Visiting Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum in Dorchester with kids
Taking the kids to an old courthouse, probably isn’t the first day out that springs to mind when looking for things to do, however, it is well worth considering if you are visiting Dorset.
The Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum in Dorchester is an interactive museum that uses real-life stories and iPad guides for children, to let you walk in the footsteps of the people who were on held and sentenced in the courthouse, including the infamous Tolpuddle Martyrs.
Shire Hall was Dorset’s courthouse from 1797 until 1955 and the first thing that strikes you is the beauty of the building, which is Grade I listed.
You enter the building through a gift shop and reception area, filled with fabulous local goodies to buy. The entrance to the museum itself is at the rear of the shop, where you collect your iPads or audio guides.
The real selling point of the visit, is just how much it engages the children.
Initially, it was just Sebby and Eliza who wanted the iPads, however, at the age of 6, Sebby struggled to do some of the challenges, so Isaac stepped in and they worked together on solving the clues.
You start by learning about some of the families that live and work in Dorset, finding out what jobs they would have and how much money they would earn and the difficulties they face.
Next door, there is a small area to watch a film, before heading in to see the holding cells and completing more quizzes and challenges.
The kids loved hunting for the memory boxes and finding out the answers to the questions.
Plus there was also places to dress up like some of the men, women and children that would have been held in the cells, awaiting trial.
The kids were shocked to learn that children as young as them could have been put on trial for misdemeanors as minor as stealing trousers from a washing line.
There was a whole section dedicated to the Tolpuddle Martyrs, who’s crime was to have formed the first ever trade union to protest about their meagre pay of six shillings a week.
The real “WOW” moment of the visit, has to be the court room and what really made it special was that the kids could dress up.
They all enjoyed getting into various characters as they posed for pictures around the court room.
It was here the iPads really got interesting as they became reporters on a trial and had to work out who they thought was guilty or not guilty of the crime of stealing trousers. They even got their article printed at the end of our visit.
If you are looking for something to entertain the kids over Easter, they are hosting their Easter Holiday fun event from 6th-22nd April where you can hop on down to Shire Hall to Count Your Chickens in their trail and let the kids creativity spring into action by decorating Easter egg biscuits.
A family ticket to Shire Hall costs £20 and includes an annual pass giving you free entry for a whole year!
Disclaimer: We were guest of Shire Hall for the purpose of a review. All thoughts and opinions are our own
Yeah Lifestyle
This sounds like an interesting place to visit both for adults and kids. I personally love Listed Buildings and would enjoy visiting and learning about its history and seeing that it is so interactive, my children will not be bored at all.
Kristine Nicole Alessandra
It is good to make kids see and learn about things like this. Visiting a court house and learning about how different the laws were back then. It must have been so much fun for them to act out different characters inside a real courthouse.
Claire
I love interactive museums and days out. It is far more likely to capture the children’s interest and make it a more fun and enjoyable day out for all x x
Talya
This looks like such an educational but fun day out. I love how they all get into character in the courtroom. I’ll keep it in mind for when we’re next down that way.
Sarupa Shah
Looks like a great day out and how brilliant the kids get to dress up in robes – we have some budding legal kids in the family – so this would be a great experience for them!
Rachel
What a fun museum to visit! The interactive side is a huge plus so there are no bored kiddies 🙂
Sarah Howe
Love your photos! The kids look like they had a great time; so clever using the iPads to suck them in a little. Bet was very interesting!
Emma Raphael
What a great museum, love how it really really gets them involved, and possibly interested in future legal careers!! 😀
Rhian Westbury
That’s so good that they’ve embraced the tech to keep kids entertained and drawn in, sounds like a great day out x
Kacie Morgan
Shire Hall looks like it offers a great day-out for the whole family. It’s always fun for kids to have the chance to dress up.
Hollie Burgess
That actually looks so good! I never would have thought about going here until now!
Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too
So many ways for the children to interact with the museum and discover how life once was
Laura
Shire Hall looks like a wonderfully interactive day out for all the family. Love the photos of the kids in the courtroom.
Bella and Dawn at Dear Mummy Blog
It makes history come alive visiting places like this and I bet it was great for the kids too! I love the piccys and I bet they had loads to tell their friends afterwards!
Natasha Mairs
I would love to visit here one day with the kids. And £20 for a family ticket isn’t a bad price at all.
Rebecca Smith
We love an interactive museum so this sounds right up our street – a real fun day out for the whole family.
Mellissa Williams
This looks like a fantastic museum. I love places like this that really make it a fun and interactive experience for their guests.
Anosa
This looks great! Absolutely love visiting museums and my son is interested in history too. I have never been to Dorset but hear it is lovely
Laura Schwormstedt
This looks like such a fun day out – my boys would love it here, they love anything interactive like this and with the chance to dress up as well
Laura x