Bournemouth Natural Science Society - Bournemouth

Evie H.

Visited the museum to gain some research for uni project, the volunteers were amazing especially Kieth as he gave us a lot of knowledge and taught of stories about the importance of butterflies and showed us his collection, he made our day ! Thank you very much would highly recommend

Kim B.

Another wonderful learning experience with children aged 1-7 years. A vast collection of fantastic exhibits as well as the wonderful Mark and Jim who along with all the other volunteers generously give their time to share the wonders of nature up close and hands on! All our children got to learn about the reptiles and insects they nurture and care for as well as some handling for those brave enough. Thank you to the science society and the wonderful volunteers for creating a lovely welcoming place to discover the natural world.

kerry-anne P.

Absolutely fantastic place, so interesting, lots of things to see and learn about. Holding the insects and snakes was a massive bonus. The volunteers are superb, very friendly and knowledgeable, would definitely recommend a visit, and we'll be going back again.

Lyn P.

Such an unexpected pleasure! This (FREE) museum is great for adults and children alike. It's small enough that children won't get bored, and so well served by its staff that adults will learn something new in every room. The collection is varied and well presented, and with hands on exhibits. You can look through a microscope, touch a variety of stuffed animals like a soft owl, a fox, a hedgehog...
The Egyptian exhibits are amazing, the archaeological room is fascinating, the tortoise shell is beautiful. The collection of birds is quite something.
What will make me go again is the knowledge and enthusiasm of the people who work there.
Definitely not to be missed.

AJ M.

This is a true gem of a place. Currently under the radar but surely set for more accolades. The perfect family venue when they have their open days.
All three of us in my family have now held snakes, stick insects, cockroaches (hissing), and Tarantulas. The experts are so friendly and the building is beautiful. The collections in all the fields of natural science are superb and brilliantly curated. And there's a REAL Egyptian mummy.
They need donations and more experts so feel free to get down there and offer your services.
The BEST attraction in Bournemouth by far.

Oliver D.

An absolute must do, it’s so incredibly fun. There is so much to look at and read, varying so much. The volunteers are so welcoming and knowledgable.

They even have a section where you can hold a range of different bugs and reptiles. Great fun even if it’s to nip into.

Julie T.

This hidden gem really is a most precious one. From its warmly welcoming, enthusiastic volunteers, its fascinating rooms of exhibits, and to the intriguing table of live specimens (many of which can be handled - if you dare!) there's really something for everyone. (Read on for more detailed waffle!).

Beautiful shells, fossils, invertebrates/insects, skilful taxidermy that allows presentation and study of so many species we otherwise wouldn't get close to, and there are even examples of (stuffed) common garden friends that children can recognise, stroke, poke and peer at up close at their level - wonderful stuff!

Today, I learnt all about Death's Head moths and watched video of them vigorously wiggling and wing beating away as they probed long tongues into honeycomb, gorging themselves silly. I learnt about Egyptian mummies. I cuddled a Bearded Dragon, rough where you'd think she'd be smooth, and soft where she looks most spiky. I handled a vibrant orange corn snake and two cool, rubbery Royal Pythons, the larger of the two laced around my shoulders just calmly chilling out with me.

I learnt more about stick insects, my favourite being the McCleay's Spectre female nymphs, who look like miniature scorpions clad in lichen ghillie suits!

Yes, it's my fourth visit, but it won't be my last. My 11 year old daughter loves it, house visitors we've taken have all said how brilliant it is, and older relatives can slowly explore with plenty of places to rest. With a free car park and no entry fee (but a hope you'll donate a little something if you can or buy some very affordable tumbled gems, ammonites or similar!), it's a great way to spend an hour or so at a slower pace, absorbing things you never knew.

Lastly, hats off to the team of volunteers who do everything they do, including ensuring the utmost care of the beautiful, live specimens. They safely transport them (in the travel cages you'll see) from their spacious enclosures at home. Unlike some animal attractions you might visit, these doted upon creatures are all an absolute picture of health, hence why they're so happy to be handled.

Christian H.

Only open on Tuesdays. Small museum but one of thebest museum visits ever. Loads of fossils, a mummy and a beast experience with snakes, stick insecrs, tarantulas and amazing people presenting it.