Best History Museum in Weymouth Harbour

"Hardy was one of the founders of the Dorset County Museum, which moved into this stunning purpose-built Neo-Gothic hall in 1881. The museum holds the Thomas Hardy archive, which has pieces like the handwritten manuscript for The Woodlanders and an 1874 first edition of Far from the Madding Crowd. There’s also a dress that belonged to Hardy’s sister and is thought to have inspired the dress in Tess of the d’Urbervilles."

"For a nautical theme and a sense of the history of Poole from prehistoric times up to modern day, drop by the Poole Museum to see their displays of archaeological artifacts from the Roman period to medieval times. As you walk in, there is a massive viking longboat at the entrance, a great attraction to entice you in further to learn more about Stone, Bronze and Iron ages. While you’re there, you can also visit the other buildings housed under the museum: Oakley’s Mill, a Victorian grain warehouse, Town Cellars and Scaplen’s Court."

"Built from white Portland stone, Shire Hall (1797) is Dorchester’s solemn Neoclassical former courthouse. This Grade I-listed building has some serious history. For instance, Thomas Hardy was a magistrate here for decades, and the infamous trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs took place at Shire Hall in 1834."

"Make your way to the atmospheric Fisherman’s Dock at the end of Poole Quay and you’ll uncover an exciting slice of local maritime history at this historic boathouse. This was Poole’s lifeboat station from 1882 to 1989, and houses the Thomas Kirk Wright, launched in 1939 and the first of 19 lifeboats to arrive at Dunkirk for the evacuation on 30 May 1940. You can take a good look at the vessel and read up on its eventful 23-year career as a lifeboat."

"If you’re into maritime and the lifeboats this is a must to put on your list!. Showcasing lifeboats throughout the year and digging into the history behind them, it’s full of culture and diversity, a must visit!"

"It’s a really nice Bournemouth day trip to make and there’s loads to be seen. They have a really nice cafe, I’m not sure it’s the place to go with young children though, they might get bored!"

"Set in the picturesque Poole Quay, Da Vinci’s has been established for 27 years. The restaurant is family run using fresh, local ingredients. You can choose to din in the large outside seating area overlooking the quay, or inside in the homely dining room."

"From the beautiful setting of Poole Quay, Da Vinci’s Italian restaurant is a family-run business which has been in business for more than twenty years. Not only does it sit…"

"For food fuel by day, we recommend homemade soups and super sandwiches at Flirt, a perfectly quirky cafe that also sells bubble teas and healthy smoothies. Post-lunch, you can also enjoy a glass of wine. The all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet is also a favourite with groups."