Dorchester

Travel Guide

Dorchester which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people
The Tutankhamun Exhibition showing heritage architecture
Maiden Castle featuring tranquil scenes
Dorchester which includes heritage architecture and street scenes
Maiden Castle which includes tranquil scenes

With greater historical legacies than many far bigger cities, Dorset's county town is rich in sights and activities for the curious traveller.

Explore prehistoric ruins, ancient amphitheaters and literary locations in cultural Dorchester. Founded by the Romans in a land previously inhabited by Stone Age farmers, this town still displays the heritage of these two distinct groups. Walk through the town and surrounding area to see the lasting impact of Dorchester's colorful history.

Orient yourself by finding the centrally located obelisk, which was once the town pump. Learn about the region's past at the Dorset County Museum, which houses local archaeological findings, Tudor paintings and manuscripts from local writer Thomas Hardy. Many of the exhibits relate to Dorchester's most famous sights.

Travel farther back in time at the Tutankhamun ExhibitionOpens in a new window, featuring recreations of Egypt's most famous mummy. Discover different facets of history at the Keep Military Museum, the Dinosaur Museum and the Terracotta Warriors Museum.

Continue your journey into history outdoors, stopping at the Maumbury RingsOpens in a new window. This ancient circle, a short walk from the town center, is made of three different layers dating from the Neolithic, Roman and English Civil War eras. Find out how Romans lived at the remains of a Roman Town House and relax in the green Borough Gardens which hosts many of the town's cultural events.

Outside the city limits, discover even more area stories. Marvel at the mysterious Cerne Abbas GiantOpens in a new window, Britain's largest chalk drawing. Historians disagree on the origins and purpose of the famous naked figure. View the drawing from afar for the whole picture or stroll around it to see pleasant scenery and local wildlife.

South of town lies Maiden CastleOpens in a new window, a hill fort about 5,000 years old. Examine the Roman temple and Neolithic defenses and admire spectacular views over the town. The ancient settlement is free to visit and open year-round.

Dorchester has two railway stations, both 5-minute walks from the town center. Trains from London regularly head to Dorchester South. Arrange to visit in spring or summer to thoroughly appreciate the outdoor attractions that make the town such a fascinating destination.

The Frampton Arms
The Frampton Arms
3.5 out of 5
Station Road, Dorchester, England
The price is €106 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
€106
includes taxes & fees
17 Mar - 18 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Dorchester. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (462 reviews)
"Staff very friendly and helpful. Room was bigger than expexted. Clean and cozy with AC to heat room if required.Good fun playing darts etc. Only downfall is would have liked some bacon and eggs for breakfast but the continental breakfast offered was ok."

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2025

The Frampton Arms
The Duchess of Cornwall Inn
The Duchess of Cornwall Inn
3.5 out of 5
12 Queen Mother Square,, Poundbury, Dorchester, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €103 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
€103
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star inn in Dorchester. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions The Keep Military Museum and Roman Town ...
9/10 Wonderful! (76 reviews)
Cosy winter pub.
"Stayed here a few times now. Always friendly, welcoming. Rooms clean, good shower. Food excellent. Would recommend Duchess of Cornwall Inn."

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

The Duchess of Cornwall Inn
Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester
Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester
3 out of 5
32 High West Street, 32, Dorchester, England
The price is €74 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
€74
includes taxes & fees
20 Mar - 21 Mar
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Dorchester. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (484 reviews)
A conveniently located clean hotel.
"The hotel was clean tidy, and only the occasional noise from other guests moving around the hotel. We had a room at the back, away from the busy main road, so it was very quiet. Situated in the centre of Dorchester, about a 10 minute walk from the train station. A good choice of places to eat ..."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sandbanks Holiday Home Poole  5 minutes walk to the  Beach
Sleeps 8/9
Sandbanks Holiday Home Poole 5 minutes walk to the Beach Sleeps 8/9
Sandbanks
Stay at this vacation home in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
Lovely stay
"Really lovely spot. Bedrooms are ideal for a family with little kids living the bunk beds!House was always lovely warm, and it was in a great location."

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2025

Sandbanks Holiday Home Poole 5 minutes walk to the Beach Sleeps 8/9
The Dorset Resort
The Dorset Resort
4 out of 5
Bere Regis, Wareham, England
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Wareham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Popular attractions Purbeck Shooting School and Monkey World ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
"The property was clean. Just the beds were single Beds in all couple rooms. Would be great if they had double beds instead."

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2024

The Dorset Resort
Chelsea Hotel
Chelsea Hotel
3 out of 5
32 St. Swithun's Road, Bournemouth, England
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Bournemouth Beach and Poole Harbour ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (77 reviews)
"Good and clean room. Have microwave in room and amenities which is a plus."

Reviewed on 5 Dec 2024

Chelsea Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Dorchester

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
33
5 - Excellent 41%
4 - Good
42
4 - Good 53%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

No phone network, only wifi though

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Small town,only stopped there for coffee,so unable to comment really.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We enjoyed the town good shopping

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Excellent market and restaurants

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful beaches and countryside and of course monkey world my favourite place

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Dorchester market on a Wednesday is well worth a visit.