From learning about dinosaurs to famous poets, you’ll be immersed into Dorset’s history. Perhaps you’re wondering what to do in Dorchester? The museums in Dorchester are a great way to spend a day out in Dorset discovering some of the County’s history.
The Keep Military Museum
Bridport Road, Dorchester DT1 1RN
The Keep Military Museum is a landmark in the heart of Dorchester. It was completed in 1879 and designed to resemble a Norman Castle. Built from the famous Portland stone, it was originally the gatehouse for the Depot Barracks of the Dorsetshire Regiment.
There is a small car park on site which offers free parking for museum visitors as long as there is space. Alternatively a pay and display car park is nearby.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday between 10am – 4.30pm, showcasing exhibits and information from WWI, WWII and Boer War. Carers and armed forces visitors receive free entrance to the museum showing the relevant documents.
Dinosaur Museum Dorchester
Icen Way, Dorchester DT1 1EW
The dinosaur museum in Dorchester was the first museum in Britain to be dedicated solely to dinosaurs.
Inside the museum, you can experience the sounds and even smells of a T-Rex, see real life fossil displays which include dinosaur heads and teeth.
There are plenty of interactive displays and even a feely box if you’re brave enough to put your hands in! Pre booked tickets are flexible and can be used up to six months after they have been purchased.
Related post – Dinosaur days out in Dorset
The Tutankhamun Museum
25 High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1UW
The Tutankhamun Exhibition in Dorchester was the first exhibition outside Egypt to feature an exact anatomical recreation of Tutankhamun’s mummy.
You can see the Golden Mask of Tutankhamun, The Golden Throne of Tutankhamun, Tutankhamun’s mummy. The Golden figure of Tutankhamun the Harpooner is also on display as well as a selection of Tutankhamun’s jewels.
The closest car park to the museum is around 2 minutes walk away.
Dorset Teddy Bear Museum
Eastgate, corner of High East Street. & Salisbury Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1JU
The Dorset Teddy Bear Museum is one of popular museums in Dorchester. Meet Edward Bear and all the family in Teddy Bear House.
From the earliest antique teddy bears to today’s TV favourites, there are over 100 years of teddy bears displayed in the Museum. Tickets for the Teddy Bear Museum are flexible and can be used within six months of purchase.
Related post – Things to do in Dorset in the rain
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum
High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1UY
You can take the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of people whose lives were forever changed in the historic court at Dorchester’s Shire Hall.
Why not visit the cells before going up to the dock and experiencing it for yourself. Museum opening hours are Monday-Sunday 10-4pm, with ticket prices giving you a FREE annual pass included in the price.
Dorset Museum
High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1XA
See a variety of different exhibitions at the Dorset Museum including Thomas Hardy’s life and work. The natural Dorset exhibition showcases the county’s geology, landscapes and wildlife.
The Dorset museum is open daily between 9am – 4pm (Sundays 10am – 4pm). You can also enjoy a visit to the onsite cafe to enjoy refreshments during your visit. Under 5’s visit FREE.
You can also visit the Roman Town House for tours offered by the Dorset Museum. The grounds of the Roman Town House is free with tours incurring a small fee. The Roman Town House is a short walk from the Dorset Museum.
The Dorset museum also has great events for the family through school holidays including February half term, Easter, May half term and October half term.
Teracotta Warriors Museum
10 Salisbury Street, Dorchester, DT1 1JU
A small exhibition showcasing the First Emperor of China’s famous Terracotta Army. The terracotta warriors were created by the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang di. The museum showcases a small group of these warriors, as well as costume recreations of the Emperor and his soldiers.
Did you know you can also save money visiting some of the Dorchester museums but purchasing a Gold Savers Pass. This Dorchester museums pass covers visits to The Dinosaur Museum, Tutankhamun Museum, the Teddy Bear Museum and the Terracotta Warrior Museum.
