Visit Dorchester Dorset's county town

Dorchester is not only Dorset’s county town but also the birthplace of famous author and poet Thomas Hardy.

The town enjoys a rich history dating back as far as the Iron Age and is home to the Roman Town House, the finest example of its kind in Britain.

Attractions aplenty in Dorchesteror

Dorchester provides the location for many of the county’s leading, family friendly museums, including the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery and the Keep Military Museum. You can even delve into the past of ancient Egypt at the Tutankhamun Exhibition.

Dorset Museum has recently undergone a £16.4 million redevelopment and the magnificent museum is now established as the major cultural destination within Dorset - a place for people to connect with 250 million years of Dorset's history.

Learn more of Dorchester’s grizzly history and the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs with a visit to the newly refurbished Shire Hall Museum. Learn more of the birth of trade unions and the harsh judgements passed down by the notorious Judge Jeffrey during the Bloody Assizes.

For little ones, there are some fabulous attractions including the Dinosaur Museum and Teddy Bear Museum.

Just 15 minutes drive from Dorchester you will find the opulent Athelhampton House. This Grade I listed 15th Century manor house boasts an award-winning garden that is certainly worth exploring. The café next to the main house is perfect for a light lunch or tea and cake. 

Arts & Entertainment

Dorchester offers a rich blend of arts and entertainment for all tastes. Movie enthusiasts can enjoy the latest blockbusters at the Plaza Cinema or Odeon and Dorchester Arts, based in the historic Corn Exchange, serves as the town's cultural hub, hosting live performances, exhibitions, and community workshops that celebrate creativity in all forms.

For those seeking relaxation, Monart Spa provides a luxurious escape with world-class treatments and serene surroundings and for adventure seekers, the Great Big Escape room challenges participants to solve puzzles and riddles, providing an exhilarating group activity.

Nature on your doorstep

In the countryside surrounding Dorchester you can find plenty of opportunities to get closer to nature. Admire the stunning sculptures as you wander round Sculpture By the Lakes or try your hand at archery, axe throwing or crossbow shooting.

Explore mile upon mile of cycling trails and walking routes that surround the town and take in the stunning wildlife and nature. You’ll enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery while being just moments from the town centre on routes including Hardy's Cottage and the Dorset Jubilee Trail.

Dorchester's connection with Thomas Hardy

Lovers of the acclaimed poet and writer Thomas Hardy will be aware of the significance of Dorchester.

Dorchester is of course the ‘Casterbridge’ featured in many of his novels and references of the great man can be found in and around the town.

Thomas Hardy lived for many years in Dorchester and his birthplace can be found on the outskirts of town in the village of Higher Bockhampton. Hardy’s Cottage is now managed by the National Trust alongside his Victorian townhouse Max Gate, where he lived later in life. 

You can learn more about Hardy’s time in Dorchester by following our Hardy Trail or reading our Hardy's Wessex blog.

Shopping and markets in Dorchester

When it's time for some retail therapy, there are many well-known high street brands alongside small, independent shops. They sell everything from Dorset's local produce to clothing, jewellery, antiques, art and unusual gifts.

There is a central pedestrianised area with three arcades - Hardye, Tudor and Antelope Walk. There also shops along High Street, Durngate Street and Trinity Street. And you won't want to miss the mix of independent and big name brands at Brewery Square next to Dorchester South Train Station.

On the outskirts of Dorchester you'll find Poundbury, which has an eclectic mix of independent retailers, coffee shops, salons and The Great Field park. 

Dorchester Artisan Market brings a fabulous collection of over 200 artisan traders to the streets of Dorchester on the fourth Sunday of each month from April through to November. All the traders are local and produce their own products or have unique collections for sale. There are food and drinks producers, crafts people, vintage clothing and vintage items for sale, plants, gardenalia and everything in between.

Dorchester weekly market takes place every Wednesday and features a traditional outdoor and covered market with a large variety of stalls.

Dine in style

Dorset's county town has a huge variety of places to eat out. You might also want to grab a picnic for your day trip or order a tasty takeaway for delivery to your holiday accommodation.

Visitors to Dorchester are truly spoilt with places to visit for a spot of cake; from local coffee roasters and high street favourites to cat cafes and beautiful museum spaces in the Shire Hall Museum and Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.

Brewery Square provides a wonderfully vibrant location with an abundance of places to eat and drink. A number of the leading chain restaurants and independent eateries are available giving you plenty to get your taste buds going. The alfresco setting brings a Covent Garden feel and provides the perfect location to enjoy a meal with friends while watching the world go by.

Brewery Square's location played a significant role in the town’s history being home to the Eldridge Pope Brewery creating local ale from 1880 to the late 1990s. Alongside the wonderful food, there is also a multiscreen cinema and a parade of shops providing the opportunity to purchase the latest fashions and accessories. The fountains in the middle of the Square offer great enjoyment for children, splashing through the jets of water on warmer days.

King Charles’ Poundbury

The mid 90s brainchild of King Charles III has become a stylish, eco-friendly town quite unlike anywhere else in Dorset. Built on the principle of giving priority to people rather than cars, it provides an alternative community feel.

Wander the winding streets of Poundbury and take in the wonderful mix of architecture, independent shops, cafés and local businesses and play parks that hark back to times gone by.

Dorchester's events and festivals

Dorchester plays host to a fantastic year-round events calendar.

The towns Borough Gardens and Maumbury Rings provide wonderful locations for summer and spring time festivals and events. With live music, performances and open air theatre regularly hosted, they provide a delightful setting for revellers to enjoy.

Find further details of events happening in and around Dorchester for the upcoming months within our Dorchester events page.

Make a break of it

With so much to see and do in Dorchester, why not book a short break or holiday? Accommodation is available to suit all tastes and budgets. From hotels, bed & breakfasts and self catering options to choose from - you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay.

Why not book your stay online? We have a wonderful choice of places to stay that can be booked with a click or a tap. Don't forget to mention Visit Dorset when making your enquiry.

To help plan your stay, take a look at our itinerary suggestions for a 3 day break in Dorchester.

Find out more about Dorchester

We’ve only just scratched the surface!

You can find out more about Dorchester on the Discover Dorchester website, where you can also download the free Discover Dorchester app. As well as events, attractions, shops and cafes the App also has up to date useful information on parking, electric vehicle charging, toilets and local offers and discounts. The App is available in Apple and android versions and can be downloaded at www.discoverdorchester.co.uk. 

You can also download our Dorchester Visitor Guide for further information (please contact us for an accessible version of this Guide).