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 8^th 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 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.

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.