Originally founded forty years ago in Wimborne, the tourist information centre has reopened as the East Dorset Information Centre.

Major changes to the premises include a new entrance with easier access, modern facilities and a combined shop and visitor reception offering an improved experience for visitors.

Located on the High Street in Wimborne Minster, the information centre has a team of knowledgeable volunteers available to provide a wealth of free, local information surrounding activities in East Dorset, local attractions, scenic destinations, shopping advice and dining. Dorset-sourced food and drink, handcrafted gifts, a wide variety of books, and maps are available to buy, with all proceeds raised used for the upkeep and maintenance of the Priest’s House Museum, which is reopening later in the year.

The East Dorset Information Centre was opened on 20 July, and staff have put all of the necessary safety measures and precautions in place to ensure visitor and volunteer safety during the easing of lockdown.

Director of the museum and information centre, James Webb, said, “We’re thrilled to be relaunching Wimborne Tourist Information Centre as the East Dorset Information Centre, following on from the outstanding renovations at the Priest’s House Museum’s historic Grade II* listed building. The volunteers of the information centre are very excited to have the chance to assist visitors again, using their expert local knowledge to provide a better experience for all.

“East Dorset Information Centre is as much for local people as it is for visitors from further afield. There is so much unknown information about Wimborne and East Dorset and so many hidden gems; we hope that many will visit us to experience it. We feel that we’ve now created a shopping experience for our local customers and tourists alike.

“We’ve also taken the opportunity to extend the shop space for our second-hand book-store, where books can be donated with funds raised being given back to the museums ongoing developments.”

Wimborne BID, a business-led initiative to invest money into the local economy of Wimborne Minster, is in full support of the East Dorset Information Centre launch.

Tammy Sleet, manager of Wimborne BID, said, “Businesses in Wimborne are delighted at the prospect of having a revamped, exciting, and engaging information centre. It’s exactly what we need right now – an information hub to draw visitors in and inform them of all the fantastic things that Wimborne has to offer.”

The East Dorset Information Centre is opening on restricted hours 10am-1pm for two weeks, then returns to normal working hours 10am to 4.30pm. For more information, visit: http://www.priest-house.co.uk/

The restoration project is part of a wider £1.6million National Lottery supported Revival Project.