REVIEW: Family Day at Shire Hall Museum

We were recently invited to visit to the Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester and what a fantastic day, especially for the kids, who absolutely loved every moment of it.

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by the warmth of the staff and the rich history embedded in the building itself. The Shire Hall is not just a museum – it’s a place where history comes alive in such a unique and engaging way. The whole experience was hands-on and immersive, which made it perfect for the whole family, especially younger visitors who might not normally be too interested in history. 

One of the absolute highlights for the children was being able to go down into the old cells. The museum allows you to explore the original holding cells that were once used to imprison real people. What made it extra special was that each cell came with stories about actual prisoners who had been there. You could read about the individuals, their crimes, and what had happened to them. The children found it fascinating to connect with these real-life stories, imagining what it must have been like to be held in such a place. The museum doesn’t shy away from telling both the grim and humane sides of history, which I appreciated as a parent – it’s important for kids to learn about these aspects in an age-appropriate way, and Shire Hall handles this balance beautifully. 

Beyond the cells, there are plenty of activities for children throughout the museum. The kids particularly enjoyed colouring in the courtroom, where they could sit at the judge’s bench or stand in the dock. It was amazing to watch them engage so enthusiastically with history. The courtroom itself is a wonderfully preserved space, and having the chance to sit in such a historic setting made it all the more special. They also had interactive displays where they could pretend to be a judge or a lawyer, learning about how trials worked back in the day. These activities kept them entertained while also helping them understand the importance of justice and fairness in society. 

Another aspect that really stood out during our visit was how approachable and knowledgeable the staff were. There are people stationed around the museum who are more than happy to chat, answer questions, and provide extra information. It really added to the experience knowing that we could ask anything, and the staff were so enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge. It felt less like a typical museum experience and more like a dynamic conversation about the past. 

After exploring the museum, we took a break in the Shire Hall Café, which was a lovely way to round off the visit. The café offers a great selection of light bites and drinks – perfect for families looking to recharge after wandering through the exhibits. We enjoyed fresh sandwiches, cakes, and coffees, while the kids had a good choice of snacks and drinks as well. The atmosphere was relaxing, and it was clear the café had been thoughtfully designed to accommodate visitors of all ages. 

Overall, our trip to the Shire Hall Museum was an unforgettable day out. It’s a perfect combination of education and entertainment, with something to offer for all ages. The kids left with so much new knowledge and excitement about history, and as a family, we appreciated the warm welcome and the thoughtful touches throughout the museum that made it such an engaging experience. If you’re looking for a day out that’s fun, informative, and well-suited to families, the Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester is definitely worth a visit. We’ll be back for sure!