The best museums in Dorchester in September 2025

These are the top 10 best museums in Dorchester, England, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Dorchester, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Dorchester.

Looking for the best museums in Dorchester? These are the best ones:

  1. Dorset County Museum1

    Dorset County Museum

     Dorchester
    The Dorset County Museum, established in 1846, offers a comprehensive look into the history and nature of Dorset. The museum houses over 2 million artefacts related to archaeology, geology, local history, local writers, and natural history. This includes dinosaur footprints, Roman mosaics, and original manuscripts by Thomas Hardy.
  2. Max Gate2

    Max Gate

     Dorchester
    Max Gate, located on the outskirts of Dorchester, Dorset, England, is the former home of renowned author Thomas Hardy. Hardy himself designed and built the house in 1885 and resided there until his passing in 1928. This historical residence offers a unique insight into the life and times of one of England's most celebrated authors.
  3. The Keep Military Museum3

    The Keep Military Museum

     Dorchester
    Today, The Keep serves as a regimental museum, showcasing the history of several regiments including the Devonshire Regiment, the Dorset Regiment, the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, The Dorset Yeomanry, Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry, The Dorset Militia, The Royal Devon Yeomanry and 94 Field Regiment RA. One of the notable items in the museum's collection is Adolf Hitler's desk, which was retrieved from the ruins of the Chancellory in Berlin in 1945.
  4. Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum4

    Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum

     Dorchester
    Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum is a museum in Dorchester. The museum features exhibits related to Law and Order and Social History. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Tolpuddle Martyrs and Trade unions.
  5. Roman Town House5

    Roman Town House

     Dorchester
  6. Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum6

    Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum

     Dorchester
    Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum brings over 200 years of justice and injustice to life. Walk in the footsteps of people whose lives were forever changed in the historic court at Dorchester’s Shire Hall. Immerse yourself in the cells before ascending to the dock. Experience it for yourself.
  7. The Dinosaur Museum7

    The Dinosaur Museum

     Dorchester
    The Dinosaur Museum is situated in the county town of Dorset, Dorchester, in the southern part of England. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of dinosaurs in a dedicated setting.
  8. 8

    Teddy Bear Museum

     Dorchester
    The Dorset Teddy Bear Museum is situated in the charming town of Dorchester, Dorset, in the southern part of England. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the region and offers a unique experience for those interested in teddy bears and their history.
  9. 9

    The Tutankhamun Exhibition

     Dorchester
  10. 10

    Terracotta Warriors Museum

     Dorchester

All museums in Dorchester