Are you looking for things to do in Wimborne? The market town in Dorset has plenty going on, access to plenty of walks along the river Stour on the Stour Valley Way, as well as shops, cafes, pubs and entertainment.
Wimborne Minster church is a Saxon church, with Norman and Gothic architecture. It is famed for its chained library and the tombs of King Ethelred, the brother of Alfred the Great, as well as the tombs of John Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, and his duchess, the maternal grandparents of King Henry VII of England.
Wimborne Model Town And Gardens
Wimborne Model Town is a 1/10th scale of the centre of Wimborne as it was in the 1950s which opened in August 1952.
It’s mainly staffed by volunteers, sits on a 2/3 acre site with mature gardens and complementary facilities.
If you’re visiting with children, there’s plenty to see and do including some miniature golf, and a playground.
The model town is open seasonally through the year between April and October between 10am – 5pm.
Afternoon Tea
There are some great locations in Wimborne to enjoy afternoon tea. With plenty of cafes, hotels and garden centres in the vicinity, you won’t be short of options. Check out all the places to enjoy your cream tea in the town here.
We recommend Aunt Fanny’s Tea Rooms located just outside of Wimborne.
Kingston Lacy
Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Kingston Lacy is a country house and estate located just outside of Wimborne. It was designed and built to resemble an Italian palace. If you wish to tour the house you can book when you arrive, but availability can run out during busy days.
The house is well worth a visit, with plenty of history and information to be soaked up.
The woodland trail is a great place to explore, and it’s a popular National Trust walk. The views that it provides are stunning and all the while providing lots of exercise for everyone.
You can spot bluebells in the Spring and snowdrops in the Winter months.
Pamphill
A short drive out of town, you’ll discover a little hidden gem of Pamphill. Home to Pamphill Dairy which is a treasure for ice cream, tea rooms, farm shop, large play space for children, and smaller pop up local shops. It’s also very dog friendly so perfect for stopping after a dog walk near Wimborne.
The dairy is a popular location for stopping after a walk in the local area. In fact if you wish, you can walk around the Kingston Lacy estate and end up at Pamphill. Visit during the Spring for bluebell season. Why not try the popular river walk along the river Stour at Eye Bridge.
Museum Of East Dorset
23-29 High St, Wimborne BH21 1HR
Visit the Museum of East Dorset to discover more about the house and all the different people who lived there.
The historic house dates back to the 1500s, before Elizabeth I was Queen of England. For more than 400 years, many different families owned and occupied the building. They added, demolished, altered and extended it as fashions changed, and to meet their needs.
The garden is also open to the public and is a great place for visitors of all ages to relax or explore. You can enjoy a cup of tea and slice of cake in the Garden Tea Room.
The museum is open all year round with reasonable entrance costs.
The Tivoli Theatre
19 West Borough, Wimborne BH21 1LT
The Tivoli was built in 1936 as a cine/theatre and the tradition of showing both films and live stage shows. Despite the threat of demolition in the 1970’s the building was saved and has a packed events schedule through the year.
From Christmas pantomimes, to cinema showings, to other popular acts, there’s plenty going on throughout the year.
There is no parking at the Tivoli theatre itself, but the nearest car parks are Allenview West car park, or Westfield Close car park.
Opposite the Tivoli theatre is a Wetherspoons pub. There are also plenty of restaurants in Wimborne if you’re planning a meal before the theatre.
Badbury Rings
DT11 9JL
Close to Kingston Lacy you’ll find Badbury Rings, an Iron Age hill fort. There is free parking for National Trust members, or a small charge for non members. This is a great place for exploring with some fantastic views.
In the Summer months there may be an ice cream van in the car park, but there are no toilet facilities on site. If you enjoy woodland walks, then a visit to Badbury Rings is a great place to explore.
Related post – Bumper list of things to do in Dorset
Visit The Minster Market And Wimborne Car Boot Sale
Market day in Wimborne in on a Friday. The Friday market is held at the Allendale Centre in Wimborne. You’ll find traders there from the previous large market in Wimborne, and lots of local produce.
The Lake Gates Wimborne car boot sale takes place on a Saturday from April time. The site is open between 7am and 1pm.
Paddle Boarding & Kayaking
In the Spring and Summer months, why not try some paddle boarding or kayaking in Wimborne. Popular spots are on the river Stour at Eye Bridge where the river is wide and quite shallow.
Alpaca Walking
Just outside of Wimborne town, you can visit Hope Farm Alpaca Rescue for some alpaca walking. This is a great way to spend a day out.
Close to Wimborne, you can also visit