Dorchester campsites

Whilst in the town make sure to visit the Dinosaur Museum and see the mighty T-rex. It's the UK's only museum that is dedicated solely to dinosaurs and the kids will love it as much as adults. The Tutankhamun Exhibitions is also a spectacular recreation of Egyptian history, and not to be missed. 

The Dorset Country Museum is also a must-do when in Dorchester. It shows a fascinating history and large collection of fossils taken from the nearby Jurassic Coast, which stretches for an impressive 96 miles across the coast of Southern England.

Visitors with an interest in military history are sure to enjoy exploring the Keep Military Museum which covers over 300 years of local history, or perhaps Maiden Castle, where you can take a family-friendly walk up to the ancient ruins for brilliant family photos.

For something different, relive your childhood at the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum. You may even meet Edwards the bear and his life-sized family! Alternatively, skaters will enjoy Dorchester Skatepark’s permanent concrete ramps and jumps. 

The area's natural beauty stands out too. Set in a beautiful grouping of natural lakes, Sculpture by the Lakes is a 26-acre park packed with inspiring sculptures, while the Borough Gardens in the heart of the town are also fantastic. The pretty gardens offer a deserved break from the busy town streets, allowing for a relaxing stroll in the sun.

The 700 year old Kingston Maurward National Trust Property is another highlight, with stunning gardens and farmyard animals.

Dorchester boasts several other landmarks, churches, castles and houses to explore too. Athelhampton House and Gardens were built in the 15th Century and are beautifully preserved and maintained. The Gardens are exceptionally peaceful and are a great place to read a good book. 

For a walk into the history of Thomas Hardy's life visit Hardy's Cottage (his historic birthplace), Max Gate (his famous townhouse) or the 72-foot high Hardy Monument - an interesting stop-off on National Cycle Route 2.

An iconic British poet and novelist, Hardy is famous all around the world. There is a great woodland walk to get to Hardy’s Cottage that is suitable for small children. 

Other intriguing places to explore nearby include the Cerne Abbas Giant, which is a giant hill figure cut into the stone (best viewed from the air if you can), Poundbury (an experimental new town  built on principles advocated by the Prince of Wales), The Tank Museum at Bovington, or Weymouth with the Sea Life Adventure Park and Sandworld.