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 County Museum as, amongst other things, it has a delightful mouse hunt for younger children to participate in. You may be just in time to book a visit to see Dippy, the huge diplodocus from London’s Natural History Museum, who is here until 8th May, but if not then you’ll still find lots more fascinating dinosaur-related artefacts in the Jurassic Coast Gallery.
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 4th 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.
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.
As you can see, Dorchester attractions offer lots of fun whatever the weather.
Other Things to do in Dorchester
Dorchester Attractions
Dorchester Activities
Dorchester Pubs & Restaurants
Dorchester Holiday Parks
Dorchester Shops & Services
You can also explore all of the Dorchester venues on our Dorchester Map.
Dorchester Events
Dorset Food & Arts Festival Market
The Big Bad Wolf
Anonymous Festival
ABBA by Abba's Angels
Dorset County Show
Latest Dorchester Features
18 Family-Friendly Dorset Attractions for 2025
From sandy beaches to historical hideouts, animal encounters to adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Dorset is packed with places to make this summer unforgettable. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents in tow, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Here are 18 top Dorset attractions that deserve a place on your summer must-visit list!
1. Dorset ... Read more...
The Great Garden Trail of Dorset — showcasing the very best in English garden design, planting and history.
World famous for its camellia groves and magnolias and with its own micro climate, Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens cover more than 30 acres and has a plant collection of over 6,000 species from around the world. Highlights include the Mediterranean bank and lily ponds, the Burma Rope Bridge and stunning views of the Jurassic Coast.
Situated close to Dorchester, ... Read more...
A fully-fledged member of the family, your four-legged friend doesn’t need to feel left out of the holiday loop and will be well-catered for when you come to dog-friendly Dorset.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation
When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, there’s no shortage of dog and pet friendly accommodation to choose from. Whether it’s camping, a caravan, cottage or lodge you’re after, Dorset has plenty of dog-friendly options to choose from to make the ... Read more...
Fresh Faces on the Local Scene
Dorset is buzzing with new beginnings. From foodie spots to attractions and summer events, the county is welcoming a wave of fresh ventures. Whether you're a local looking for your next favourite spot or a visitor curious about Dorset, here’s a round-up of the latest businesses making their mark, each bringing something unique to the table.
Back in March, The Quay Inn on Poole Quay, formerly a JD Wetherspoon pub- closed its doors. Never ... Read more...
So, it’s the May half term and you may be wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained!
Well don’t worry, whether you are local resident or are staying in Dorset on a break, there’s lots to do throughout the half term holidays. If you're looking for things to do in Dorset we have found lots of Dorset events to keep you entertained. Our Resort family has children of different ages, here are some of the things we plan to enjoy during the ... Read more...