Dorchester

Historic Dorchester is the county town of Dorset. Originally sited on the spectacular hill fort of Maiden Castle, , the largest and most complex Iron Age hill fort to be visited in Britain, the town was developed in its current location by the Romans in AD43. The town rapidly grew to be Durnovaria, one of the most important towns in England. Those fascinated by Dorchester’s Roman origin should visit the recently refurbished and well interpreted Roman Town House excavated in the North West corner of the town - one of Dorchester’s many hidden gems and a must-see.

Dorchester is also world famous for its strong connection with the writer and poet Thomas Hardy. As well as being the setting for 'The Mayor of Casterbridge', Dorchester was where Hardy lived for most of his later life and is where he wrote some of his most famous novels including the 'Mayor of Casterbridge', 'Tess of the d’Urbervilles' and 'Jude the Obscure'. Hardy designed his Dorchester home, Max Gate, himself and visitors to the town can view the house three times a week in the summer months.

In addition to its Roman influence and intimate Thomas Hardy connection, Dorchester was the setting for some very dramatic events – Judge Jeffreys’ ‘Bloody Assize’ took place here in 1685 and the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried in the Old Crown Court in 1834. A rich and fascinating collection of exhibitions and artefacts from Dorchester’s past can be seen at the Dorset County Museum, a must visit for any historian, Hardy fan or geologist.

Today, Dorchester is a vibrant town especially on a Wednesday when the weekly market brings with it a lively atmosphere. There are many places to shop including a great collection of gift stores and independent retailers as well as some high street favourites. Other attractions in the town include the Dinosaur, Tutankhamen, Teddy Bear and Terracotta Warrior Museums, The Keep Military Museum and if all that sight seeing makes you hungry, Dorchester has a wide selection of delicious eateries incorporating a Michelin star listed restaurant, Sienna.

Dorchester has impressive plans for the future. The Brewery Square development promises to bring a new heart and soul to Dorchester with brand new luxury apartments, a multi screen cinema, shops, restaurants, arts centre and Britain’s first solar powered rail station.