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Eight Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Dorchester, Dorset

Dorchester is a market town in Dorset on the banks of the River Frome 20 miles from Poole and 8 miles from Weymouth. It is the home of the famous novelist Thomas Hardy. Whilst he was in Dorchester he wrote Under the Greenwood Tree and Far From the Madding Crowd. Visiting his home is the first of Local Service Guide’s selection of eight tourist attractions and things to do in Dorchester.

1 Hardy’s Cottage

Thomas Hardy’s home until the age of 34 was the Dorchester cottage now know as Hardy’s Cottage which is open for viewing five days a week from April to October.

2 Dinosaur Museum

Dinosaurs are a source of fascination for children and adults alike. The Dinosaur Museum turns information on dinosaurs into an interactive experience. The museum has twice been voted into the top ten of Brtain’s Hand On Museums. It is also a former “Dorset Tourist Attraction of the Year”. It has been featured on television in the Tweenies, Blue Peter and Tickabilla.

The museum combines fabulous reconstructions (including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus and Triceratops) with fossils and skeletons to bring the world of dinosaurs to life.

3 The Keep Military Museum

Tales of courage, humour and sacrifice of soldiers who have served in the regiments of Devon and Dorset during a period of over three centuries are reflected in the displays and interactive presentations at The Keep Military Museum. History is brought to life with computer and digital displays, battle environments and exhibitions of medals, weapons, uniforms and other artefacts.

This museum is closed on Sundays throughout the year and on Mondays during the winter.

4 Athelhampton House

This stately home is five miles east of Dorchester on the A35 Puddleton Bypass.

Athelhampton House has been in private ownership for the last 500 years and, for the last three generations, has been owned by the Cooke family. Under the stewardship of the present owners, Patrick and Andrea Cooke, a substantial programme of renovations and improvements has been undertaken.

Features in the house include:

• The Marevna Gallery at the top of the West Wing


• Heraldic glass in the Great Hall much of which dates back to the fifteenth century


• The chamber organ in the Minstrels Galleries (circa 1800) in a gothic case which is still played for weddings at the house


• The fine Victorian gothic works of art in the Kings Ante Room


• In the Great Chamber, the plaster ceiling in the Reindeer Inn pattern. It is signed G. Guitntini


• The bookcase, added to the library by Sir Robert Cooke, which houses 3000 books on history, architecture and literature


• The fine carving on the 17th century beams in the dining room


• The striking “William & Mary” japaned cabinet on a stand with a pair of silvered wood armchairs on the landing of the East Wing


• The early 17th century four poster bed in the State Bedroom

The gardens are also open to the public. There is a gift shop and a restaurant, The Topiary Restaurant.

5 The Teddy Bear Museum

Teddy Bears have long been held in deep affection both by children and adults. This museum is dedicated to the teddy bear! In this museum human-sized bear have their own house. Visitors to the Teddy Bear Museum re invited to see the bears both relaxing and working in their charming Edwardian House.



6 Mummies Exhibition

Discover the secrets of 3000 year old Egyptian Mummies at the Mummies Museum in the centre of Dorchester.

The exhibition includes a splendid collection of unwrapped Royal Mummies, death masks and other Egyptian treasures recreated for this fascinating exhibition.

7 Terracotta Warriors

This exhibition centres around Chin Shi Huang Di, the first Emperor of China, who build the Great Wall. Many of the riches discovered in his tomb can be seen in this museum together with recreations of the Emperor and his warriors.

It took 70,000 people to build Chin Shi Huang Di’s tomb which was then protected by 6,000 giant life-sized clay terracotta warriors. A recreated collection of these warriors is included in the displays.

The Terracotta Warriors Exhibition is supported by a carefully complied audio commentary which brings the whole experience to life.

Tutankhamun Exhibition

The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb was arguably the most significant of all of the finds of ancient treasure. The Tutankhamun Exhibition in Dorchester gives you the opportunity to witness the thrill of the original find and marvel at facsimiles of some of the most important artefacts including the graceful Harpooner and the famous golden funerary mask.

This internationally renowned exhibition superbly recreates Tutankhamun’s tomb and treasures. It is open daily except 24- 26 December.

Have we missed out your favourite tourist attraction or place to visit in Dorchester? Have you eaten at a first class restaurant or pub in the area? We would be pleased to hear your recommendations. Please call on 01962 889460 or email to
Recommendations at Local Service Guide.

Useful links include:

Restaurants in Dorset

Things to Do in Dorset

Bed and Breakfasts in Dorset

Hotels in Dorset

© Local Service Guide Limited 2007 Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Dorchester, Dorset