October Half Term in Dorchester!
October Half Term is a brilliant time to be in Dorchester, the County town of Dorset. There are lots of free things to do. Attractions to visit and amazing events happening.
Halloween in Dorchester is pretty special because of the towns rich and spooky history. Businesses and attractions really embrace this time of year meaning that there are lots of Halloween themed events and activities to do around the town.
Free things to do at Half Term in Dorchester
The Great Park at The Great Field 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. Poundbury also benefits from good access to free parking, including around the park. The outskirts of Poundbury also hosts the historical Poundbury Hill fort which is a fantastic place to get the kids running around, as the family are doing in the attached photo.
Why not take a explore the Roman Town House . 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 mosaics. It is an awe inspiring experience for Children.
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 aerial view. It is a great place to have a family adventure.
Fantastic events in Dorchester this October Half Term
There is always something going in in Dorchester! At Half Term lots of the cafes and attractions put on special themed events too for kids and families to enjoy. Check out the What’s on page.
Attractions to visit in Dorchester in October Half Term
1. Visit a Museum
Dorchester has some amazing museums that offer a wide variety of exhibits to suite your interests.
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery is housed within a beautiful gothic building from the 1800s. The space has been newly designed and there is plenty to explore as the museum has three floors of exhibits. Downstairs there is a natural history section of the museum with lots of interactive exhibits perfect for children. On the upper floors you can explore Dorset’s rich history through many amazing artefacts. There is a Thomas Hardy section where you can see the novelist and poets original study and on the top floor you can explore the Elizabeth Frink collection of fantastic sculptures. The museum has two beautiful mosaics one is interestingly displayed on a wall meaning it’s easier to get close and see the intricate details of this masterpiece. If you need a break from exploring, you can pop into Taste Café for a coffee and some cake too.
Shire Hall Museum was once a former courthouse and here you can learn and experience the history of social justice and about social justice today. The museums earie cells hidden below ground are an incredible experience, and you can learn about people (including children) that spent time in them. You can explore the courthouse where the historic Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried, there are even costumes for dress up too. The Museum has a great café that serves yummy affordable brunches and lunches for after your visit.
The Keep Military Museum sits within the grand former gatehouse for the depot barracks of the Dorchester Regiment. There are three floors hosting stories of the Dorchester regiments and those who fought with them. At the museum you can see and incredible number of medals, flags, uniforms and weaponry used in different battles over time. Visit the top floor to see some stunning views of Dorchester and its surrounding areas.
The Mummies Exhibition. A unique exhibition that reveals 3000 years of Ancient Egyptian embalming from early reed burials and sand burials such as ‘Ginger’ to royal mummies. See a superb collection of unwrapped mummies featuring Ramses the Great – who ruled Egypt during the time of the Biblical Exodus, Seti – a great warrior king – and Princess Nesitanebasher – the Priestess of Amun.
The Teddy Bear Museum. A unique family museum with its evocative and enchanting displays of teddy bears from throughout the last century. The earliest teddy bears right up to today’s TV favourites, including Rupert Bear, Winnie the Pooh and Paddington, are all there to be seen and enjoyed.
The Terracotta Warriors Museum. The Famous Terracotta Army – is now referred to as the eighth wonder of the ancient world. The exhibition at the Terracotta Warriors Museum features a small but spectacular group of these warriors, that have been specially replicated by museum and conservation technicians in China, and skilled craftsmen and specialists of World Heritage.
The only museum on mainland Britain dedicated to dinosaurs, the award-winning Dinosaur Museum is a treat, especially for children. The museum combines life-sized reconstructions of dinosaurs with fossils and skeletons to create an exciting hands-on experience. Multimedia displays tell the story of the prehistoric animals and their enthralling world millions of years ago. Life-size dinosaur reconstructions – including Tyrannosaurus rex, Stegosaurus, and Triceratops – beg to be touched by little hands – that’s encouraged.
2. Enjoy a trip to the cinema
The Plaza Cinema on Trinity Street opened in 1933 and it housed in an Art Deco style building. Unlike many cinemas now a days the prices are very affordable so it’s a perfect spot to bring your family to during Half Term. The cinema has four screens and shows many of the current blockbuster movies.
3. Try out Dorchester’s Escape Room
If you have teenagers then why not visit The Great Big Escape. Solve puzzles and find clues with your friends or family to figure your way out of the room.
5. Catch a show
Dorchester Arts is based in the Corn Exchange in the centre of Dorchester. You can see comedy, music and theatre. They have special performances and workshops for children and young people too.