- : BCP Tourism
Explore Dorchester
Dorset’s County Town
Right in the heart of Dorset, Dorchester offers a gentle yet deeply rooted sense of history. Roman remains lie beneath your feet, and the legacy of Thomas Hardy lingers in the surrounding countryside.
This is a place where museums occupy timeworn buildings, where walking paths connect you to ancient landscapes, and where the slower pace encourages you to settle in.
Walking Through Centuries
Dorchester’s past is not just remembered—it’s part of everyday life. In the centre of town, the Roman Town House gives a rare look into domestic Roman history, carefully preserved for visitors.
Just beyond the rooftops, Maiden Castle rises from the chalky hills, standing as one of Europe’s most impressive Iron Age hillforts. It’s a beautiful spot for a walk, especially on a clear day.
For more insights into the past, the Dorset Museum houses archaeological finds, local art and a superb Hardy collection.
Just down the road, the Keep Military Museum charts 300 years of Dorset’s regimental history in an imposing Victorian barracks. And for a quieter connection to one of England’s great writers, visit Max Gate, the house Hardy designed himself, or his thatched childhood cottage, nestled in woodland nearby.
Culture Outdoors
For those who like their culture with a breath of fresh air, Sculpture by the Lakes offers an unexpected fusion of art and nature just outside town. Wander through tranquil gardens dotted with large-scale sculptures, pause beside water features and feel the world slow down.
Back in town, Brewery Square provides a contrast — stylish and lively, it’s a redeveloped brewery complex that now pulses with modern life. Fountains, contemporary art, independent shops and an upmarket cinema make it a great place to unwind after a day of exploring.
A short drive away lies a more mysterious monument — the atmospheric Nine Stones, a Bronze Age stone circle that hints at older stories waiting just beyond the town limits.
Places to Eat and Drink
Dorchester’s food scene brings together pub comfort and modern flair. Around Brewery Square, you’ll find a cluster of restaurants and bars dishing up everything from woodfired pizza and craft cocktails to elevated pub classics.
For a meal that feels truly special, head just outside town to Yalbury Cottage in the hamlet of Lower Bockhampton. This award-winning restaurant is known for its seasonal dishes, warm hospitality, and refined countryside setting. For a slower start to the day, cafés like Walnut Grove offer generous breakfasts and homemade cakes that make it easy to linger.
The town also hosts a regular farmers’ market, ideal for picking up local cheeses, baked goods and seasonal produce straight from Dorset’s fields and pastures.
Rest Well in Dorchester
Whether you want to stay in the centre of things or wake up to birdsong on the edge of town, Dorchester’s accommodation options strike a good balance. In town, The King’s Arms Hotel and The Duchess of Cornwall Inn both deliver character and comfort within easy reach of restaurants, shops and transport.
For something a little more tucked away, countryside stays offer a deeper quiet. The Zoulands Aller Shepherd’s Huts combine rustic charm with modern comforts and are perfect for slow mornings and stargazing nights.
Gather and Celebrate
Dorchester has a knack for bringing people together. The Dorset County Show, held each September, celebrates the best of rural life with livestock displays, craft stalls and local food.
Literary admirers won’t want to miss the Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair, where the streets fill with costumed characters, live performances and nods to the novelist’s world. During summer, the town hosts beer festivals, open-air cinema screenings, and the occasional street performance — always low-key, always local.
Planning a visit? Start with our guide to things to do in Dorchester and see where it leads.