Dorchester Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Laguna Hotel
Laguna Hotel
3 out of 5
6 Suffolk Road South, Bournemouth, England
The price is £60 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£60
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,011 reviews)
Great location, familiar and good staff!
"Great facilities. Big pool. Clean. Kind. A lot parking! Great location 👌"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Laguna Hotel
The Trouville Bournemouth
The Trouville Bournemouth
3 out of 5
5-7 Priory Road, Dorset, Bournemouth, England
The price is £60 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£60
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
6.6/10 (277 reviews)
"Close to many shops and easily walkable to the beach"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

The Trouville Bournemouth
Carrington House Hotel
Carrington House Hotel
3 out of 5
Knyveton Road, Bournemouth, England
The price is £52 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£52
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
6.4/10 (1,000 reviews)
"The hotel was clean but room could do of a bit of refurbishment. The bathroom had no safety rails to get in and out of the shower. Has this hotel caters for a lot of coaches which in most cases are pensioners like me this is an accident waiting to happen. The staff were friendly and welcoming on ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Carrington House 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.
Dorchester Nook
Dorchester Nook
Dorchester, England
Stay at this apartment in Dorchester. Enjoy free Wi-Fi. Popular attractions Borough Gardens and Tutankhamun: The Exhibition are located nearby.
Room near Dorchester centre
"Good sized en suite room in private flat. Powerful shower, good wifi. Convenient for Dorchester centre, no parking but public (paid) car park just across the road. There is a cat. Comfortable bed and very quiet location even though close to centre"

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2025

Dorchester Nook
Tadnoll Escape- Shepards Hut- Sleeps 2- Bbq- Lake
Tadnoll Escape- Shepards Hut- Sleeps 2- Bbq- Lake
2 out of 5
Dorchester, England
Stay at this cabin in Dorchester. Enjoy free parking, balconies and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Durdle Door and Durdle Door Beach are located ...
Tadnoll Escape- Shepards Hut- Sleeps 2- Bbq- Lake
Agua de Plata, 16 Wakeling Island, Silverlake
Agua de Plata, 16 Wakeling Island, Silverlake
3 out of 5
Wakeling Island Warmwell Road Silverlake, Dorchester, England
Stay at this 3-star golf cottage in Dorchester. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Durdle Door and Durdle Door Beach are ...
Agua de Plata, 16 Wakeling Island, Silverlake
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.

Cities near Dorchester