Shire Hall Museum

Great historical place to learn about Dorset and the beginning of workers unions. Excellent cafe, with good quality food and coffee, plus fast friendly, helpful service. Ideal for a social meetings or remote working.

Amazing museum full of the rich history of the England court system. The staff/volunteers are welcoming and very informative. It is a great experience for anyone interested in the legal system how often do you get to stand in a holding cell/dock without being in trouble? how often can you dress up as a barrister/judge and hold court in a real court room. Amazing cafe with a good choice of food and friendly staff.

Nice depiction of life back then - plus the old court plus tollpuddle martyrs

Started with a visit to the museum cafe for coffee and tea cakes. The museum is very interesting taking you through the history of the court house and cells. Small museum so be sure to take your time and read about everything or use a free audio guide. The ticket is valid for unlimited return visits for one year.

Well worth a visit and also to learn about the conditions that prisoners were held very nice cafe would recommend a visit.

This is a fabulous place to visit, interesting atmospheric and lots to see. Losers a star though for selling books aimed at young children about a girl who addresses herself as ‘ they’. At the time of our recent visit, there was a fabulous photographic display of local people, but we are unsure why it included a woman with a Palestinian flag protesting?

Excellent venue especially the old court house. Very informative and with very helpful staff

We loved our visit to Shire Hall, it's a beautiful building and a really interesting piece of social history, and the volunteers are lovely and very helpful. The cafe is very nice too. We particularly enjoyed seeing the cells, and dressing up in the courtroom!