Please note some of the attractions will require to book tickets in advance online so please check your chosen local attraction in advance and book your slot before your visit.
St. Andrews Church, Millhams Road, Bournemouth, BH10 7LN.
Come and visit the oldest Church in Bournemouth with a late Norman tower & 13th century chancel.
Event Times – 9 & 12 September 2024 from 10am-3pm.
No booking required.
Arts University Bournemouth, 7 Fern Barrow, Bournemouth BH12 5HH.
An opportunity to explore the stunning buildings of the Arts University Bournemouth campus including some of the cultural and learning resources.
Event Times – 6 & 13 September 2024 at 11am
Pre-booking required.
A talk about the history and refurbishment of the Russell-Cotes Museum and Art Gallery includes free entry to the museum.
Event Times – Wednesday 11 September 2024 from 11am-12pm
Pre-booking required.
Image from BH Live Tickets
Join us for a tour of Bournemouth’s magnificent original 1929 Grade 2 Listed Pavilion. Gain an insight into the history, architecture, and the backstage areas. The tour lasts 1.5 hours and includes all front of house areas and the Ballroom, in the company of well-informed, enthusiastic guides.
Event Times – Friday 6 September 10am & 2pm – Saturday 7 September 10am & 2pm
Pre booking required.
Location details available on the ticket.
The Eventide Homes is an almshouse charity housing older people in need. The homes have a distinctive architecture in a community setting. As well as a tour of our grounds and assembly hall (which was made possible thanks to the kindness of a donation from Sir Alexander Maclean, of toothpaste fame), History students from Bournemouth University have curated an exhibition space displaying and presenting our heritage material.
Event Times – Tuesday 10 September 2024 at 10am & 12.30pm
Pre-booking required.
St. Stephens Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 6JJ
A fine Gothic Church in the heart of Bournemouth.
Event Times – Thursday 12 September 2024 from 10am-1pm
No booking required.
Full directions and meeting point available on ticket.
An architectural gem, hidden away in the centre of Bournemouth. Built in 1911, in a style described as a very contemporary ‘Art Nouveau take on the Moorish Revival Style’.
Event Times – Tuesday 10 September 2024 at 10am and Wednesday 11 September 2024 at 10am
Pre-booking required.
Full directions and meeting point available on ticket.
A tour of the currently accessible spaces at The Exploratorium at the Palace Court Theatre including an insight into the building’s history.
Event Times – Tuesday 10 September 2024 at 10am – Friday 14 September 2024 at 10am & 2pm
Pre-booking required.
St Peter’s Church, Hinton Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2EE.
Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of architect G E Street, this year, come and visit a fine example of his Victorian architecture in the town centre church of St Peter, Bournemouth. Street is probably better known for his design of the Royal Courts of Justice on The Strand. The graveyard of the church also has the resting places of Mary Shelley, Constantin Sylvestri and Dan Godfrey amongst others.
Event Times – 6 – 15 September 2024 Daily 10am-4pm
No booking required.
Skinner Street Church, 5 Skinner Street, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1RQ
This historic Poole Church is nearly 250 years old! Skinner Street United Reformed Church was built as a Congregational Church in 1777. It is a large ‘chapel’ for a non-conformist congregation and the oldest church building in Poole. It has a ‘raked’ floor, gallery and working organ.
Event Times
Saturday 7 September 10.30am to 4.30pm
Thursday 12 September 11am to 4pm
Saturday 14 September 10am to 1pm
No booking required.
Black Down, West Borough, Poole, BH24 2EJ.
Enjoy a guided walk through Ashley Heath to learn about how the residential area was conceived.
Event Times – Sunday 14 September 2024 from 10am-12.30pm
Pre-booking required.
Location details available on the ticket.
Uncover the layers of history at Scaplen’s Court.
Event Times – Friday 13 September 2024 10am 12.30pm & 3pm
Pre-booking required.
The Guildhall, Market Street, Poole, BH15 1NF.
A chance to see inside and learn about the impressive Guildhall at Poole.
Poole Guildhall, a two-storey brown brick building designed in Palladian Taste style and enhanced with lime stone dressing, was built in the Coronation Year of King George III (1761). Originally used to house the administration prescribed by Queen Elizabeth I who made Poole a County separate from Dorset. A short presentation on the Guildhall will be held at 1045.
Event Times – Wednesday 11 September 2024 from 10am to 12pm
No booking required.
Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Upton House will be open to all for 2 days of exhibitions and guided tours to tell the story of its connections to Poole and the local community created by history and costume students from Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth.
Event Times – Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 September 2024 – Running at 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm
Pre-booking required.
Thames Street, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1JN
Experience fragments of Poole’s past in this fascinating Church. The present church of St James in Poole’s old town was built on the site of a medieval church pulled down in 1819. It houses many fascinating survivors from Poole’s rich history.
Event Times – Friday 14 September 2024 at 11.30am & 1.30pm
No booking required.
Location details available on ticket.
Visit the house with the boat inside! The Boat House was built in 1936 to accommodate the Second-Class drawing room and officers’ cabins from the great Cunard liner RMS Mauretania, which was launched in 1907. She was the fastest ship afloat for nearly twenty-two years.
Event Times – Wednesday 11 & Thursday 12 September 2024 10am, 12pm & 2pm
Pre-booking required.
Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Christchurch, BH23 4LE.
Visit Highcliffe Castle for FREE during this one day special event and see this Grade I listed mansion, situated on the cliff top, with spectacular views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and go behind the scenes on guided tours.
Event Times – Thursday 12 September 2024 10am to 4pm
No booking required.
Meeting point available on ticket.
Enjoy spectacular views around the countryside as far-reaching as Salisbury. The Priory Church in Christchurch is over 900 years old and is the longest parish church in England, larger than 21 Anglican cathedrals throughout the country. Come and climb the 176 steps of the tower and enjoy the views.
Event Times – Monday 9 September 2024 2pm & 3pm
Pre-booking required.
Mosquito Way, Bransgore, Christchurch, BH23 8HE.
The FONFA Heritage Centre is the only display and reference library dedicated to protecting the history and heritage of the airfields that were operational in the New Forest. Aeroplane enthusiasts, particularly those with an interest in British and American WW II warbirds, will find information on the aircraft that operated from the New Forest Airfields with many models, photographs and prints as well as stories by the pilots who flew them.
Event Times – Sunday 8 September 2024 from 10am-11.30am, 12pm-1.30pm & 2-3.30pm
Pre-booking required.
Enjoy a guided walk through Ashley Heath to learn about how it was conceived.
Event Times – Sunday 15 September 2024 at 10am-12.30pm
Pre-booking required.
Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath, Ringwood, BH24 2ET.
Step back in time and follow in the footsteps of the service people whose job it was to try and get bombed. Volunteers will explain how the bunker was used and tell the story of its operation.
On Sunday 15 September from 10am – 2pm.
No booking required.
National Trust, Kingston Lacy House, Kingston Lacy, Wimborne, BH21 4EA.
A lavish family home re-imagined as a Venetian Palace nestled in a rural pocket of Dorset.
From Friday 12 – Sunday 14 September 2024 from 9.30am to 5pm, enjoy FREE ENTRY to the stunning gardens and parkland and pick up a free timed entry ticket to the house.
White Mill, Sturminster Marshall, Wimborne, BH21 4BX.
Relax and enjoy the beautiful views from the bank of the River Stour in the secluded mill grounds and orchard before joining a guided tour of the historic mill building to discover the workings and hear the stories from its past.
Event Times – Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 September 2024 12pm – 5pm, regular tours available FREE ENTRY.
No booking required.
Colehill Lane, Colehill, Wimborne Minster, BH21 7AB.
An unique Dorset Arts and Crafts period church with a Scandinavian twist! St Michael’s Church was designed by W D Caröe, an eminent Arts and Crafts ecclesiastical architect. It has many fascinating architectural features and some unusual art and sculpture. You will be made most welcome and can see an exhibition of other examples of the architect’s work.
Event Times
Saturday 7 & Wednesday 11 September 2024 2pm-4pm
Saturday 14 September 10am-12pm
Sunday 15 September 2pm-4pm
No booking required.
Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1HR.
Step inside and discover some fascinating and often quirky architectural features including timber framed walls, Georgian panelled rooms and a kitchen extension dating back to the 1700’s.
Event Times – Wednesday 11 September 2024 at 2pm.
Pre-booking required.
Precise location and directions will be provided with your booking confirmation
For the first time ever this tour brings together some aspects of the centre of todays’ Wimborne followed and compared with it’s unique, famous and historic 1950s Model Town. Meet in the real world and finish in a much smaller one!
Event Times – Monday 9 September & Wednesday 11 September 2024 at 10am.
Pre booking required.
Location details and meeting point will be shown on ticket.
A walk round Wimborne, to include most of the buildings worth looking at in the centre of this historic and attractive town, with plenty of architectural detail and including Wimborne Civic Society’s Gazebo off West Borough.
Event Times – Tuesday 10 September 2024 at 2.30pm.
Pre-booking required.
Location details available on ticket.
Hear the story of Wimborne’s historic Tivoli Theatre. Originally built as a combination Cine/Theatre in 1936, The Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne was rescued from demolition and restored to its former glory by a team of volunteers.
Event Times – Friday 6 September 2024 at 10am
Pre-booking required.
Come and join us for an illustrated talk breezing through more than 200 years of the grade II listed mill’s history including its origins, structure and subsequent uses before conversion to the craft centre that exists today. We’ll then have time for a short tour around the building inside (mind your head) and out, weather permitting.
Event Times – Wednesday 11 & Thursday 12 September 2024 at 11am
Pre-booking required.
Wimborne Minster, Dorset.
See the historic Wimborne Minster from above (climb the 72 uneven spiral stone steps up to the Ringing Chamber).
Please note Children must be over 7 and accompanied by an adult.
Event Times – Monday 9 September 2024 at 2pm and 3pm.
Pre booking required.
Meeting point available on ticket, Hinton Road, Quay Road, Wimborne Minster, BH21.
Come and see one of the very few chained libraries in the country.
Event Times – Saturday 7 & Wednesday 11 September 2024 from 12.45pm-1.45pm.
Pre-booking required.
Location details will be available on the ticket, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1HT.
Come and visit this quiet spiritual place. See some lovely Norman architecture with many historical treasures.
Event Times
Tuesday 10 September 2pm-3.15pm (The Building Tour)
Thursday 12 September 2pm-3.15pm (The Characters Tour)
Friday 13 September 2pm-3.15pm (The Artefact Tour)
Pre-booking required.
Location details available on ticket, Wimborne, Dorset
A rare opportunity to see inside this stunning Manor House.
Event Times – Wednesday 11 September 2024 at 12pm & 2.30pm.
Pre-booking required.
East Dorset Heritage Trust, Allendale House, Hanham Road, Wimborne, BH21 1AS.
Learn about the family that built it with their local connections and what we know has happened in the 200 years since.
Event Times – Open Day Saturday 14 September: 10am-4pm. Tours: 10am 11.30am 1pm & 3pm.
Allendale House is open for the day but the tours must be pre-booked.
Coming soon
Lime Tree House, 11 The Plocks, DT11 7AA.
Historic fashions in historic surroundings!
Event Times – 14 September 10am-4pm.
Pre-booking required.
Salisbury Road, DT11 7UX.
A beautiful chapel in the heart of Blandford.
Event Times – 13 September 10am-2pm.
No booking required.
27 West Street, West Borough, Blandford Forum DT11 7AW.
Behind the modest door is a wealth of history.
Event Times – 7 September 10am-1pm.
Pre-booking not required.
Meet at Marsh & Ham Car Park, Blandford Forum DT11 7AW.
A guided walk of Dorset’s Georgian Gem taking in notable features of architecture and local history.
Event Times- Sunday 7 & 15 September 11am-1pm.
No booking required.
Belmont, Pound Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, SL6 3SW
Join us to explore Belmont, a fine 18th century maritime villa in Lyme Regis.
Event Times – 14 & 15 September 10am-4pm
Pre-booking preferred.
Kimmeridge, Wareham,BH20 5PE.
Open to the public once a year, Clavell Tower is a circular tower high on the cliffs above Kimmeridge Bay, above one of Dorset’s most striking bays. A rare chance to see inside this well-loved landmark, normally let for holidays.
Event Times – Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 September 10am-4pm.
Booking isn’t essential but preferred.
Haycrafts Lane, Harman’s Cross BH19 3EB.
Open to the public just once a year, visit Dunshay Manor near Corfe Castle to discover its creative past and fall in love with its Arts & Crafts charm.
Event Times – Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 September 10am-4pm.
Booking isn’t essential but preferred.
East Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5QS.
Visit and discover the stunning Lulworth Castle & Chapel of St Mary.
Event Times – Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 September 10.30am-5pm.
No booking required.
Lulworth Castle House Tours Tours
Thursday 12 & Friday 13 September 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm & 3.30pm.
Pre-booking required.
Barrack Road, Dorchester, DT1 1RN.
The Keep will be open for free with a brand new guide to the building itself, a new children’s trail & craft activities.
Event Times – 15 September 10am-4pm.
No booking required.
Allington Avenue, Dorchester DT1 2FN.
Visit Thomas Hardy’s House.
Event Times – Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 September 10.30am-3.30pm.
Pre-booking required.
High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1UY.
Visit this historic courtroom for free and get a tour.
Event Times – 15 September Tours at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm
Pre-booking required.
Chapel Hill, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4JH.
Join the volunteers to learn more about St Catherine’s Chapel and it’s local surrounding. Meeting at the Abbotsbury Abbey remains information board.
Event Times – 14 September 11am & 1pm.
Barrack Road, DT4 8UF.
Come along for a tour of the Cold War Bunker.
Event Times – Open Day 15 September 10.30am – 4pm
Hidden in Plain Sight: Nuclear Bunker Tour 11am & 12.30pm (Pre-booking required)
No booking required.
24 Belle Vue Road, Weymouth DT4 8RZ.
Lounging elegantly at the top of a slope overlooking Portland Harbour, this extraordinary, 1930’s, art-deco house, surrounded by a huge garden and terraces invokes the sophistication and luxury of old-school Hollywood.
Event Times – 13 – 15 September 10.30am – 3.pm
No booking needed.
Full directions and meeting point available on ticket, Portland DT5.
A Rare opportunity to have a private tour of parts of the Port at Portland.
Event Times – Tours Saturday 14 September 10am, 1pm & 3pm.
Pre-booking required.
Tout Quarry Sculpture Park & Nature Reserve, Access via Wide Street / Tradecroft, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2LN.
Gain hands on experience of carving Portland Stone to take home .
Event Times – 13 – 15 September 10am – 5pm.
Tout Quarry where Art and Environment meet
Join a leisurely walk with Portland Sculpture & Quarry Trust to discover the art and environment of Tout Quarry whose stone was used for great buildings including St Paul’s Cathedral – Wren’s greatest masterpiece.
Event Times – 6 September 6-7pm.
Pre-booking preferred.
Children’s Stone Carving Workshop
A great opportunity for children to create their own carving in Portland Stone – learning how to use hand carving tools.
Event Times – 7 & 8 September 11am-4.30pm.
Pre-booking preferred.
The Former Drill Hall, Easton Lane, Portland DT5 1HP.
Projected images with live music celebrate 7 key areas of the Green Corridor, showcasing World Heritage stromatolites, Jurassic-era sites, ancient fossils and quarrying history leading to a Grade II Listed Arch – becoming a gateway to new skills.
Event Times – 15 September 8-9pm
No booking needed.
