Kingston Lacy is an elegant Country Mansion set in delightful formal grounds and extensive parkland. Kingston Lacy is approximately 11.5 miles from The Museum and makes for a very enjoyable excursion. Set in 8,500 acres the house is home to the largest private collection of Egyptian Artefacts in the UK. There is also an extensive Art Collection including paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck and Titian. There are garden and park events throughout the spring and summer months. Including open-air theatre, concerts and children’s activity days.

Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset. BH21 4EA
Telephone: 01202 883402
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-kingstonlacy

Set in the outstanding landscape of Cranborne Chase and approximately three miles west of The Museum, the gardens are recognised by English Heritage as gardens of national importance. The Larmer Tree plays host to the Larmer Tree Festival which is a five day, non-stop music and street theatre festival every July. The Victorian Pavillion Tea Room is open on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Larmer Tree Gardens, Tollard Royal, Salisbury, Wiltshire. SP5 5PT
Garden Information: 01725 516228
http://www.larmertreegardens.co.uk

Nestling in the heart of East Dorset and approximately eight miles east of Farnham. The Cranborne Estate is a thriving business dedicated to the local community. Offering a garden centre, Manor House, Tea Room and Village Store. Committed to producing a range of quality products from speciality meats to a range of delicatessen items. The garden centre and Tea Rooms are also highly recommended for a leisurely browse.

Cranborne Manor, Cranborne, Wimborne, Dorset. BH21 5PP.
Telephone: 01725 517248
http://www.cranborne.co.uk

This historic and magnificent house is situated approximately twenty miles east of Farnham and is the home to the current Earl of Pembroke. Wilton House and its historic architecture and art treasures is a fantastic place to visit. Set in 21 acres of mature parkland there are attractions for all the family. From house and garden tours to children’s adventure playground and exhibitions of a Tudor kitchen and Victorian laundry.

Wilton House, Wilton, Salisbury. SP2 0BJ.
Telephone: 01722 746714
http://www.wiltonhouse.co.uk

For those of you of an energetic nature why not take one of our Museum kites to one of the highest points in Dorset, Winn Green. Approximately four miles north of us it is an ideal place to fly one of our stunt kites. It really is a beautiful spot to picnic, while away a few hours and bask in the most beautiful scenic views in all of Dorset.

The kitchen can organise a simple picnic for you. Take our bikes and head off. What better way to spend a day.

Situated in our Residence Lounge is a chest full of DVD’s. Why not order a bottle of champagne, draw the curtains and lie back with your loved one and watch a movie. If you don’t get through the whole bottle, finish it off in the Bath!

Alternatively, there is our games chest with a whole host of board games, Backgammon and cards. Perfect for those who simply want to amuse themselves at The Muse.

Golf

We are so lucky at The Museum to have two fantastic golf courses on our doorstep. Both courses will accept non-members playing on their courses as long as you mentioned you are from The Museum.

Rushmore

Situated less than two miles away from The Museum, Rushmore is an idyllic golf course. Spanning two counties, Dorset and Wiltshire, the course is very picturesque being located in the heart of Cranborne Chase. To arrange your tee-off time or book a lesson with the club pro call: 01725 516466 or visit http://www.rushmoregolfclub.co.uk

Remedy Oak

Prestigious, unique and exclusive. That sums up this awesome golf course. Nestled in 256 acres of mature woodland this is a course that will inspire and test golfers of all standards. Situated approximately ten minutes drive from The Museum to arrange your round call: 01202 812070 or visit http://www.remedyoak.com

Back a horse/Ride a horse

Salisbury Racecourse. From early May to early October Salisbury Racecourse hosts some fantastic flat racing. There is afternoon racing as well as evening meetings throughout the summer. On occasions there are even tribute bands playing in the Paddock after racing. Salisbury Racecourse is approximately fifteen miles from The Museum. For further information; http://www.salisburyracecourse.co.uk or telephone: 01722 526461.

If you fancy a hack or a riding lesson we recommend the Green Cottage Riding Centre. They are a small family run business with 22 horses. Suitable for the beginner or the experienced rider. Contact Laura or Fiona Biddle, Church Road, Three Legged Cross, nr Moors Valley Country Park. BH21 6RF. Telephone: 01202 822632.

Fly a Tiger Moth

Why not take a couple of our bikes and cycle up to Compton Abbas Airfield. This is a great place to go for a pint and watch the world go by and experience those magnificent men in their flying machines. The terrace at this quaint little airfield offers beautiful views over the stunning Dorset/Wiltshire countryside. This is the very airfield that became famous in the 1980’s as that naughty boy Asil Nadir fled the UK from and his crumbling Business Empire!

For those of you of a more daring nature you can actually fly a Tiger Moth aircraft, this must be pre-booked but is easy to arrange. But please be aware that there are weight restrictions so best to go before you’ve dined on The Museum's world famous pork belly and sticky toffee pudding!

Telephone: 01747 811767 http://www.abbasair.com