What to do and see in Dorchester, England: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

July 20, 2021 Janean Rudisill

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, Hardy's Cottage, The Keep Military Museum, Max Gate, Romano-British House, Borough Gardens.
Restaurants in Dorchester

1. Plaza Cinema

31 Trinity Street, Dorchester DT1 1TT England +44 1305 262488 http://www.plazadorchester.com/
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 890 reviews

Plaza Cinema

Reviewed By 54donnay

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

2. Xtreme Falconry at Dorset Falconry Park

Lewell Mill Lane Lewell, Dorchester DT2 8AN England +44 1305 250710 [email protected] http://www.dorsetfalconrypark.co.uk
Excellent
98%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 130 reviews

Xtreme Falconry at Dorset Falconry Park

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. Insight Activities Dorset

Dorchester Road, Tolpuddle, Dorchester DT2 7HB England +44 7752 302010 [email protected] http://insightactivities.co.uk
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 154 reviews

Insight Activities Dorset

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.

Reviewed By 834mandyw - Reading, United Kingdom

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. Maiden Castle

Dorchester DT2 9EY England http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/maiden-castle/?utm_source=Trip%20Advisor&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Trip%20Advisor%20Profiles&utm_content=maiden%20castle
Excellent
63%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 371 reviews

Maiden Castle

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.

5. Dorset County Museum

High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1XA England +44 1305 262735 [email protected] http://dorsetcountymuseum.org
Excellent
54%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 428 reviews

Dorset County Museum

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

6. Hardy's Cottage

Higher Bockhampton, Dorchester DT2 8QJ England +44 1305 262366 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardys-cottage
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 561 reviews

Hardy's Cottage

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

7. The Keep Military Museum

Barrack Road, Dorchester DT1 1RN England +44 1305 264066 [email protected] http://www.keepmilitarymuseum.org/
Excellent
75%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 273 reviews

The Keep Military Museum

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!

Reviewed By malc1005 - Kettering, United Kingdom

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.

8. Max Gate

Alington Avenue, Dorchester DT1 2AB England +44 1305 262538 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/max-gate/
Excellent
58%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 325 reviews

Max Gate

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 .

9. Romano-British House

County Hall Colliton Park, Dorchester DT1 1XJ England +44 1305 262735 http://www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture/local-history-heritage/roman-town-house/roman-town-house.aspx
Excellent
46%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 85 reviews

Romano-British House

Reviewed By K1857LUcatherinel

A well-designed structure protects the remains of this ancient building from the elements. It is tucked away behind County Hall and just above the river Frome. The house itself is down in a dip with benches and a grassy area to one side. Families could enjoy a picnic here, the grassy slopes are very inviting and the enclosed space makes it safe for little children. It is accessible for disabled visitors but not the easiest if you're pushing a wheelchair. Information boards explain its history and excavation. The mosaics are truly superb, beautifully presented and preserved. Unbelievably this place is free! Combine it with a walk alongside the notable chalk-bedded river. Perfect for dog-owners and bird-watchers alike.

10. Borough Gardens

Cornwall Rd, Dorchester DT1 1RU England +44 1305 266861 [email protected] http://www.dorchester-tc.gov.uk/Services/Borough+Gardens
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 95 reviews

Borough Gardens

Reviewed By Paulmcvey - Peterborough, United Kingdom

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.

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