The famous Wimborne Minster can be traced back to origins in AD705 and now contains one of only three remaining 'chained libraries' in England. A visit to the MInster is both interesting and entertaining.

Wimborne offers a wealth of attractions such as the restored art-deco Tivoli Theatre with regular top name shows and films, the famous 1950s Model Village, the Minster, Walford Mill or the Priest's House Museum with its fascinating displays showing life as it was.

It's not just the top retail names that bring the town's shopping experience to life. A fascinating variety of smaller shops sell everything from fresh local game to books. Browse at leisure and enjoy friendly personal service.

Shopping in Wimborne, whether for clothes or food is a relaxing event. And when you need a rest there are plenty of open spaces and riverside locations to take the weight off your feet and relax with friends and family.

Wimborne is well know for its inspired and popular food festivals which include the annual event held at Dean's Court. There is also a thriving farmers market where you can buy the best in local produce.

As well as the well known restaurant brands there is an abundance of specialist local eating places offering personal service and interesting and different food styles. There are also over 20 welcoming pubs in the town.

A town for all seasons

The enchanting market town of Wimborne Minster in Dorset is rich in character and steeped in history: a town of kings, smugglers and ancient legends.

Rising majestically above its quaint streets, riverside walks and pretty bridges is the 12^th century Minster Church with its famous chained library - one of only four surviving in the world and second largest in the UK. Interred in its tombs are King Ethelred of Wessex, Earl John Beaufort, The Duke of Somerset and his duchess all in company with Dorset’s notorious smuggler come ‘entrepreneur’- Isaac Gulliver and his son!

Over the ages, Wimborne has attracted some of the world’s most eminent people to live within its bounds and environs. Dorset’s famous author Thomas Hardy, Sir Tim Berners Lee - inventor of the World Wide Web, Robert Fripp from King Crimson - and Charles Castleman who built the railway connecting Dorset to the wider rail network, all fell for the charms of Wimborne. Today it continues to inspire artists, academics, writers, musicians, historians and all those captivated by its vibrant culture.

Modern Wimborne Minster is an oasis of charm where the old and new softly merge in its meandering ancient streets, open green spaces, flower gardens, and plethora of shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants. And occasionally - even wandering peacocks grace the scene!

Big attractions include the restored Art Deco Tivoli theatre and the Model Town, plus the Priest’s House Museum depicting East Dorset’s prehistoric origins. Wimborne is also famed for its festivals, its own Town Crier, Militia and its many In Bloom national successes. All conspire to make Wimborne Minster a town for all seasons to visit, enjoy and return to time and again.

Fiercely protective of this sparkling jewel in Dorset’s crown is why its business community have established Wimborne Minster as a Business Improvement District for the next five years to secure the future of the town for the benefit of its businesses and enjoyment of its residents.

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A town for all seasons

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