



Explore 250 million years of Dorset's natural history, people, writers and art across four floors of engaging galleries and temporary exhibitions.
Venue Type
Indoor
Typical visit duration
All day
Booking
Walk-in
Recommended ages
0 months (newborn)+
On-site cafe offering food and beverages
Interesting museum, but without Dippy the Dinosaur it’s just not worth the £15.50pp entry price given that I’ve been to many local museums like this with more in them that are free. Having said that, the staff were helpful although one told me Dippy had “been removed in the 1920s” and it has a nice cafe, too.
Such a lovely museum. The building is stunning and the art exhibit we caught the tail end of was stunning. 'People Watching' I think it was named. The permanent exhibits are so interesting and really make the most of the local Jurassic (other ages are showcased!) archaeology and literary history. Fascinating. And the ticket is valid for a year so we'll be back. Cafe is fabulous too.
I really enjoyed my visit to Dorset Museum. The Dorset history section was fascinating, and the Thomas Hardy displays added a layer of literary depth. The fossil collection was another highlight, with some incredible specimens and clear explanations. A great place to spend a few hours learning something new.
A fantastic museum with a really impressive and diverse collection. It’s especially a must-visit for anyone interested in Thomas Hardy, as the exhibits beautifully reflect his life and how the Dorset landscape influenced his writing. The museum also has an excellent range of art, along with fascinating fossils and human artefacts dating back to the Iron Age and even earlier. It offers a great mix of literature, history, and natural heritage all in one place. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Dorset – both educational and very enjoyable. The tickets are annual.
A real pain buying tickets on the door for a spontaneous visit. £15.50 per person, but wanted name address email and inside leg measurement! After a lot of hassle, managed to just buy a ticket and get in. The guides were all very knowledgeable and the exhibits were all very interesting. A really good museum.
Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026
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This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026
