Dorchester is often overlooked as a travel destination.
Yet, this great town is brimming with unique experiences that most tourists never find.
What adventures are hiding in plain sight?
Explore Dorchester’s historic prisons, eerie ghost tours, alpaca farms and more for a truly unique trip.
Here are Dorchester’s most unusual things to do.
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Join Dorchester Prison Guided Tour
Explore the historic Dorchester Prison through an engaging guided tour. Eddie, a former prison officer, leads the tours, sharing his insights and stories from his time there.
The tour lasts two hours and costs £18 per person.
Visitors can walk through the Wings, chapel, and visitor hall. The Victorian-style prison, built in 1795, replaced an older medieval castle.
For group or private tours, contact the organisers directly.
📌 Good to know:
- Free Parking
- Well-behaved dogs are welcome
- Children under 5 go free
- Not suitable for wheelchairs
📍 7 N Square, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1JD
Join the Dorchester Ghost Tour
Explore the eerie Dorchester Prison with guides Ed and Steve on an exciting ghost tour.
Walk through the haunted halls, hear the spine-tingling stories, and maybe even encounter a ghostly presence.
This tour, a mix of history and ghost hunting, promises a thrilling night.
The tour starts at 8pm and wraps up around 11:30pm. Participants can enjoy hot drinks during the tour and are welcome to bring their own snacks.
📌 Good to know:
- Age limit: 16+ (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)
- Free Parking
- Not suitable for wheelchairs
📍 7 N Square, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1JD
Slay Zombies at Insight Activities Dorset
Unleash your inner zombie slayer with Insight Activities’ thrilling 3D Woodland Archery experience.
Set in beautiful woodlands just outside Dorchester, this adventure combines archery with the excitement of a zombie apocalypse.
Participants, ages 12 and up, will learn advanced archery techniques from expert instructors. Navigate through the trees, aiming at realistic 3D zombie targets scattered throughout the course.
A small group size ensures personalised attention, making the experience more enjoyable and educational.
No prior archery experience is required; just bring enthusiasm and a sense of adventure!
Make memories that will last a lifetime, have fun with your loved ones, learn a new skill and beat zombies.
📌 Good to know:
- Minimum Group Size: 4
- Duration: 3 hours
📍 Dorchester Rd, Dorchester DT2 7HB
Meet Tutankhamun’s Mummy
The Tutankhamun Exhibition in Dorchester offers a rare glimpse into ancient Egypt.
This exhibition was the first one outside Egypt to feature an exact recreation of Tutankhamun’s mummy, made with meticulous detail using x-rays and measurements
The mummy is part of a wider exhibit which also includes treasures like the Golden Mask of Tutankhamun and the Golden Throne.
This exhibit has enthralled nearly two million visitors with its lifelike displays.
Step into the burial chamber and feel as if you are present at the moment of discovery in 1922 with Howard Carter.
📌 Good to know:
- Disabled access on the ground floor
- Gift shop
📍25 High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1UW
See the 150ft Giant at Cerne Abbas
Nestled on a hillside above the charming village of Cerne Abbas, the Cerne Abbas Giant is a must-see.
This 180ft tall chalk figure, carved into the hill, is Britain’s largest and possibly most famous chalk hill figure.
The Giant’s origins are shrouded in mystery, with theories linking it to everything from ancient fertility symbols to Saxon creation.
Archaeologists believe it dates back to the late Saxon period, around 700-1100 AD.
Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk to the Giant from the village of Cerne Abbas. Access to the figure itself is restricted to prevent damage, but there’s a fantastic viewing area off the main road.
Nearby, a picnic area offers a perfect spot to relax and take in the views.
Above the Giant, the Trendle, a historic earthwork, adds an extra layer of intrigue. In May, local Morris Dancers use it for traditional celebrations, making it a lively time to visit.
📌 Good to know:
- Parking: Free in A352 lay-by (coach-friendly)
- Dogs are welcome on leads
📍 Cerne Abbas, Dorset, DT2 7AL
Visit Thomas Hardy’s Heart Grave
Thomas Hardy’s birthplace of Stinsford hides a remarkable secret. Here, in the tranquil St Michael’s Churchyard, lies Hardy’s heart while the rest of his remains are interred at Westminster Abbey.
The graves of his two wives surround this poignant resting place.
Visitors can easily find the grave to the left as they enter the churchyard. St Michael’s Church, dating back to the 13th century, was also Hardy’s parish church.
He was baptised, attended services, and even taught Sunday School here.
While you explore, don’t miss the fascinating details of the church itself, like the 14th-century tower and the Victorian-era nave roof restoration.
📌 Good to know:
- A short walk from the parking area
📍 3 Church Ln, Stinsford, Dorchester DT2 8PT
Try Dorset Alpaca Walking
Dorset Alpaca Walking in Dorchester offers a unique and charming way to explore the countryside.
Guests start by rounding up the alpaca herd and learning how to harness them.
The stroll, which lasts about one and a half hours, takes you through beautiful parkland designed by ‘Capability’ Brown.
Children aged 13 and older can walk an alpaca on their own with adult supervision, while younger children can share an alpaca with an adult.
The experience usually ends with feeding the alpacas their favourite treats.
📌 Good to know:
- Age Limits: 13+ to walk an alpaca individually; 8+ to accompany an adult.
- Not suitable for wheelchairs or pets.
📍 Court Barn, Frampton, Park, Dorchester, DT2 9NH.
Visit The Nine Stones
Dive into the prehistoric past by visiting The Nine Stones near Winterbourne Abbas.
This ancient stone circle, believed to be around 4,000 years old, is nestled in a serene woodland clearing just off the busy A35.
The circle is made up of nine stones, with two larger ones positioned on the northwest side.
These stones are thought to have had ritual significance for the people who built them.
The layout of the stones could have been used to mark the passage of time and seasons.
Although getting to the stones requires a bit of a walk, the experience of standing among these ancient monoliths is truly unique and worth it.
📌 Good to know:
- Parking: Limited on-street parking in Winterbourne Abbas
- Dogs are allowed on leads
- Beware of traffic
- Livestock around the area
- Uneven surfaces
📍 A35, Dorchester DT2 9LX
Go Shooting at The Wrackleford Estate
Shooting at The Wrackleford Estate in Dorchester promises an exhilarating day out.
Nestled in the stunning Dorset chalk valleys, the estate offers a unique shooting experience both in traditional game and simulated game shooting.
For simulated game shooting, participants can fire between 400 – 600 cartridges at thousands of clay targets.
It’s a thrilling adventure suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters.
📌 Good to know:
- Various packages available
📍 Wrackleford House, Dorchester, DT2 9SN
Camp Next to the Animals at Flowerdew Farm
Flowerdew Farm offers a truly unique camping experience where guests can pitch their tents right next to alpacas and goats.
This eco-friendly, off-grid site is nestled in the picturesque Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
With just ten non-electric grass pitches and a few charming bell tents, it’s perfect for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.
Guests can enjoy feeding sessions and alpaca meet-and-greets, making it a wonderful destination for animal lovers.
The farm provides basic but comfortable facilities, including shared toilets and a hot shower.
The atmosphere is relaxed, with an emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness.
📍 Good to know:
- Disabled access limited
- Only microchipped or tattooed dogs are allowed; specific breeds are restricted
📍 Puncknowle, Dorchester DT2 9BU
Shop for over 120 Cheeses at The Fridge
The Fridge in Dorchester is a cheese lover’s paradise. With over 120 fresh cheeses, it offers an incredible variety from small recipe portions to grand wedding cheesecakes.
Originally known as Tudor Hams, this award-winning deli has transformed into a hub of local produce.
The friendly and knowledgeable staff at The Fridge provide top-notch customer service, making every visit a delightful experience.
Some of the exquisite cheeses you might find are morbier, blue cheese, goat’s cheese, brie and more.
📌 Good to know
- Bespoke hampers are available to purchase
📍 Tudor Arcade, Dorchester, DT1 1BN, United Kingdom
Visit the Star-shaped Cider Orchard
The star-shaped cider orchard in Chalmington, Dorchester, is an exciting place to visit.
Here, guests can indulge in award-winning Dorset Star Cider, explore the lush orchards, and even stay in luxurious shepherd huts.
The orchard boasts rare breed Berkshire pigs, Portland sheep, and ducks, providing visitors with a true farm-to-table experience.
The on-site farm shop sells not only the famous cider but also fresh produce and delicious seasonal meats.
For a unique adventure, guests can book a tour to learn about the cider-making process or join a beekeeping course.
Each shepherd hut offers off-grid isolation, stunning countryside views, and even a private wood-fired hot tub.
📌 Good to know:
- Tours available
- Farm shop
- Cafe
📍 Chalmington, Dorchester DT2 0HB
