Dorset County Museum
Dorset County Museum, Local history museum in Dorchester, England.
Dorset County Museum is a local history institution in Dorchester with exhibits covering archaeology, geology, natural history, and literature displayed across four floors. The galleries house tens of thousands of objects, from prehistoric tools and Roman artifacts to fossils and mineral specimens that tell the story of the region.
The institution was founded in 1846 as a repository for local collections and moved to its current neo-Gothic building in 1881, constructed from Portland stone. A major renovation program completed in 2021 updated the building while preserving its historical character.
The collection displays original manuscripts and personal items of Thomas Hardy, reflecting his deep connection to the town. Visitors can see how this writer shaped local intellectual life through objects and works on display.
The building sits on High West Street in central Dorchester within walking distance of other town attractions. Plan several hours to explore all four floors properly, especially if you want to read the detailed information provided with each collection.
The Ancient Dorset Gallery features Viking burial artifacts and Roman glass vessels recovered from local excavations that visitors might otherwise miss. These objects reveal layers of settlement and cultural change spanning more than a thousand years of the region's past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Durnovaria
345 m
Kings Arms Hotel
92 m
Roman Town House, Dorchester
334 m
Shire Hall, Dorchester
131 m
County Hall, Dorchester
264 m
St Peter's Church
29 m
Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity
50 m
All Saints Church, Dorchester
116 m
Statue of Thomas Hardy
310 m
Dorset Museum
21 m
Municipal Buildings
51 m
Christ Church, Dorchester
383 m
The Tutankhamun Exhibition
186 m
Dorset Teddy Bear Museum
306 m
Monument To William Barnes In Churchyard Immediately South Of West Tower
15 m
The Old Ship Public House
120 m
Plaza Cinema
209 m
The Royal Oak
144 m
Terracotta Warriors Museum
305 m
Dorset County Museum
14 m
Napper's Mite
279 m
Top O Town House
364 m
6, High West Street
40 m
Roman Wall
311 m
Dorchester Town Pump
53 m
10, South Street
195 m
South Lodge
368 m
Bandstand In Public Gardens Twelve Park Benches Surounding The Bandstand
423 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes