Dorset County Museum

A fascinating museum to visit, not least because of the memorabilia connected to the novelist, Thomas Hardy. In fact, this is largest Hardy collection in the world, left to the museum by his wife. There is a reconstruction of his study, with his desk, pens (each one inscribed by him with the name of the novel he wrote with it!) and his musical instruments too. This ‘room’ is behind glass and illuminated by gentle lamp light as it would have been in those days. Although the public are not usually allowed to enter and touch things, my husband (who is blind) was allowed inside to feel the desk and chair, and to hold the pens, violin and other things too. We appreciated this very much — the staff were very helpful indeed and went out of their way to make this an enjoyable experience in many ways. Recommended!