Dorset County Museum

Dorset County Museum is a museum with artefacts and collections of items relating to Dorset and it's past located in the county town of Dorchester.

The topics of exhibits and information cover a range of subjects including archaeology historic, natural history, the arts, natural science and historical antiquities. There are six main galleries and a changing exhibit.

The Jurassic Dorset Gallery is about the 95 miles of coastline running through Devon and Dorset, how it was formed and the creatures that lived in the Jurassic era. The Ancient Dorset gallery features artefacts unearthed relating to man's presence in Dorset's past, including items from the Bronze age, the Iron age and Roman times. More artefacts from peoples lives in Dorset are on display in the Rural Dorset gallery which exhibits historical agricultural items. Dorset has a rich history of literary giants and the Literary gallery has information on these important people's lives and works. The main gallery of the museum is the Victorian Gallery, itself dating from Victorian times, it exhibits an eclectic mix of artefacts, works of art and historical objects from Dorset's past. Finally the Dorchester gallery is all about the history of the county town of Dorchester, which goes back 6000 years.

The museum also has a library of over 30,000 books, but access to this is only possible if you become a member of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society. Daily guided tour starting at 2pm and starting at the shop is included in the ticket price.

• Need to use town car parking (charge).
• Museum shop selling gifts.
• Tea room serving home-made cakes and beverages.

Opening Times & Ticket Prices:

• Please visit the Dorset County Museum website for opening times and prices.

Before you start your journey to Dorset County Museum for your day out, we recommend that you check their website or contact them to confirm opening times and admission prices.

• The Tutankhamun Exhibition
• The Dinosaur Museum
• The Dorset Teddy Bear Museum
• The Keep Military Museum
• Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park
• Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum

• Family Holidays & Breaks
• Days Out and Tours
• Adults & Couples Days Out
• Family & Kids Activities
• Hot Air Balloon Flights
• Couples Holidays & Breaks