor; enjoy a beautiful walk filled with picturesque scenery and photo opportunities.
The Parlour Cafe offers fresh, homemade food using ingredients from the on-site butchers.
The menu includes breakfasts, roasts, and sweet treats.
There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, plus a play park for children.
You’ll be able to stay close to the children whilst enjoying the beautiful surroundings of thatched cottages and countryside.
The farm shop is known for its variety of local and fresh produce, eco-friendly refill stations, locally made wine and cider, and delicious freshly made scones.
There are also several independent businesses on site, including Nurturing by Nature specialises in raw pet food, while The Nest offers clothes, gifts, and homewares.
Other facilities include a hairdresser, a picture framing service, and a fabric store.
If you want to know more, check out our other post on Pamphill Dairy Farm here.
💡 Good to know:
- Free parking available
- Wheelchair accessible
📍 Address: 546 Abbott St, Pamphill, Wimborne BH21 4ED
9. Enjoy a Show at Tivoli Theatre
The Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne Minster is a gem for both locals and visitors.
Opened in 1936, it continues to host a mix of films and live stage shows, showcasing the best in entertainment.
With its vintage charm, the theatre has 483 seats, offering an intimate yet grand experience.
See the likes of pantomimes, cover bands, comedy shows, family events and more, a great spot for an evening out with loved ones.
For up-to-date info on what’s playing, check the Tivoli Theatre website.
💡 Good to know:
- Wheelchair accessible
📍 Address: 19 West Borough, Wimborne BH21 1LT
10. Check Out Wimborne Model Town
Wimborne Model Town is a must-see for families.
Built to a 1/10th scale, it shows Wimborne as it looked in the 1950s.
Children will love the chance to get up close and peak into the shop windows, such as the butchers, bakers and fishmongers.
The miniature gardens are beautifully maintained, and visitors can even enjoy a round of crazy golf.
There are fun activities and informative displays about the history of the town.
The model village is a famous landmark of Wimborne and a great place for family-friendly fun.
Read more about Wimborne Model Town and Gardens here.
💡 Good to know:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pay for entry once, and you get 12 months access
📍 Address: King St, Wimborne Minster, Wimborne BH21 1DY
11. Walk along the River Stour
Walking along the River Stour in Wimborne Minster is a serene experience.
The river winds through the countryside, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling town.
You can start your walk from the town centre and follow the path alongside the water.
The route is perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
Birdwatchers will love spotting the various species that inhabit the riverbanks, such as ducks, swans, and even kingfishers.
💡 Good to know:
- Accessible paths
12. Picnic at Pamphill Green
Pamphill Green is a lovely spot perfect for a family picnic. This charming village green is complete with ancient oak trees and a quaint cricket pitch.
Visitors can spread out their blankets under the shade of the trees and enjoy the serene countryside atmosphere.
It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot.
It’s ideal for unwinding with a good book or enjoying some games with the children. Being out in the fresh air with beautiful surroundings is the best (and a great way to reduce screen time!)
Nearby, there are walking paths that allow for a pleasant stroll through the countryside, adding a bit of adventure to your day out.
💡 Good to know:
- Parking on site
📍 Address: Pamphill, Wimborne BH21 4ED
Wimborne is a beautiful town and, in many ways, still untouched by modern attractions, making it a fantastic place to visit with all the family.
Full of fun, educational, and money-friendly activities, this is a great place to enjoy.
Have fun with your time in Wimborne, and thank you for reading.
