How should we entertain our grandchildren in Dorchester
Excitement is building because your grandchildren are coming to stay with you in Dorchester for a little holiday. The beds are made; the fridge is stocked with their favourite snacks and meals from Joey’s Family Foods but what activities would they enjoy whilst they are here? How can you entertain them, make magical memories and inspire their young minds?
That’s the easy part! We are so lucky to live in the wonderful town of Dorchester. Planning an unforgettable time together is simple, just follow this plan!
First night
Are a long car or train journey your guests will no doubt be tired and excited. Rather than prepping a big formal sit-down meal the best option is to let them have a run round and focus on spending time together rather than you being in the kitchen.
Our answer is fish and chips in Maumbury Rings. Can you imagine the look on their faces when you tell them that tonight we are having fish and chips in a Roman Amphitheatre!
Maumbury Rings has an amazing history. It started at a neolithic earthen henge, then it was adapted by Romans to become an Amphitheatre. After that it was used as the site for public hangings (maybe not something you want to mention to young kids!). Today it is a wonderful open space with banks that the kids can roll down and you can sit on and enjoy the fish and chips whilst the Grandchildren act out being Roman Gladiators in the centre of the Rings!
You are spoilt for choice for fish and chip shops in Dorchester too! Case and Brewer, San Telmo or Callaways Fish & Chips.

Ideas to entertain and engage younger grandchildren
Start with a session at one, or both, of our soft play centres for energetic indoor fun. We have Nikki’s Little Play Cafe in Brewery Square and 100 Giggles in Poundbury.
Head outside to the brilliant playgrounds at Borough Gardens with its play fountains and play equipment, The Great Field with its popular wooden bespoke playpark and the wonderful traction engine at the King’s Road play park.
On sunny days, the fountains at Brewery Square are perfect for a splash in the fountains. You can follow this with a manageable walk for little legs round The Walks, and round Ratty’s Trail.
For a bit more adventure, take a group bike ride out to the nearby milkshake vending machine at Martinstown or encourage the kids to show off their moves at the skate park.
No visit is complete without popping into one of Dorchester’s toyshops. Lots of children enjoy collecting cuddly toys, Pokémon cards and opening blind boxes.
For a traditional sweet shop experience pop into Sugar Shack and let them choose so sweets from the jars just like your own childhood.
Bring your grandchild’s recent school topic learning to life through one of Dorchester’s brilliant museums and hands‑on experiences. Romans, Victorians, Egyptians, Neolithic Britain Dorchester has all of these topics covered! Many museums in Dorchester allow kids to enter free when accompanied by a paying adult. Lots also have special exhibitions or children’s trails and activities like the Shire Hall Museum’s Summer Smugglers’ Escapade. Here is a full list of Dorchester Museums, which one do you think your grandchildren will enjoy the most?
- Teddy Bear Museum
- Dinosaur Museum
- Teddy Bear Museum
- Terracotta Warriors Exhibition
- Tutankhamun Exhibition
- Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
- Shire Hall Museum
- Roman Town House
Round off the day with an early evening meal at O’Pasta or Pizza Express, where you and the grandchildren can relax, refuel, and relive your favourite moments from the day.
Ideas to entertain older Grandchildren
Older grandchildren will find plenty to enjoy in Dorchester, with activities that feel more grown‑up and give them the freedom to explore.
A trip to the cinema is always a hit and we are lucky enough to have two in Dorchester, Plaza Cinema and Odeon Cinema. Follow this up with an ice‑cream at Creams and you are onto a winner.
For something more adventurous, an escape room offers a brilliant challenge you can tackle together.
Shopping could be a big hit too, whether browsing the New Look 9–15 range or enjoying some thrift shopping (the trendy name for charity shop shopping!).
Music lovers will enjoy stopping by Vinyl Van to hunt for records.
For the brave grandchildren why not take them on Dorchester’s spooky ghost walk through the town’s historic streets.
To finish the day, Nando’s or Wagamama, both are situated within Brewery Square.
