The Museum
“An utterly absorbing and fascinating museum”
From interactive galleries to the immersive cells and courtroom, Shire Hall Museum offers something for everyone, from all backgrounds and of all ages.
Shire Hall Museum uncovers moving and important stories of everyday people’s interactions with the justice system since the late 18th century. The Museum makes this extraordinary building and these fascinating stories available and enjoyable for all.
Walk in the footsteps of people whose lives were forever changed in the historic court at Dorchester’s Shire Hall.
Getting Here
Eat, Drink and Shop
Enjoy locally-sourced brunches, daily-changing lunches and afternoon tea and cake in our airy mezzanine café. The Shire Hall Café, in the heart of Dorchester, can also be booked for evening functions.
Our Gift Shop is full of beautiful and quirky items, including ranges of locally-made jewellery, scarves, artwork, cider, gin and beer.
Entrance to the Café and Gift Shop is free.
For Families
Visit Shire Hall for a fun day out for all the family.
Explore the cells and find out what it was like to be held prisoner at Dorchester’s Shire Hall. Discover the stories of children and adults who were tried here. Children can be the tour guide for your family, and even become a journalist for one of our trials. Collect all the tokens on our trail to win a prize.
Explore the digital interactives, quizzes and games, try on the hats, wigs and magistrates’ gowns, and discover many more surprises when you come!
There are lots of fun family activities and events throughout the year. Check the events page for details, or sign up to our mailing list here.
Access
We welcome all people with disabilities. Our staff and volunteers have received disability awareness training and they will do their best to help you and to make your visit to the Museum successful. If there is something that you feel could reasonably be improved, or if you have any special requirements, please let us know.
All disabled visitors are entitled to a free companion ticket to support their visit. Please ask at reception, call us on 01305 261849, or email info@shirehalldorset.org if you have any questions ahead of your visit.
Facilities
Important information to help you plan your visit.
For Groups
We welcome group visits to Shire Hall and can provide options for self-directed visits and guided tours. There are exclusive rates for groups of 10+ visitors.
For Schools
From British Values, to History, English and PHSE, our building and stories can stimulate learning across the curriculum.
Delivered by our Learning team, our schools programme encourages the development of critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills.