A Family Weekend in Dorchester

From Dinosaur Hunts to Roman Ruins

Looking for something to do on a family weekend in Dorchester? Our fascinating town is packed full of wonderful places to explore that provide hours of fun for the whole family. Whether you are looking for something educational, adventurous or simply relaxing, there’s something here for every family member this weekend.

From dinosaur hunts to exploring Roman ruins, check out some of the top attractions in Dorchester to fill your weekend with entertainment for the whole family.

Museums and Indoor Attractions in Dorset

Looking for something to explore on a rainy day? Why not check out one of the many indoor attractions in the heart of Dorset? Dorchester is home to many of the county’s top museums and indoor attractions. Here are some of the top-rated and visitor-choice indoor attractions in Dorchester.

Thomas Hardy’s House

Thomas Hardy’s House, Max Gate is located just a short walk from Dorchester’s town centre. This house was once home to Dorset’s most famous author Thomas Hardy, who designed the house himself in 1885. This is the house where Thomas Hardy wrote some of his most famous books including Tess of the d’Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure and much of his poetry.

For all you bookworms and those who enjoy exploring old houses, this attraction is a must-visit in Dorchester town centre.

Location: Alington Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2FN
Opening times: 10am – 4pm, Tuesday – Sunday
Website: – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardys-house-max-gate 

Dinosaur Museum

Step back in time for the ultimate adventure into the Jurassic past at the Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester. This award-winning museum in Dorchester has been praised as a family favourite attraction due to its novel and innovative approach to dinosaurs.

Get curious and experience the sounds of a T-Rex and explore the rich dinosaur heritage of the Jurassic coast by visiting their real fossil displays. For those who love interactive learning, there are plenty of things to touch and explore, you can even check out their dinosaur poop!

Location: Icen Way, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1EW
Opening times: (Winter) Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm. (Summer) 7th April – 31 October Open 7 Days a week 10am to 4pm including weekends and Bank Holidays.
Book tickets: https://www.thedinosaurmuseum.com/admissions

Dorset Museum and Art Gallery

There’s no better place to explore the rich history of Dorset than visiting the Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, located right in the heart of Dorchester High West Street. Dorchester’s unique history museum boasts over 250 million years of Dorset’s stories, meaning there’s much to discover about our county’s past when visiting the Dorset Museum with your family.

The Dorset Museum holds various special exhibitions throughout the year. Most recently, they have featured Gladiators of Britain and Jane Austen. Dorset Museum’s permanent exhibitions include Amazing Archeology, Deadly Dinosaurs, Literary Legends and Creative Minds.

Location: High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XA
Opening times: Daily: 10am – 5pm
Book tickets: https://www.dorsetmuseum.org/visit/#tickets

Teddy Bear Museum

Pay a visit to the Teddy Bear Museum in Dorchester for a delightful adventure that’s perfect for all ages. This charming museum features hundreds of teddy bears, ranging from vintage antiques to beloved TV characters, offering a glimpse into the rich world of teddy bears from past to present.

Location: Eastgate, Corner of High East St. & Salisbury St, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1JU
Opening times: (Easter) April 7th – April 21st inclusive 11am to 4pm. (Summer) Opening in July until 31st August, 10am to 4pm including weekends and Bank Holidays.
Book tickets: https://www.teddybearmuseum.co.uk/admissions

Tutankhamun Museum

Fascinated by ancient Egypt? Dorchester is home to a stunning recreation of Tutankhamun’s tomb and treasures, featuring an exact anatomical replica of his mummy, along with his iconic Golden Mask and Golden Throne. For all you historians out there, visiting this museum is the perfect family treat to explore the fascinating past of Tutankhamun’s major treasures and watch his world come to life.

Location: The Tutankhamun Exhibition, High West Street, DT1 1UW, Dorchester
Opening times: (Winter) Weekends only, 10am to 4pm, (Summer) 7th April – 31 October Open 7 Days a week 10am to 4pm including weekends and Bank Holidays
Book tickets: https://www.tutankhamun-exhibition.co.uk/admissions

Shire Hall Museum

Shire Hall Museum offers a unique glimpse into the history of the justice system, set within an authentic historic courtroom. Step into the very room where lives were forever changed, walk through the docks and explore the old cells. As you journey through this remarkable building, you’ll uncover the fascinating stories that shaped its past.

Location: High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UY
Opening times: Monday-Saturday 10-4pm
Ticket information: (Book upon arrival) https://shirehalldorset.org/visit/

Terracotta Warrior Museum

Step into China’s ancient warrior past at the captivating Terracotta Warrior Museum. This unique museum brings history to life with a stunning collection of specially replicated warriors, crafted by expert conservation technicians in China and World Heritage specialists. The exhibit offers a spectacular glimpse into the legendary army of the First Emperor. Some of the top features include the First Emperor, Armoured Officers, Kneeling Bowmen and dynastic artefacts.

Location: High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1JU.
Opening times: (April – September) Open daily 10am-5pm. (October – March) Open daily, 10am-4pm.
Ticket information: (Book upon arrival) https://www.terracottawarriors.co.uk

The Keep Military Museum

Fascinated by medieval castles and spectacular buildings? Then The Keep Military Museum is the perfect place to spend your family weekend in Dorchester. This striking landmark was built back in 1879 and was designed to resemble a Norman Castle. Within this stunning castle, you will discover its massive towers, historic prison cells and guardhouse.

Please note The Keep is temporarily closed for building works.

Location: Barrack Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1RN
Opening times: (Temporarily closed for 2025 for building works) Open daily, 10:00am-4:30pm.
Book tickets: https://www.keepmilitarymuseum.org/visit-keep-military-museum-in-dorchester/opening-times-and-prices/

Outdoor Attractions in Dorchester

Sun shining this weekend? If you’re looking for a refreshing outdoor adventure, Dorchester offers plenty of open-air attractions to enjoy. If you’re looking for a scenic walk or outdoor activity during your family weekend in Dorchester, here are some of the best outdoor spots to explore and make the most of the great British fresh air in the heart of Dorset.

Maiden Castle

Maiden Castle is a pretty special place to visit as a family. Lots of wide open space for the kids to play whilst taking in the historic surroundings. Maiden Castle is a short car journey from teh centre of Dorchester and is one of the largest and most complex Iron Age hillforts in Europe. It covers a massive 50 football pitches!

With an outdoor playground being this big, you’ll know that there will be hours of adventure and fun for the whole family. Maiden Castle is free to explore and is open for exploration every day during reasonable daylight hours.

Location: Maiden Castle Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9PP
Opening times: Open during daylight hours

Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/maiden-castle/

Maumbury Rings

A real historic gem in the heart of Dorchester, Maumbury Rings offers the perfect place to spend a wonderful sunny day outdoors to immerse your family in the town’s deep Roman history.

Originally a Neolithic henge, this large circular earthwork spans 85 meters in diameter with a single bank. During Roman times, it served as an amphitheatre and later became an artillery fort guarding Dorchester’s southern approach during the English Civil War. Maumbury Rings is free to explore and is open any time to the public.

Location: Maumbury Road, Dorchester DT1 1QN

Roman Town House

Searching for a rare glimpse into life in Roman Britain? Dorchester is home to Britain’s only fully exposed example of a Roman Town House. This well-preserved unique Roman treasure will provide your family with that special opportunity to explore the remains of an authentic Roman home, with its mosaics and underfloor heating. During your visit, make sure to head over to the Dorset Museum and Art Gallery to discover some of the Roman Town House’s remarkable artefacts.

Location: Roman Town House, Dorchester DT1 1XE

Hardy’s Monument

Soak in the breathtaking views this weekend from the towering 72ft monument, standing proudly over the picturesque Dorset countryside. Hardy’s Monument is a monument to Vice-Admiral Hardy, which was built in 1844. It’s the perfect place for an adventurer’s day out, with many walking routes to choose from to explore what Dorset has to offer.

Location: Black Down, Portesham, Dorset, DT2 9HY
Opening times: Open weekends, 10am – 4pm

Discover Dorchester’s Hidden Gems

As you can see, Dorchester is home to many fantastic places to visit that are perfect for family weekends. If you’re looking for a more relaxed outing or something a little different, the town centre offers plenty of options to explore. Want the perfect restaurant for an intimate family gathering? Try the wonderful dining spots at Brewery Square. In the mood for a thrilling puzzle-solving adventure? Head to Dorchester’s escape room! Discover more family-favourite attractions by visiting the Discover Dorchester website.

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