Dorchester Attractions

Whether you are visiting with young children in tow or are enjoying a quiet break away, you’ll find plenty of places to go and things to do in Dorchester.

Believe it or not children can enjoy museums! They certainly love the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery  with its hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and plenty of engaging activities for children, and even better, kids under 16 go free!. 

And whilst we are on the subject of dinosaurs, we must mention the aptly named Dinosaur Museum, where hands-on displays tell the story of these giant prehistoric animals in a fun and informative way.

Take another step back in time by visiting the exposed Roman town house, which is free to view and can be found to the north of the town. Dating back to the first part of the 4^th century, the building was expanded and adorned with fine mosaics in AD350. The Romans also made use of Maumbury Rings, a Neolithic henge that was adapted and used as an amphitheatre; today it is a venue for occasional music concerts and re-enactments.

The Keep Military Museum is the home of the Devon and Dorset Regiments, and this is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in the military. Three-hundred years of history are explored over three floors. And if you have a head for heights then venture out onto the roof for spectacular views over Dorchester and the surrounding countryside. It is currently closed (2025), with plans to re-open in 2026 with a new roof. 

The Shire Hall Museum is a fascinating, immersive experience, you can walk through the real courtroom and original prison cells, try on magistrates’ wigs and robes, and discover the stories of people who stood trial there over 200 years

The subject matter of Dorchester’s museums is certainly diverse! You could meet bears large and small in the Teddy Bear Museum; whilst a world away, the life and legacy of Tutankhamun is told in the Terracotta Warriors Museum.

Garden lovers will enjoy the stunning formal gardens at nearby Athelhampton House, famed for the yew pyramids; and Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park sits in a countryside setting with gardens leading to a lake.

Hardy’s Cottage, nestled within the beautiful Thorncombe Woods, offers a charming glimpse into the author’s childhood, with its traditional thatched home and peaceful garden. The surrounding woodland invites families to explore trails, ancient trees, and scenic spots that inspired Hardy’s writing, making it a perfect mix of history and nature.

As you can see, Dorchester attractions offer lots of fun whatever the weather.