Dorset Collection of Clocks

Tick-tock. That's genuinely what you hear when you walk into this place - dozens of clocks chiming at slightly different intervals, which is either deeply soothing or mildly maddening depending on your temperament. The Dorset Collection of Clocks is a proper specialist museum just outside Dorchester, and it does exactly what it says on the tin: it's about clocks.

You'll find everything from ornate grandfather clocks to pocket watches, all meticulously maintained and mostly working. The collection spans centuries of craftsmanship, and if you're into horology or design history, you'll lose a good hour in here without noticing. Families with patient kids (say, eight and up) won't regret the visit, though younger children might get restless after 30 minutes once they've wound up the demonstration pieces.

The real strength is seeing how clock-making evolved - from simple mechanisms to fiendishly complex Victorian pieces. It's the sort of museum where the owner clearly cares deeply about the subject, which always shines through.

Staying nearby? Sandyholme Holiday Park is practically on the doorstep at just 0.4 miles, while Durdle Door Holiday Park further out offers a more scenic base if you're making a longer Dorset trip. Given Dorchester's central location in the county, you could easily combine this with walks around the area or other attractions.

Bring a notebook if you're interested in specific pieces - the labelling is thorough but dense. Free admission wouldn't surprise me here, but do check ahead first.