In the historic market town of Wimborne, in an unassuming corner of the town centre sits the gem that is ‘The Museum of East Dorset’.

We were recommended the museum by a friend, because of a particular summer exhibition and not really knowing what to expect and with two days left till the school term begins, we thought why not and we were all incredibly pleased we did!! 

Visiting the Museum of East Dorset is like stepping back in time. Set within a beautifully preserved historic house, the museum offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of those who lived and worked in the area across the centuries. The themed exhibitions and thoughtfully curated collections reveal the rich heritage of Wimborne Minster and East Dorset in fascinating detail.

From remarkable Roman wall paintings and ancient archaeological finds to the charmingly recreated Victorian kitchen, every room tells a story. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy—history lovers, families, and curious wanderers alike.

But… we weren’t just here for this history. This summer, the Museum of East Dorset invited families to step out of the digital world and into a real-life Minecraft adventure. Armed with our imagination (and sword and pickaxes, as well as full dress up in the museum – and yes I was a giant creeper!!), we joined the fun on the museum’s special summer family trail inspired by the beloved blocky universe.

Children and grown-ups alike can get hands-on with a variety of themed activities and we did all that was on offer. We created our own player character dolls & masks at the craft table, embarked on a creature hunt through the museum’s galleries, and dug for hidden treasures in the interactive sandbox mine. We did quizzes to find potions and made houses and caves out of blocks!

As part of the Minecraft Adventures At The Museum Trail, the Garden Room had been converted into a Mob Arena! We grabbed the NERF Minecraft Bow and Crossbow and tested our aim against the creatures of the night. My son (8) could have stayed all day! The Minecraft exhibit is on until Saturday 6th September and given the thought that has gone into this exhibition, I would be surprised if there isn’t a new one, that is just as hands on in the near future!

After exploring, the on-site Tea Room is the perfect place to unwind. Overlooking a tranquil and very beautiful garden, it offers a delightful selection of cakes, seasonal treats, and hot or cold drinks. We unfortunately didn’t have time but I was envious of those who were embracing a relaxed moment! At this point in the summer holidays I am anything but relaxed so this was a great engaging day out to end the Summer holidays and we highly recommend.