I’d never heard about this place before but was so pleased with our visit. My 7 year old was fascinated by this well curated collection. The volunteers were extremely knowledgeable and very engaging, encouraging children and adults to interact with certain objects. We’ll definitely be going back!

We have taken our children to the Natural Science Society before and we were completely in shock about how fantastic it was and we had never heard of it even growing up in Bournemouth! So I was so thrilled to see they had extended opening days over the Christmas holidays and took our children again. It hadn't lost its charm. The staff are all incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and approachable. They will talk to children age appropriately about the displays and get things down for them to look at closer. The live insects you can hold and their owners that tell you all about them make it so interactive. The children are just encaptured the whole afternoon. We love coming because it's a nice morning or afternoon activity that we know the children (and us) will absolutely love. My 2 year old loved It as much as my 7 year old. It really is the best hidden jem. It's donations only as entry which also makes it an affordable thing to do, if you're tight for cash and can only make a small donation. I hope the Dorset Natural Science Society lives on forever.

This is a hidden gem run by fantastic and knowledgable volunteers. Great for all. We have two girls aged 7 and 5 who loved it. We met many other families who were only passing but ended up staying for hours. The girls held a snake. The gem section was nice. A lovely lady told the kids about botany. Highly recommend!

Practically next door to my hotel and open on the day I was there so I decided to pop in. An amazing collection of stuffed and mounted animals, birds and insects, plus geological and dinosaur related items. Even better there were lots of enthusiastic volunteers to explain and discuss everything - although I passed on the opportunity to handle a couple of snakes

Such a gem. Jam packed with stuffed animals and artifacts. Incredibly knowledgeable and helpful staff - really keen to answer questions. Little gift shop with very reasonably priced bits and bobs. Nice little garden area too for a bit of hide and seek afterwards. Can't believe I've never been before!