Tours
Roman Town House Tour
11 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.
-
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
11 May 2024, 10:00am - 12:00noon
Roman Town House Tour
Join our trained guides through the history of the Roman Town House site and and the precious artifacts recovered and now on display at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.
Find out more25 May 2024, 10:00am - 12:00noon
Roman Town House Tour
Join our trained guides through the history of the Roman Town House site and and the precious artifacts recovered and now on display at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.
Find out more8 June 2024, 10:00am - 12:00noon
Roman Town House Tour
Join our trained guides through the history of the Roman Town House site and and the precious artifacts recovered and now on display at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.
Find out more22 June 2024, 10:00am - 12:00noon
Roman Town House Tour
Join our trained guides through the history of the Roman Town House site and and the precious artifacts recovered and now on display at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.
Find out more6 July 2024, 10:00am - 12:00noon
Roman Town House Tour
Join our trained guides through the history of the Roman Town House site and and the precious artifacts recovered and now on display at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.
Find out more3 February - 30 May 2024
John Brown in Dorchester: Rebuilding a Life after slavery
Discover the little-known story of John Brown, in this new showcase display outside the Collections Discovery Centre.
Find out more16 May 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 more16 May 2024, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Paul Nash in Dorset | Professor Paul Gough
This richly illustrated lecture explores over 80 Paul Nash artworks created from the mid-1930s until his death in 1946. They range from ancient places such as Maiden Castle and Badbury Rings to the limestone promontories and fossilised forests on the Purbeck coast.
Find out more22 May 2024, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Collections Discovery Centre Tour
Join our Collections Team for an opportunity to explore behind the scenes in the Museum’s Collections Discovery Centre.
Find out more