Taking a family trip to stay in one of the fantastic holiday parks in Dorset? This county is an amazing destination for a getaway with the kids, with tons to do and see along the Jurassic Coast.
But there’s more to the area than just its beautiful beaches and well-appointed holiday parks. In Dorset you’ll also find a rich heritage waiting to be explored and it’s a perfect place to get your kids invested in Britain’s fascinating past. A visit to Dorchester, in particular, offers some unmissable historical attractions that the whole family will love.
Roman Town House
The Roman Town House is the only fully exposed building of its kind in the country, and an amazing time capsule dating back to the Roman occupation of Britain. You can look around a family home from the fourth century, marvel at the incredible decorative mosaics, and imagine what life might have been like back then.
Entry is free and the house is open all year round. If your visit sparks the youngsters’ interest, many of the Roman relics that were discovered in the house are on display at the Dorset County Museum, just a 5-minute walk away. At this museum you’ll also find a range of other ancient artefacts, some fascinating fossils and everything you could possibly want to know about the history of the county.
Dinosaur Museum
No period of history holds more fascination for children than the truly prehistoric, when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Why not take a trip back to the Mesozoic Era with a visit to the Dinosaur Museum?
The kids can discover the ancient world of these incredible creatures through immersive exhibits including dinosaur skeletons and life-sized models of Tyrannosaurus, Stegosaurus and other favourites. There are also hands-on games and puzzles, both digital and physical, and the opportunity to learn all about fossils and the county’s tradition of fossil hunting.
The Tutankhamun Exhibition
Set your sights a little further afield than England with the Tutankhamun Exhibition, which features an exact recreation of the tomb and treasures of the famous Egyptian pharaoh. The whole family can experience the wonder that must have been felt by British archaeologist Howard Carter when he first entered Tutankhamun’s burial chamber, back in 1922.
The exhibit sees the entire tomb and all its artefacts authentically recreated and laid out as they were in reality – there’s even a replica of Tutankhamun’s mummified body! Instead of a typical museum setting, you’ll really feel as though you’re exploring the ancient resting place of the lost pharaoh and discovering the golden treasures he was buried with.
With the area’s rich heritage, it should be no surprise that all these amazing attractions can be found within just one town and within easy reach of many of the popular resorts and holiday parks in Dorset. Dorchester has plenty more to see and do, and the rest of the county certainly doesn’t lack for fun destinations for a day out either!
It’s clear that there’s far more to this lovely county than its splendid coastline and excellent holiday parks. In Dorset, you’ll find so many ways to make history fun for kids.
Michael Paul is the Managing Director of Michael Paul Holidays, a holiday property agency offering a handpicked range of accommodation in wonderful UK locations. Whether you are looking for the best holiday parks in Dorset or the cosiest cottages and log cabins in Scotland, he and his team will find you that perfect property for an unforgettable trip.
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