Local Guides World
Top Museums in Dorchester, United Kingdom
Top Rated Museums in Dorchester
Top Reviewed Museums in Dorchester
Dorset Teddy Bear Museum
The Dinosaur Museum
The Keep Military Museum
Terracotta Warrior Museum
Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum
Dorset Teddy Bear Museum
The Tutankhamun Exhibition
Military Historical Society
Shire Hall Museum
Shire Hall Dorchester Trust
Reviews
I arranged a visit for my lady friend's birthday. The exhibition isn't open on weekdays but as a school visit had been there we were allowed in. It was stunning and the detail of the exhibits was superb. Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in ancient Egypt.
We visited during our children's half term, driving 40 mins to get there, only to find it closed. The website says 'open at weekends and in school holidays'. I guess it means school holidays for local schools, but why can't the website list the actual opening dates?
The Dorset Teddy Bears Museum offers a quaint setting with a nicely laid out self-tour storyline to follow. Upon entering, one is greeted by a world of teddy bears with an interesting narrative to accompany the visit. However, the overall experience falls a bit short of expectations. While the children initially find novelty in the exhibits, their interest wanes after about 5 minutes.
One of the major drawbacks is the steep entry fee of £10 per person. Considering the relatively small size of the museum and the quick pace at which one can explore it, the price seems quite high. Even if one takes their time and drags their heels, the entire tour can be completed in about 15 minutes, leaving visitors feeling like they may not be getting their money's worth.
In conclusion, while the Dorset Teddy Bears Museum has an appealing layout and an engaging self-tour storyline, the brevity of the experience and the high entry fee may leave some visitors feeling underwhelmed. It could be a charming visit for a quick stop, but for the price point, visitors might expect a more substantial and immersive experience.
One of the major drawbacks is the steep entry fee of £10 per person. Considering the relatively small size of the museum and the quick pace at which one can explore it, the price seems quite high. Even if one takes their time and drags their heels, the entire tour can be completed in about 15 minutes, leaving visitors feeling like they may not be getting their money's worth.
In conclusion, while the Dorset Teddy Bears Museum has an appealing layout and an engaging self-tour storyline, the brevity of the experience and the high entry fee may leave some visitors feeling underwhelmed. It could be a charming visit for a quick stop, but for the price point, visitors might expect a more substantial and immersive experience.
My partner has alzheimer's so we didn't go in but she brought a Teddy from the gift shop ,the lady staff was very nice and understanding
Lovely friendly, welcoming staff. Happy to listen and chat to my 5 year grandson, who to start with wasn't sure of the big bears but having the story of Edward Bear to read to him going round gave the bears characters and he really enjoyed himself and enjoy telling the staff about what he had seen. Thank you.
To be honest…this place is kinda worth of it.I mean like only if you enjoy looking at old things(I do),but I mean man WHY WAS IT £52 FOR 2 adults and 4 children…being serious!It’s £10 for 1 adult and £4 for a child.Also you need to pay extra if you want to visit the other part of the museum.
Entering the Mummy Museum was akin to stepping through a temporal portal, with the allure of ancient Egyptian history beckoning me into its labyrinthine corridors. Little did I anticipate that this journey would take an unforeseen detour into the realm of the supernatural, as I found myself entangled in a surreal and haunting encounter with Tutankhamun himself.
The atmospheric lighting, adorned with dramatic shadows cast upon the antiquities, set the stage for an otherworldly experience. It was in one of these dimly lit chambers that the skeletal figure of Tutankhamun materialized, its bony frame bearing an eerie resemblance to the once-mighty pharaoh. In an instant, the museum transformed from an educational haven into an immersive theater of historical horror.
The chase that ensued was a pulse-quickening dance through the annals of time. The skeletal Tutankhamun, or a masterfully crafted representation, pursued me relentlessly through the exhibits. The air was thick with the spectral energy of an ancient curse, and I felt the phantom grip of the past attempting to draw me into the afterlife, to become a mummy much like the one that pursued me.
Despite the orchestrated fright, it's imperative to acknowledge the Mummy Museum's undeniable merits. The carefully curated artifacts, each whispering tales of an ancient civilization, and the detailed exhibits showcasing the intricacies of daily life in ancient Egypt are commendable. The museum's commitment to historical accuracy and education stands in stark contrast to the theatricality of my unnerving encounter.
In reflection, the Mummy Museum offers a multifaceted experience—one that seamlessly weaves together the threads of historical authenticity and spine-tingling theatrics. While my unexpected dance with Tutankhamun's spectral form may have blurred the lines between reality and fiction, the museum, with its rich tapestry of genuine artifacts, remains an engrossing destination for those seeking an immersive exploration of Egypt's enigmatic past.
The atmospheric lighting, adorned with dramatic shadows cast upon the antiquities, set the stage for an otherworldly experience. It was in one of these dimly lit chambers that the skeletal figure of Tutankhamun materialized, its bony frame bearing an eerie resemblance to the once-mighty pharaoh. In an instant, the museum transformed from an educational haven into an immersive theater of historical horror.
The chase that ensued was a pulse-quickening dance through the annals of time. The skeletal Tutankhamun, or a masterfully crafted representation, pursued me relentlessly through the exhibits. The air was thick with the spectral energy of an ancient curse, and I felt the phantom grip of the past attempting to draw me into the afterlife, to become a mummy much like the one that pursued me.
Despite the orchestrated fright, it's imperative to acknowledge the Mummy Museum's undeniable merits. The carefully curated artifacts, each whispering tales of an ancient civilization, and the detailed exhibits showcasing the intricacies of daily life in ancient Egypt are commendable. The museum's commitment to historical accuracy and education stands in stark contrast to the theatricality of my unnerving encounter.
In reflection, the Mummy Museum offers a multifaceted experience—one that seamlessly weaves together the threads of historical authenticity and spine-tingling theatrics. While my unexpected dance with Tutankhamun's spectral form may have blurred the lines between reality and fiction, the museum, with its rich tapestry of genuine artifacts, remains an engrossing destination for those seeking an immersive exploration of Egypt's enigmatic past.
I visit the Museum because a love 100% Tut
I can tell you that enjoy a lot. Was Great time
For two day i visit the Staff was fantastic .The shop with very good gift what make me happy I visit soon Again.
I will hope see you there
I can tell you that enjoy a lot. Was Great time
For two day i visit the Staff was fantastic .The shop with very good gift what make me happy I visit soon Again.
I will hope see you there
Brilliant always is, we do the meet Santa every year too, staff are excellent and kids love it
Visited the Cafe today for a festive cream tea. The food was excellent and the service helpful and friendly. I would definitely recommend.
An excellent museum for all ages. Everything is clearly presented with some play experiences to show younger children how dinosaurs were found as well as fully detailed explanations and exhibits for older ones including grandparents.
The staff were very helpful and welcoming.
A very lovely afternoon. Thank you 😊
The staff were very helpful and welcoming.
A very lovely afternoon. Thank you 😊
Lovely idea and remember this as a kid but unfortunately nothing has been updated. The place feels really run down with many things being left broken and less interactive. Definitely needs some investment for the admission charges.
Excellent little museum. Lots of small stories behind and great range of well.. teddies:). Shame no family tickets.
A fun and informative museum, albeit a small one. If you take your time it take you about an hour to get around. Overall a fun way to spend a bit of time.
We visited here as part of museums after dark this year and it was great! The initial part was through the cells from different periods in the buildings history including the cell where the Tolpuddle Martyrs were kept. Then there was a court room with great dressing up things which fitted me as well as the children!
It was very busy when we went and we did have to wait to start walking through as it operates a one way system but I would think you wouldn't normally have so many people visiting.
We also went to the cafe and the food was amazing and reasonably priced - well worth a visit even if you don't want to go into the museum.
It was very busy when we went and we did have to wait to start walking through as it operates a one way system but I would think you wouldn't normally have so many people visiting.
We also went to the cafe and the food was amazing and reasonably priced - well worth a visit even if you don't want to go into the museum.
Fantastic place to visit. A good four hours of exhibits to view. On a good day with clear sky'sq the scenery is the best with 360 degree from the top of the tower.
Disconcertingly relevant story about attempt to organise labour. It doesn't show the judicial system in a good light
Great historical placeto visit.Easy to navigate with a great collection of military equipment and it's history.Staff very knowledgeable and helpful will return if I'm back in the area.🏴☠️
Very small but informative. A place of worldwide historical importance.
The place itself was nice and had lots of Teddies to see. However, it's certainly not worth £10.00 for the few rooms that they have there. Also, they do not cater for people with mobility disabilities it's not wheelchair accessible. The teddies are located on the 1st floor and has slightly winding stairs only for access.
Would love to have given it more stars, but seemed a bit run down. Given its importance in our history, it is a shame that none of its stakeholders could find the money to spruce it up. An important history lesson, nevertheless. Sadly no apparent means of donating in these cashless days
An interesting museum and free. Only a relatively small exhibit, but worth a visit. You can also download an audio tour of the village. Be aware that the museum hasn't parking of its own. I parked in a layby directly opposite
The museum offers a fascinating history of the first attempt in England by six agricultural labourers to get a better living wage from their employer. They were rewarded with prison and transportation to Australia. Well worth a visit. Street parking in the village.
Quite expensive but worth it if you really appreciate older teddy bears like paddington, super ted etc
Very impressive little museum located in central Dorchester.
There was plenty of paid parking near by with just a short walk to the museum.
The museum itself was full of fascinating objects and lots of information to learn.
My kids love dinosaurs so were thrilled to visit and each got a certificate at the end for filling in the quiz as you go around.
It was a little pricey considering how small it was but was worth visiting once.
Takes around 1 hour to get around the whole place if you take your time.
There was plenty of paid parking near by with just a short walk to the museum.
The museum itself was full of fascinating objects and lots of information to learn.
My kids love dinosaurs so were thrilled to visit and each got a certificate at the end for filling in the quiz as you go around.
It was a little pricey considering how small it was but was worth visiting once.
Takes around 1 hour to get around the whole place if you take your time.
Amazing museum, caters to different interests into military history of the Dorchester, and Devonshire, Regiments. 3 floors of brilliance. The shop is good, and the staff are friendly. Would have loved to spend more time here than I did.
Absolutely fantastic museum. This is the ideal place to take a child who is serious about their love of dinosaurs. My daughter absolutely loved every second of our 2.5 hours there, and so did I!
It was a lovely little museum for a windy and rainy day. It is a little pricy but we did spend just over an hour inside. We had a few interesting findings, and my 8 years old enjoyed it.
After visiting the Dorset Museum down the road we were very disappointed so decided to call in here. Wow. What an amazing museum with friendly staff and a vast collection of objects, medals, uniforms and knowledge. One of the best museums we’ve been to and definitely the best in Dorchester!
Very small show, rather disappointing
It wasn't accessible for me to see anything in the museum as I have to use a mobility scooter. I spent my time in the cafe while my family went to see everything. I am giving 3 stars because the girls in the cafe were really nice and couldn't have been more helpful. The older people made a pfaff of me getting into the lift telling me I wouldn't fit but hey ho I did. Please bare in mind that not everyone can walk.
Absolutely wonderful. The teddies are upstairs kids oryoung at heart. You must go. However, it is not really wheelchair friendly
Very disappointing. Run down, neglected. Disgraceful for the TUC to dishonour the Tolpuddle Martyrs in this way. We were expecting so much more as our visit was on a Saturday during school holidays. But there was no one in attendance, the shop was closed - a notice said "closed due to a meeting inside" but we could see through the window that there was no one there. The 'displays' were (a) long posters on the walls, so old they were curling at the sides and (b) glass cabinets with documents inside, but the attached notes were largely illegible. It was interesting to read the history but I could've googled that. And outside at the front a big ripped poster. All in all a waste of time. The only consolation...it was free to enter.
Definitely not worth the price! It’s extremely expensive for what is in there! Personally I wouldn’t bother wasting your time or money!
3 rooms of old fashioned teddy’s that’s it!
My son had a max card so 1 adult 3 children cost £26 and we was in there 10 minutes! Went to walk around and the moody women said THAT area costs extra! In a abrupt voice So I then explained to her that it was ridiculous for that price and walked out. Will not return and certainly will not recommend. The attitude needs to change aswell of that staff member. Again don’t bother!
3 rooms of old fashioned teddy’s that’s it!
My son had a max card so 1 adult 3 children cost £26 and we was in there 10 minutes! Went to walk around and the moody women said THAT area costs extra! In a abrupt voice So I then explained to her that it was ridiculous for that price and walked out. Will not return and certainly will not recommend. The attitude needs to change aswell of that staff member. Again don’t bother!
This is a fantastic collection, the owners have clearly made a big effort to make it interesting for all. There is lots of information and teddies to look at. If you really like teddies then it's worth the visit. Killed 30 minutes for us on a miserable day.
Visited as something to do while on holiday. Went in expecting real items, not just replicas. Paid £40 for 4 adults and we went round in about 10 minutes. Far too pricey for what you get. I wouldn't recommend unless you're willing to spend £10 per head on some 70s footage
Visited as something to do while on holiday. Went in expecting real items, not just replicas. Paid £60 for 4 adults and we went round in about 20 minutes. Far too pricey for what you get. They have a nice little gift shop, but overall I wouldn't recommend unless you're only after something small
Looks impressive, didn't have time to go in unfortunately
A small but interesting and comprehensive set of exhibits from various conflicts all over the world. Some quite poignant artifacts with various bullets lodged in items. Seeing Hitlers desk was certainly a suprise. The views from the roof are really great!
Rubbish, not worth the money it cost to get in .
Had a lovely time here while visiting Dorchester on holiday!! Run by volunteers it's a lovely museum in an old Keep and Prison!! It's the story of the Dorchester regiment and their history over hundreds of years! You can also go up the top of the Keep which has lovely views of the countryside!!
Had a great visit here. Good for kids and us 'oldies' alike. Very good explanations, well sign posted. So nice to see Mary Anning fully credited. And you are dog friendly....a big plus in my book.
Fairly small for what it is but a lot of information everywhere to read. Mainly for children who would enjoy it. It’s definitely not worth £12 per adult in my opinion but suppose they have to make there money somehow
A very important chapter in working class history, socialism and the trade union movement. Striking sculpture outside and entry is free, though I'd advise a donation. The reason? These stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things are in danger of being lost as the funding is just not there. This is sadly evident in the rather basic displays telling the story, but I would add they're still very effective. Surprised that there wasn't more materials on display but I appreciate space is probably an issue. Covid has left it's mark too with the interactive features presently unavailable (though given they're narrated by turncoat scab "Sir" Tony Robinson I consider this no great loss). Visitor gift shop has a fair few things to offer from badges and pencils, t shirts, postcards and mugs. I'd recommend bigger water bottles for sale. I need a new one and would have purchased if they'd hold more than just a few swigs. In conclusion, this is worth checking out, as is a stroll around the beautiful village to soak up the ambience and see the areas of historical interest. Please support. These are our stories.
Historic and original courthouse with holding cells..a guided tour is recommended 👍
Also visit the Shire Hall Cafe and shop..
Also visit the Shire Hall Cafe and shop..
Far too expensive, 2 adults and 2 children £36 for a fairly small exhibition. Nevertheless the children liked it, but really think they need to look at pricing.
We popped by today with out 4 year old son and throughly enjoyed the visit. The museum was well laid out and we enjoyed the dinasour trail we were given by Katherine the staff member. At the end my son recieved a certificate and brought a toy from the lovely stocked gift shop. Highly recommend the trip, great location and nearby car parking.
We went to visit the Agatha Christie exhibition which was very informative. We were told that a ticket enabled access for the year which is beneficial for those local to the museum.
The history of the hall was very informative, make sure you enquire about the headset tales of those incarcerated, we weren't advised and feel this would have added to the experience. That said the information boards were packed with details and the shop had some excellent reference books (I bought 3) I would definitely recommend a visit and there are lifts for those who find steps difficult.
The history of the hall was very informative, make sure you enquire about the headset tales of those incarcerated, we weren't advised and feel this would have added to the experience. That said the information boards were packed with details and the shop had some excellent reference books (I bought 3) I would definitely recommend a visit and there are lifts for those who find steps difficult.
Avoid this place... unless you are desperate to waste roughly 10 quid per head on 10 mins spent in a creepy living room looking at reproduction statues and 1970s documentary footage. Shocking.
a bit pricey for a fairly short experience but it was fun! got plenty of cute pictures and got to read up on the history of teddies. can buy tickets online or on the door (:
It's quite a small exhibition, although there is a lot of information.if you are just looking at the sculptures and models you could probably wizz around in 10-15 minutes, although with reading the information you can quite easily spend and hour or two.
Some of the replicas are amazingly detailed which if I read correctly are all handmade by craftsmen using the same materials as the originals.
There is a gift shop which was reasonably priced with lots of interesting items.
There is a secondary exhibition upstairs with replicas mummies, which although was really interesting, was disappointed with the size of the display.
They did ask that you don't take photographs, so I haven't got any to share other than the a few magnets the kids got from the shop.
Some of the replicas are amazingly detailed which if I read correctly are all handmade by craftsmen using the same materials as the originals.
There is a gift shop which was reasonably priced with lots of interesting items.
There is a secondary exhibition upstairs with replicas mummies, which although was really interesting, was disappointed with the size of the display.
They did ask that you don't take photographs, so I haven't got any to share other than the a few magnets the kids got from the shop.
Very interesting museum and one that is informative of a subject which often isn't given much consideration. Not huge so don't plan a day - allow about 30 minutes. Runs on donations so do bring cash.
Small and a bit expensive. Nice quality display. Voucher discount from other museums in the town available
Very interesting for myself and my 9 year old. Unfortunately my 6 year old boy soon lost interest and tried to rush us out. Not huge but lots to see and read in a small space.
Uhhh... It's OK. Bit underwhelming, must say. Pretty good visuals, facts printed on paper you can search on wiki. Pretty decent models, though. Enjoyed the long video, although outdated and the room being a bit scruffy. Quite bland, but simple. Aesthetic? It's good if you get it in the deal with the other museums. I suggest going to the teddy bear museum, its just way better in my opinion.
Very interesting and informative. I think they should look into a deal to incorporate the teddy bear museum as a joint price because they are not the biggest museum's I have ever been in
Helpful staff, good for an hours visit with cafe at the end serving good quality tea and cake and some gluten free options. The prison cells are well worth the visit and the court room is good for trying on the clothes and hats. Only dropped a star as price is £20 for a family of four and I find that higher than normal for a museum of this size. When we visited it had iPads and activities to keep the children amused. Although a paper leaflet would be a nice addition . Well worth a look if you are in the area. Free return for a year with family ticket.
This is a must see when visiting Dorchester. A very interactive museum experience. With individual audio tours available you can experience the trials and tribulations of people's hardships/crimes right back to when he court house first opened its doors. The courthouse is most famous for the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyres who are seen as the early pioneers for the unionist movement - Very Important part of British societal history. The original cell which held the martyres is still there, you can walk around the cell whilst listening to accounts of their time awaiting trial. The original table and bench they would have sat at is still there! There's a photo of this below. Enjoy your visit
Not a big place but worth a visit
A great museum and well worth the price of admission. Go with plenty of time so that you can enjoy all the history, artifacts, and displays. It's crazy how much they're able to pack into just 3 floors. Go on a nice day for a great view of Dorchester from the roof!
I think this is a great little museum that the owner has put a lot of effort in to include some really great displays, along with plenty of reading material it certainly brings the subject to life. The offer of visiting several places under one ticket price helps to increase the value. We visited on the last day of our holiday, and intend to re-visit all the museums on a cool/wet day.