Tours
Roman Town House Tour
8 June 2024, 10:00am - 12:00noon
Join us to go behind the scenes and discover the history of Roman Dorchester…
Discovered in the 1930s, one of the best examples of a Roman Town House in England is situated here in Dorchester.
Following the extensive refurbishment of the covered structure and grounds, we are proud to have partnered with Dorset Council to offer the opportunity of a guided tour of the Roman Town House.
Your tour will begin at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, where our trained guides will deliver a presentation taking you through the history of the Roman Dorchester (Durnovaria) and the Roman Town House. Following this, you will be led on a tour of our People’s Dorset Gallery to discover some of the Roman artefacts on display. Finally, you’ll be taken on a site visit to the Roman Town House itself, where you’ll not only be able to explore the grounds but will also be granted exclusive access inside the Town House to see the mosaics up close.
Day access to the museum is also included in your ticket, so you can always come back afterwards to explore more. Plus, you’ll be given a copy of our Roman Town House Guide to take home.
- Meeting point: Welcome Area at Dorset Museum.
- Not suitable for under 5s.
- Each tour is limited to 12 participants.
-
Opening hours:
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Daily: 10.00am - 5.00pm
TASTE Café
Daily: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm
-
-
The Roman Town House is owned and managed by Dorset Council, and supported by the Dorchester Joint Heritage Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
More info
Gorgon Head – Terracotta face antefix decorated roof eaves of the Roman Town House
Engraved glass bowl with followers of Dionysus, Greek god of wine discovered at the Roman Town House
Useful tips for attending this tour
• Tours start and end at the museum.
• Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society members and Dorset Museum and Art Gallery unlimited ticketholders can get discounted rates for the tour, but MUST bring their membership card or valid unlimited ticket with them.
• Sturdy shoes are required as the internal structure is uneven. Protective shoe covers provided.
• Tours are fully accessible.
• No toilets or facilities at the Roman Town House site, although these are available at the museum before and after the tour.
What's on
10 July - 23 October 2024.
Sensing the Past
"Sensing the Past" was a collaborative and co-produced project involving The Dorset Blind Association, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, and Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.
Find out more19 July - 3 November 2024
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the world-famous exhibition from the Natural History Museum, is returning to Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Find out more10 October 2024, 10:00am - 10:30am
Storytime at the Museum
Come and join us for fun-filled Storytime where you can listen to some amazing tales in our Community Space at the Museum.
Find out moreFriday 11th October, 11:00-12:00
Exhibition Tour: Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Join us every Friday at 11:00 for a free tour of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition with our trained museum guides! This…
Find out moreFriday 18th October, 11:00-12:00
Exhibition Tour: Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Join us every Friday at 11:00 for a free tour of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition with our trained museum guides! This…
Find out more23 October 2024, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Store Tour
Join our Collections Team for an opportunity to explore behind the scenes in the Museum’s Collections Discovery Centre.
Find out more24 October 2024, 10:00am - 10:30am
Storytime at the Museum
Come and join us for fun-filled Storytime where you can listen to some amazing tales in our Community Space at the Museum.
Find out moreThursday 24th October, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Teacher Open Evening
Join the Learning and Engagement Team on Thursday 24th October for our Teacher Open Evening. Teachers and school staff are invited to meet the Learning…
Find out more24 October 2024, 7pm
The Year Clock
The Year Clock is a play that delves deep into the themes of language, speech, and human communication. It focuses on the life and legacy of William Barnes, a self-educated Dorset teacher and parson who lived from 1801 to 1886.
Find out more