DORSET COUNTY MUSEUM, DORCHESTER

CATCH an exhibition on the golden age of travel at this world-class museum, which was founded in 1846.

Speed to the West features more than 50 examples of colourful railway posters from the romantic era of steam, advertising destinations in the south west.

View a dress that belonged to Thomas Hardy's sister Katharine and treasures from Dorset churches with an exhibition of ecclesiastical silver.

There are also permanent exhibitions to marvel at, including the fossilised skull of a pliosaur, the largest marine reptile that ever lived. The stunning Victorian Gallery is packed with a rich and varied collection, including mosaics on the floor excavated in and around Dorchester.

See dorsetcountymuseum.org for more information.