Sherborne Steam and Waterwheel Centre

The old watermill at Sherborne has been given new life as a proper working steam and waterwheel centre, and it's the sort of place that rewards a couple of hours if you're into industrial heritage. You'll see the actual machinery in action - water powering the wheel, steam hissing about - which feels far more real than most museum displays. The setting's lovely too, perched beside the river with Sturminster Newton just down the road for a pub lunch afterwards.

It appeals most to history enthusiasts and anyone who finds Victorian engineering satisfying to watch. Kids under eight might find it a bit static unless they're already fascinated by how things work. There's something hypnotic about watching a properly functioning waterwheel turn, though, and the volunteers who run the place genuinely know their stuff and will chat to you about it.

Contact details aren't straightforward, so ring ahead or check locally in Sturminster Newton before heading over - opening hours can be seasonal. Admission's modest when we visited, nothing that breaks the bank. Allow ninety minutes to two hours, including a proper look around and a chat with whoever's operating things that day.

If you're staying nearby at Starlight Glamping, this works nicely as a half-day outing that doesn't require driving far. Pair it with a walk along the Stour and you've got a solid afternoon sorted.