Discover the best top things to do in Dorchester, United Kingdom including Plaza Cinema, Xtreme Falconry at Dorset Falconry Park, Insight Activities Dorset, Maiden Castle, Dorset County Museum, The Keep Military Museum, Athelhampton House and Gardens, Borough Gardens, Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, Thorncombe Woods Local Nature Reserve.
Restaurants in Dorchester
5.0 based on 890 reviews
The plaza is excellent value, it has really friendly staff and offers a good range of films - they have good covid secure restrictions in place
5.0 based on 130 reviews
We are a bird of prey collection with over 100 birds in the collection ranging from owls, hawk, falcons to vultures and eagles. We have two daily shows free flying some of the team and a tea room for you to relax and enjoy the quiet and tranquility of the site. Come and see conservation in action in our butterfly garden or bring a picnic.
We had an absolutely fantastic day out at Xtreme Falconry - it's a relatively new family run falconry centre with so many birds. The owner Martin and his side kick Pete are both extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the birds. There is even time for his daughters to help bring the birds out and do some training themselves. We experienced a flying training session and a bird show which was delivered superbly with plenty of time to ask questions during and after the sessions. Definitely recommend this truly wonderful day out
5.0 based on 154 reviews
Woodland Weaponry in Dorset PRE – BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL – please do not visit us without booking! Insight Activities have 2 woodland locations. We are based in a gorgeous private woodland in the New Forest and also in Tolpuddle Dorset. We are a small company not a large mulit activity center. We specialise in authentic woodland activities : Archery, Archery Combat TAG, Rifle Crossbow Shooting, Axe Throwing and giant Catapults in the New Forest & Dorset. Our outdoor activity company has been featured twice on TV in the past year highlighting our unique activities and refreshingly different approach – We are not a large scale commercial outfit, we are small, authentic and offer a more intimate New Forest experience. Insight activities provide unique and fun outdoor activities within the new forest, Hampshire and in Tolpuddle, Dorset. If you're looking for some of the best things to do then please read on. We offer activities for individuals, couples, families, stag and hen dos, private parties, corporate events and mobile activity supply for events. We have consistently excellent customer reviews and are proud to be awarded the Tripadvisor certificate of excellence in 2016. Archery: We run two gorgeous woodland Archery ranges. One in the new forest and another in Dorset. Both use professional quality bows, the same as those used in the Olympics! Our belief is that when introducing a beginner to archery you should offer the best equipment and coaching possible to help ensure success. We offer archery lessons and courses in the new forest, Hampshire and in Tolpuddle, Dorset. Our archery range is progressive, increase distance, bow power, have a competition and shoot for tiny balloons as your archery skills improve. You are active for the full hour, no rotating your go. Our archery range is run by a professional ArcheryGB coach. Ages 6+. Crossbows: If you fancy yourself as ‘Daryl’ from ‘The Walking Dead’ then join insight activities for some Zombie killing action in the woods. We will be slaying zombies with Rifle Crossbows fitted with a magnified scope to help you shoot a Zombies head at 25m! Ages 12+ Axe Throwing: Connect with your inner warrior and experience the medieval activity of Axe Throwing in the new forest. We use custom made throwing axes and provide excellent tuition to ensure your success. A safe and fun activity in the new forest for all aged 12+. Archery Combat TAG Essentially Archery meets Paintball in this exciting new form of Archery combat game. Swap static targets for moving ones as you chase your friends around the woods trying to ‘tag’ them with specially designed ‘safe’ arrows. Hunger games for real, the most fun youre ever likely to have with a bow and arrow! Wild Snake Walks New Forest We are the only local company qualified to run exclusive, guided wild snake walks within the new forest, Hampshire. These unique guided walks are lead by a professional and licensed Ecologist. A unique new forest guided walk lead by an ecologist where you will find, identify and even handle new forest snakes in the wild, we have a dedicated study site to ensure we find some fascinating reptilian residents. The data we collect on our walks goes to Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and contributes directly to habitat conservation in the New Forest. An excellent location if you're looking for fun and exciting things to do in the new forest, Hampshire or Dorset. Activities for individuals, couples and families, fun things to do with the kids, unique birthday parties, stag and hen do activities, corporate events. Our New Forest woods are located just 10 minutes from Sandy Balls holiday park, 25 minutes from Bournemouth, 25 minutes from Salisbury, 30 minutes from Christchurch, 30 minutes from Lyndhurst. Our Dorset wood is located just 10 minutes from Monkey World, 10 minutes from Bovington Tank Museum, 15 minutes from Dorchester, 25 minutes from Poole and 25 minutes from Weymouth. Dog friendly – well behaved dogs welcome. Mobile range Insight activities also run a mobile activity range and can supply archery, crossbows, axe throwing and Archery TAG for mobile events and private parties. Booking – PRE BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. Minimum age for Archery and Guided walks is 6+, 10+ for Archery TAG and 12+ for Crossbows and Axe throwing.
Booked for archery and axe throwing on 7th August for 2 adults and 2 teenagers. Online booking was easy and we were sent several reminders including directions before the event. Unfortunately we were late but our instructor Phil was very understanding. Both activities were great fun and after full instructions we had plenty of time to enjoy both. Phil was a great instructor and very patient, even when I kept loosing the arrows in the very prickly undergrowth. It is sometimes difficult to find activities that teenagers enjoy but ours loved it. We all had a great time, thank you.
4.5 based on 371 reviews
Maiden Castle offers a brilliant free outing for anything from a spare half hour stroll to a half day exploring and picnicing. There is a large free car park and clearly marked and well maintained paths up to the remarkable three rampart and ditch system surrounding an extensive grassy plateau. The elevated position offers excellent views all round, including down to Dorchester and Poundbury, and the chalky subsoil drains fast so it is good for most weathers and dries out fast after rain. A natural delight for both adults and children.
4.5 based on 428 reviews
Dorset County Museum closed in October 2018 for a two-year multi-million pound redevelopment. Complete with new galleries, a learning centre, collections storage, a library and visitor facilities the new Museum will become a cultural destination at the he The Museum is continuing to inspire, educate and entertain all generations on its county-wide tour exhibiting in towns and at events across Dorset. Dorset County Museum Offices The Old Warehouse 31a Durngate Street Dorchester Dorset DT1 1JP Open: Monday to Friday, 10am - 4pm
4.5 based on 273 reviews
Please note that due to COVID-19 you will have to pre-book your tickets. Please visit our website for more details. We are a family friendly museum and we attract all ages. We aim to educate, inspire and to honour the sacrifices made by the members of our Regiments. Our displays cover four floors and take you on a 300 year journey through time. Our artifacts have amazing stories to tell, some will surprise you! Don’t forget to visit the roof for panoramic views of Dorchester and the Dorset countryside. The Museum is fully accessible with a lift to every floor (apart from the roof), we encourage people to take photographs – no flash and share their visit to the Museum with us. Due to the nature of our collection only Assistance Dogs are allowed in the building. We have a small car park at the back of the Museum for visitor use. If you are a UK Taxpayer you can Gift Aid your admission. With your ticket you can enjoy a free annual museum pass at no extra cost!
Brilliant museum, with very friendly and knowledgeable staff inside. Be aware it is by prior appointment so phone, before you go, but is free during September, due to covid 19, and reopened 1st Sept. Highly recommended.
4.5 based on 755 reviews
Athelhampton House is one of England's finest Tudor Manor Houses. Dating from 1485, the Great Hall is a fine example of domestic Tudor architecture, the house has many interesting rooms, filled with antique furnishings and art. The Gardens remodelled in 1891 surround the House, with many 'compartments' built with Ham stone, each with a different style or theme, each with a water feature of a pond or fountain. The Great Court features the 12 world famous giant yew tree pyramids. The House and Gardens are protected by a Grade 1 listing, and are well maintained to protect for future generations. An excellent visitor centre with restaurant, tea room, gift shop and plant sales area complete the attraction. Enjoy a great Lunch or afternoon tea. See our website for special offers.
We had a fantastic day out at Athelhampton House & Gardens. The house was a complete joy to explore and still retains a lived in feel with masses of history. The visit was very relaxed, we were able to come and go as we pleased , breaking off for a superb lunch in the restaurant before returning to the house. The gardens were beautiful, a delight to explore with plenty of places to sit and rest or take in the views. All staff were very friendly and welcoming and knowledgeable about the property and it’s history. Little touches such as being able to borrow a guide book while touring the house and gardens and being invited to sit on the chairs while exploring the house were exceptional. Returning to the restaurant for superb tea and cake rounded off a perfect day. Would happily revisit when next in the area.
4.5 based on 95 reviews
An oasis of paradise away from the current madness in the world with Covid 19. It was a nice pleasant walk through each day to the high street from where i was staying. The Gardens include a traditional Bandstand, clock tower and fountains along with beautiful flower area and modern facilities include a children play area along with Gym equipment. This place is well worth a visit and you can lose yourself in time at this location.
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Shire Hall is a brand new Historic Courthouse Museum in Dorchester, Dorset. Walk in the footsteps of people whose lives were forever changed in the historic court at Dorset's Shire Hall. Immerse yourself in the cells before ascending to the dock. Experience it for yourself.
It was realy good to visit the old court. I have lived in or around Dorchester for most of my life and had not been in the court for at least 45 years. It was like someone had just closed the doors when it closed and had now reopened them. The information on the court and the cells were very good, and it's well worth spending a couple of hours there. Gift shop and cafe are also very good.
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Owned and managed by the Dorset Council's Countryside team, this magical pocket of mixed woodland and heath is home to a great diversity of trees including mature Oaks, Sweet Chestnut and Beech. The woodland gives way to Black Heath, an area of heather and gorse with its own herd of Dartmoor ponies. Rushy Pond is a small watering hole for many birds, mammals,damselflies and dragonflies. Running through the site is a well preserved Roman road, which is designated as an Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Lovely place for a walk, it will be chestnut picking time soon,but it can be hard to park at weekends.
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