England only natural World Heritage Site.
Dorset County Museum
World famous collections in a Victorian people’s palace. Fourteen fascinating display rooms brought up to date with the brand new award-winning Dorset writer’s gallery and archaeological gallery/rare and intriguing geology/wildlife, local history, marvellous Roman mosaics and Thomas Hardy’s famous study.
Open Mon to Saturday (& Sunday in July and August) 10am – 5pm.
Tel: 01305 262735
Sherborne Castle
A fascinating fully furnished historic house, built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and home of the Digby family since 1617. A beautiful setting of lake, lawns and parkland.
Opening times 1st April – end October, Tues, Thurs, Sat, and Sun & BH Mon.
Castle open 1.30 – 6.00pm (last admissions 5.00
pm)
Grounds and tea-room 112.30 – 6.00
pm
Grounds open 12.30 – 6.00pm daily
except Wed.
Tel: 01935 813182
Abbotsbury
Swannery, Tithe Barn (Children’s Farm & the Terracotta Warriors), Sub-Tropical Gardens
Attractions open daily from 10am – Easter to October. Also, browse the ancient village, tea-rooms, Inns & craft shops.
Tel: 01305 871387
Brewers Quay
Imaginatively redeveloped Victorian Brewery housing a superb array of attractions for visitors of all ages, all year round.
Award winning Timewalk Journey
Unique undercover Shopping Village and Craft
Centre
Courtyard Restaurant & Excise
House Bar
Discovery Centre &
Bowlingo Bowling Alley
Tel: 01305 777622
Palmers Brewery
Palmers Thatched Brewery is one of the very traditional breweries left in Britain. See how traditional ale is brewed, sample our famed ales and receive a souvenir certificate of your visit.
Guided tours only, book at Palmers Wine
Store
Open 0930 – 1800 hrs Mon to Thur,
& 0930 – 2000 hrs Fri & Sat
Tours are conducted Tues, Weds & Thurs starting at 11am
finishing at 1.15pm.
Tel: 01308 427500
Philpot Museum
Mary Anning, Geology, Local History, new
displays throughout.
Open Apr – Oct 10am
– 5pm (except Sunday lunchtimes) winter weekends, half-terms &
Christmas
Tel: 01297 443370
The Keep Military Museum
A modern Military Museum with IT and Audio technology and creative displays of the Infantry, Cavalry and Artillerymen of the West Country. Children’s activities and spectacular views from the battlements. Lift and shop.
Open 0930 – 1700 hrs Mon – Sat
Tel: 01305 264066
The Old Crown Court & Cells, Dorchester
Famous for the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and Judge Jeffreys ‘Bloody Assize’.
Open 27 July to 3 Sept 1415 – 1615 hrs, Tues – Fr & 1015 – 1215 hrs Weds only
Tel 01305 252241
Town Mill, Lyme Regis
An important historic corn-mill, established prior to 1340, on the River Lim in the heart of the town. The restoration is on-going and the waterwheel and machinery are expected to be working again in time for the Millennium.
Attic Gallery – a friendly gallery with an exciting collection of knitwear, textiles and jewellery Tel: 01297 442122
Le Moulin – a small but delightful café-brasserie serving many exciting dishes, freshly prepared on the premises
Tel: 01297 445757 for evening reservations
Town Mill Gallery – shows a wide variety of contemporary art exhibitions
Tel: 01297 443834
Site is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Marine Aquarium & Cobb History, Lyme Regis
Set in an historic Cobb warehouse. Living Lyme Bay fish, old artefacts, and wreckage. Photodisplays filming "Persuasion" and "French Lieutenant’s Woman".
Open daily 10am to 5pm, Easter to October (later in July & August)
Tel/Fax: 01297 443678
Athelhampton House & Gardens, Dorchester
Visit one of the outstanding Historic Houses of England, set in extensive architectural gardens. Trace English history from Henry VII to Victoria. Enjoy the delightful grounds with pavilions, fountains, giant topiary, plant collections and the River Piddle. Licensed Restaurant, serving Lunches, Cream Teas and Refreshments.
Open:
March - October daily (except
Saturdays) from 10.30am to 5pm, November –
February Sundays from 10.30am to 5pm
Tel: 01305 848363
E-Mail: pcooke@athelhampton.co.uk
WebSite: http://www.athelhampton.co.uk/
Kingston Maurward Gardens, Dorchester
Located in parklands, these magnificent 35 acre Edwardian gardens provide some of the most beautiful surroundings in the area. Follow a mile long nature trail teeming with wildlife or wander the walled demonstration garden. Children love the Animal Park where they can feed the unusual breeds of animal. Morning coffee, lunches and teas are available from the Old Coach House restaurant. The Visitor’s Centre displays information about the Estate and stocks a wide range of quality West Country foods and gifts. Plant sales, nature and tree trails.
Open daily from 13 March to 31 October 10am to 5.30pm
Tel: 01305 215003
Bennetts Water Gardens, Chickerell
World Famous National Collection of Water Lilies within 6 acres of tranquil lakes
- Tropical House
- Family Nature Trail
- Pond Shop & Plant Centre
- Morning Coffee – Light Lunches – Cream Teas
- Museum
Open 10am to 5pm: April – August : Tuesday to
Sunday
September: Tuesday to
Saturday
October: Tuesday to Friday and
Bank Holidays
Tel: 01395 785150
Forde Abbey, Nr Chard
Winner of Christies Garden of the Year Award. Cistercian monastery founded in 1140. Family home since mid 17thC. Much of the monastic building survives; the abbey stands in 30 acres of outstanding gardens.
Open: Gardens: 10am – 4.30pm daily throughout
the year
House: 1pm – 4.30pm Wednesdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays 1
April to End October
New Barn Field Centre, Peverell
A fascinating and educational day out.
- Iron Age Homestead authentically recreating life 2,000 years ago
- Working Pottery with an opportunity to "throw" a pot
- Bygones Exhibition of traditional tools and equipment
- Wild Flower Reserve – Nature Trail and Farm Animals
- Coffee Shop and Restaurant
Tel: 01305 267463
Bridport Museum Service, West Bay
The story of West Bay is told in this converted salt house overlooking the harbour.
Small shop and Tourist Information point.
Open from 11am daily, April to October
Tel: 01308 420997
Eldridge Pope & Co plc, Dorchester
Experience the hustle and bustle and flavours of an award winning real ale brewery operating in today’s market where family involvement has continued since the 1800’s carrying on the centuries old tradition of brewing in the country town.
Open: Guided tours Monday – Friday day and evening.
Pre-booking advisable, essential for private
parties.
Also for summer season
Wednesday Tours 11am/1pm no booking necessary
Tel: 01305 251251
Mapperton Gardens, Dorset
Mapperton Gardens is a unique valley garden in West Dorset, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The gardens surrounding the Jacobean manor house, stable blocks dovecote and All Saint’s Church.
Mapperton is the perfect starting point for an excursion – there are magnificent walks and views of "Hardy" countryside and the sea.
- Disabled access
- Children reduced price
- Free parking
- WC and shop
- Plants for sale
Open: Daily March to October 2 – 6 pm
Tel: 01308 862645