What are the opening hours?

Monday 10am - 4:30pm Tuesday 10am - 4:30pm Wednesday 10am - 4:30pm Thursday 10am - 4:30pm Friday 10am - 4:30pm Saturday 10am - 4:30pm Sunday 10am - 4:30pm

Keep Military Museum

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Keep Military Museum

Thousands of original exhibits of military history relating to the regiments of Devonshire and Dorset Wheelchair access to all display floors by lift.

The artefacts, weapons, uniforms, medals and of course the stories of the soldiers and their families and much more are on display over three floors. Computer and digital presentation, realistic battle environments, together with exhibitions, tell the tales of courage humour and sacrifice of the soldiers and their families who have served in the regiments of Devon and Dorset for more than 300 year

s. We aim to make our history available via the web, which is a key part of our outreach programme. Our virtual galleries provide in depth coverage of topics, documents can be downloaded and we will be developing educational services in support of Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3 and GCSE. The Keep Museum' constituent Regiments are The Devonshire Regiment, The Dorset Regiment, The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, The Dorset Yeomanry, The Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry, The Dorset Militia, The Royal Devon Yeomanry and 94 Field Regiment RA. Spectacular views from the battlements of Hardy's Dorset are an added bonus. Disabled toilet facilities are available.

04/09/2026

As part of our wider exhibition Bridport at Arms: The Military Volunteers - our video on the often overlooked Battle of Bridport (1685) is available to watch NOW on our YouTube channel.

🔗 https://youtu.be/vuCFOvlTwwE

If you’d like to learn more about the local volunteer movement, the Bridport at Arms exhibition is on display now until the 10th of October at Bridport Museum.

Thank you to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to National Lottery players, whose support has made this exhibition and accompanying video possible!

03/09/2026

Photograph taken by Lance Corporal C R Stride, in South Africa, January 1900 to June 1901, whilst serving with the Volunteer Service Company of 2nd Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment. This photograph shows a Boer Picket on Spion Kop, January 1900.

DORMM:1962/1565/1

02/09/2026

Captioned "H Q Wing 1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment marching through Shanghai" - undated but from other known information, these date from about 1927.

DORMM:2007/568

01/09/2026

Whether you can give a little or a lot, your pledge is a meaningful investment in culture, education, and community. By supporting us, you're helping us protect the past - and build something extraordinary for the future.

🔗 https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-dorchester-keep-military-museum-trust-1200607

With your kind donations, we can create new and exciting exhibitions, honour our soldiers by keeping their stories alive, continue to home rare artefacts as well as new items, and keep our doors - and our minds - open for everyone.

From all of us here at The Keep Military Museum, thank you so much for your support and for keeping history alive!

31/08/2026

The Dunkerque 1940, commemorative medal issued by the French Government circa 1950 - this medal belonged to Sergeant Albert Smith, Dorsetshire Regiment.

DORMM:1996/204/1/5

29/08/2026

Love history? Keep an eye out for the return of Young Historians - a FREE club for 13-19 year olds, run by the Keep Military Museum.

For all enquiries, email [email protected]

28/08/2026

Two men using an improved raft to make their way down a flooded street. From the collection of, Private A F J Allen, 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment.

DORMM:1989/88/3/9

27/08/2026

Tickets to our upcoming talk ‘Fortress Malta: the island that would not surrender’ on the 13th of November are only £15!

🔗https://www.keepmilitarymuseum.org/product-category/events/

Hosted and presented by author and military historian Christopher Jary and battlefield guide and military historian Lt Col James Porter, it's sure to be a fantastic evening so be sure to get your tickets now to avoid disappointment!

Ticket price includes admission to the talk and a complimentary drink - Keep Friends and current museum volunteers enjoy a 10% discount.

26/08/2026

Did you know we take research enquiries?

Our Research Enquiry Service, primarily aimed at those undertaking family history research, is carried out by our experienced volunteers here at The Keep - and is perfect for finding your own family soldier!

To cover the cost of research time and resources, we ask for a donation of £30. We will do our best to support your family history research, but please keep in mind that in some circumstances, only background information can be provided.

Please submit all research requests using the enquiry form on our contact page:
https://www.keepmilitarymuseum.org/contact-us/

In order to purchase this service, head to:

https://www.keepmilitarymuseum.org/product/research-enquiry-service-family-history-research/

25/08/2026

From October, we will be offering a monthly group for home educated children for the first time!

The Little Keeps sessions will be on the first Wednesday of the month and are for children aged 8-12 years old. Our first session will focus on the theme of Remembrance.

Please email [email protected] more information and to sign up.

Address

Barrack Road
Dorchester
DT11RN

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	10am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	10am - 4:30pm
Thursday	10am - 4:30pm
Friday	10am - 4:30pm
Saturday	10am - 4:30pm
Sunday	10am - 4:30pm

Website

https://linktr.ee/keepmilitarymuseum

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