Top Things to do in Dorchester
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10 Things to do in Dorchester That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Dorchester, United Kingdom including Sculpture by the Lakes, Xtreme Falconry at Dorset Falconry Park, Maiden Castle, Dorset County Museum, Hardy's Cottage, Athelhampton House and Gardens, Max Gate, Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, Kingston Maurward Park and Gardens, The Walled Garden Moreton.
Restaurants in Dorchester
1. Sculpture by the Lakes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,366 reviews
Beautiful 26 acre Sculpture Park & Gardens, with Gallery cafe. Due to deep water NO CHILDREN UNDER 14 years of age (including babies) and NO DOGS are allowed. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, hut bookings are from 10am to 4.45pm. Entry is £12.50 per person. The Gallery Cafe is now open serving tea, coffee, light meals, delicious cakes, cream tea's, ice creams etc., visitors can choose to eat inside, outside (at the newly created seating area), or take it out into the Sculpture Park using one of the picnic baskets provided, complete with rug. Visitors are able to enjoy the Gallery & Gallery Cafe without entry to the Sculpture Park. Described as one of the most beautiful & unique sculpture parks in the United Kingdom, Sculpture by the Lakes marries the soft beauty of nature's wild river landscape with the more formal presentation of monumental outdoor sculpture. It is that combination of art and landscape that inspires Sculpture by the Lakes.
Reviewed By matttJ1645KV
So so Tranquil.easy to find on Sat Nav.some beautifully thought out by some very friendly and approachable staff.going to go again as soon as.Alot of thought and sensitivity about and how each sculpture is placed.i highly recommend this venue for sculpture newbies.
2. Xtreme Falconry at Dorset Falconry Park
Overall Ratings
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.
Reviewed By AndyB822
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
3. Maiden Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 371 reviews
Reviewed By petersL830TM
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. Dorset County Museum
Overall Ratings
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
5. Hardy's Cottage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 561 reviews
Reviewed By Alan0566 - Wiltshire, United Kingdom
Had a lovely trip around hardy’s cottage this week it starts with a nice stroll though the woods from the visitor centre to the cottage we then walk through the garden to get into the cottage from there the knowledgeable staff give a fascinating insight to hardy’s early life in mid 1800’s Dorset
6. Athelhampton House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
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.
Reviewed By Li33iet
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.
7. Max Gate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 325 reviews
Reviewed By U5296PJdavidk - Worthing, United Kingdom
After a horrendous journey by train to get to Max Gate , 20 mins walk from town of Dorchester ,Dorset i well recommend Thomas Hardy's house . National Trust owned , Non members to pay to get in £8:30 per adult (Jan 2020 prices) The staff make you very welcome and there was a brilliant guide book which has been written by a member of the house tells you all you need to know about Max Gate . You start off downstairs next to the Drawing room and as you go round you feel the presence of Hardy himself, and his famous guests as well . Everything is in situ and as you make your way upstairs you come to his third study study room where he used to write and look out onto the garden ,You will also see the attic room where his wife Emma had her privacy . His master bedroom was very neat and tidy ..And even had a mock cooked breakfast on the bed ! Downstairs was a small kitchen area where you could make yourself a cup of tea & enjoy a slice of cake where you pay a donation and also the toilets . Outside the garden was lovely , Large , Plenty of lawn and plenty of flowers i imagine coming out in the summer , Look out for the second hand book shop and his pet cemetery .
8. Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum
Overall Ratings
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.
Reviewed By andrews971 - Dorchester, United Kingdom
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.
9. Kingston Maurward Park and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 287 reviews
Reviewed By lindseymaihig - Somerset, United Kingdom
Visited yesterday, January offer kids £2 and adults go free, we had a lovely day. It was very busy, but that is to be expected when they have a offer on like this! I was really impressed with how friendly the animals were, some places you go the animals hide but these were right by the fence and really friendly, the walk around the lake and garden is amazing and we all had a lovely day ????
10. The Walled Garden Moreton
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 262 reviews
The Walled Garden is a beautiful five-acre landscaped formal garden situated in Moreton, Dorset.A wide variety of perennial plants sit in the boarders, which have been styled in original Georgian and Victorian designs. For the past 4 years, these have been planted and cared for by our Head Gardener Tim and his team. Also, set in the Walled Garden, The Dovecote Café is open 7 days a week all year round (excluding Christmas period), serving breakfasts, brunch, lunch, tea and coffee and cakes.
Reviewed By JJJJMoore - Poole, United Kingdom
We visited last Sunday and it was a lovely day out, free parking, free entrance... the grounds was beautiful and well looked after - it was a shame some areas were closed off (but there must be a good reason). It was very hot and the ice cream que was long. A customer out of no where started complaining to the poor lad because there was no hand sanitizer I later found out the lads name was George who did an amazing job. He calmed the customer, apologised to the que and escorted the angry customer to his manager. Came back and apologised to every customer and carried on serving ice-cream. Well done George for his outstanding customer service on a very HOT day.
