Tours
Roman Town House Tour
25 May 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.
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Opening hours:
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Daily: 10.00am - 5.00pm
TASTE Café
Daily: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm
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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
4 July – 23 September 2024
Fashioning our World
This exhibition special display showcases a project with local young people working alongside Dorset Museum & Art Gallery team as part of Fashioning our World with Salisbury Museum.
Find out more10 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 more23 September 2024, 12:00noon - 1:00pm
Nature Heals | Trevor Parsons
Trevor Parsons is a local photographer with an amazing story to tell about the healing power of photography and nature.
Find out more25 September 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 more26 September 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 more28 September 2024, 9:30am - 5pm
Cerne Giant and other Wessex Hill Figures
The Cerne Abbas Giant is one of the most recognisable and talked about hill figures in the UK. This special conference draws upon recent excavations and new research by the National Trust, led by Martin Papworth, and offers the opportunity to explore the giant in relationship to other significant hill figures in the region.
Find out moreWednesday 2nd October 2024, 18:30-21:00
Culture Club – Wildlife Photography: A Look at Dorset Naturally
Join us for an evening of Dorset Nature Photography. We'll have a talk from professional nature and landscape photographer Mike Read, in which he will take us through "A Look at Dorset Naturally", and an exclusive opportunity to explore the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition after hours.
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 more