Free days out in Dorset
A visit to Dorset doesn’t need to cost the Earth! There is no better feeling than having an enjoyable day out all while saving money. Dorchester, the county town of Dorset is a great place to visit if you are on a budget. No matter your age or why you are visiting Dorchester there is lots to see and do in the town on a day out including such as spotting many of the towns historic landmarks, visiting some of our famous parks or taking the towns the beautiful countryside surroundings.
Dorchester, Dorset hosts some amazing parks. One of our most famous parks is The Borough Gardens which is a stunning Victorian green space. The park is well looked after and hosts some beautiful planted arrangements. Why not wander and take in the surroundings, such as the infamous ornate clock, or the stunning fountain. The park is also a perfect picnic spot, there are lots of benches and shady spots for you to take advantage of. There is also a great play park too. In the summer the children’s fountain is turned on in the play area, this is a great way to stay cool in the heat and will lead to hours of fun.
Another amazing place to take kids is the Great Park at The Great Field. This elaborate play area is one of a kind. The park is modelled off iconic places in Poundbury. It is suitable for all ages with a variety of different equipment. For younger children there are small swings, a wooden horse and carriage to ride on and the Brownsword Hall, a low play structure with seating underneath as well as a shallow slide. For older children there are steep climbs up tall play structures and big, whizzy tunnel slides. There is a climbing wall, bouncy tyres and high ropes course. There is even a water play area with pumps and damns. Poundbury also benefits from good access to free parking, including around the park.
If you haven’t been to Poundbury before, be sure to explore this surreal development. Poundbury is an urban extension of Dorchester and has been built to reflect the principles of architecture advocated by HRH Prince of Wales. The area is a modern creation but mirrors the traditional architecture of Dorchester. The outskirts of Poundbury also host stunning views of the countryside and the historical Poundbury Hill fort (also free to visit). It’s unique place to visit, being one of the few developments like this in the UK.
Why not take a scenic stroll from the Roman Town House along the River Frome. The Town House is free to visit and is the only one to be seen in its entirety in Britain. The structure dates back to the 4th Century AD, you can see exposed structures as well as look inside the covering that holds an amazing mosaic. If you continue down towards Hangman’s Cottage, you will see a beautiful thatched cottage that sits next to the River Frome. As the name suggests the cottage was once home to Dorchester’s Executioner. Along the river you will see lots of ducks and if you come at the right time, you may even spot some of our resident swans with their baby signets too. The walk hosts lots of wildlife, you can also pass through the Local Nature Reserve which is a popular spot with residents.
Maiden Castle is just a short walk or drive from Dorchester. It is one of the largest and most complex Iron Age hill forts in Europe. The huge ditches that form the fort are what give Maiden Castle its iconic arial view. The scenes from the top of Maiden Castle are magnificent and it’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the countryside too.
If you are visiting with your family, you can save some money during summer 2022 at the Museums. Dorset Museum which hosts lots of great interactive exhibits for kids, including a massive dinosaur mouth that children can crawl through to pretend they’ve been eaten! The museum helpfully has a quite space that is perfect for those who have additional needs, when need some privacy. Dorset Museum are offering for kids to go free every Sunday through August and September when accompanied by a paying adult, pass holder or member.
Shire Hall Museum is a former courthouse now museum, there are cells bellow the ground that stay nice and cool in the summer and are perfect for daring children who like something different. Kids can also see the former courthouse and play dress up in the costumes too. Shire Hall is offering for kids to go for £1 during the summer holidays and under 5s also go for free.
Maumbury Rings is a free place to visit in Dorchester that has an amazing history. It started out as a Neolithic Henge, then was adapted to become an amphitheatre by the Romans. It was even used for public hangings at one point. Now it is used for open air events (most of which are free) and and short walks. There are some brilliant information boards up around the site to help you learn about its history.
It is a great place for kids to go a burn off steam running round the henge walls and sliding down them. Take a picnic along for the perfect free day out!