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
CBA Festival of Archaeology
Shire Hall Summer Fete
Athelhampton - The Secret Garden, Outdoor Theatre
Dorset Food & Arts Festival Market
Dorset One World Festival
Latest Dorchester Features
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...
Operation Overlord – D-DAY 80th Anniversary 6TH June 1944 – 6th June 2024.
This year sees the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and in commemorative events across the county, Dorset will be paying homage to the incredible bravery of allied troops who left South Coast ports and airfields for France on 6th June 1944.
On this momentous day, over 5,000 ships and landing craft carrying more than 150,000 troops descended on five Normandy beaches. The landings saw the start of ... Read more...
Dorset’s Egg-stravaganza of Easter Activities!
The Easter holidays are upon us! Whether you’re visiting Dorset for a holiday or live here and want to explore more of your county, there’s never a shortage of places to go and activities for the kids – and big kids! – to get involved in. But what’s on?
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So, it’s the 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 seasons. Our Resort family has children of different ages and here are some of the things we plan to enjoy; perhaps you will too!
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Christmas is nearly here and there’s a fun way to get you in the festive spirit — by ice skating in Dorset!
Nothing beats wrapping up, getting your skates on and heading out to glide (or stumble) across the ice, before treating yourself to a delicious hot chocolate afterwards. Whether you’re a cling-to-the-side kind of skater or have a Torville and Dean style, ice skating is a fab activity for all and a great way to get together with friends and family to have ... Read more...