Discover Dorchester
Welcome to Dorchester, the county town of Dorset and a great place to visit for a staycation weekend or for a day out with the family.
Whether it’s the two hill forts of Maiden Castle and Poundbury; the Roman Town House; our award winning museums, the fantastic Georgian Architecture in the picturesque town centre; Max Gate, the house designed and lived in by Thomas Hardy; HRH King Charles III’s urban extension at Poundbury with its open spaces and interesting shops and eateries; or the modern redevelopment of Brewery Square, the former brewery with its dancing fountains – there is lots for everyone to enjoy.
Dorchester, also known as Thomas Hardy’s Casterbridge or the Roman town of Durnovaria, has some fantastic local restaurants and cafes that celebrate local growers and producers and a great mix of local independent shops and valued national retailers.
Evenings in Dorchester as bustling with live music and events in pubs and bars, performances at our local arts centre and regular screenings at our two local cinemas (Odeon and Plaza).
Dorchester is the perfect base for your Dorset holiday. It’s central location within the County means that you have brilliant access to the whole of the Jurassic Coast in the South, Thomas Hardy’s Wessex and the amazing hillforts and henges in North Dorset and Wiltshire (Stonehenge is only an hour away).
The town boasts two train stations with direct train links to London and Bristol. Dorchester also has a network of electric beryl bikes for hire and is well connected with local bus routes. This makes Dorchester the perfect location for a car free weekend away!
Places to visit in Dorchester
Upcoming events
People Watching
Explore over a hundred years of British portraiture with The Ingram Collection and Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.
Wed 29th Apr - All day
and 11 future schedules
VIEW
Tor Eigeland: 60 Years Behind the Lens
This exhibition brings together a small collection of Tor's most notable images, capturing some of the pivotal moments and globally significant events of the 20th century through his keen eye and unerring ability to be in the right place at the right time.
Wed 29th Apr - 10am to 4pm
and 22 future schedules
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Art at the Duchess with Jayne Muth and Kevin Smith
This series of paintings focus on my love of tempestuous skies.
Wed 29th Apr - All day
and 11 future schedules
VIEW
Art at PiPs Café
April, May and June brings new Art to PiPs Café
Wed 29th Apr - All day
and 62 future schedules
VIEW
Art at Crossroads Café
Local art by local artists at Crossroads Café.
Wed 29th Apr - All day
and 32 future schedules
VIEW
The Tiny Art House
A recreation of a Dorset artist Clem's home and studio, made by Art in Poundbury.
Wed 29th Apr - All day
and 85 future schedules
VIEW
90th Anniversary Exhibition: Dorchester Camera Club
Proudly celebrating 90 years!
Wed 29th Apr - 10:00am
VIEW
From the Stacks – Free lunchtime talk
Free lunchtime talk on selected archival treasures at Dorset History Centre.
Wed 29th Apr - 12:30pm
and 7 future schedules
VIEW
Talk – Maude Dudley: Nanny to the Williams family of Bridehead
Dorchester Association For the Research into Local History and Archaeology Event
Thu 30th Apr - 7:30pm
VIEW
Where to stay in Dorchester
Dynamic Dorchester
Dorchester town centre is the ideal location for your business. Here, you will find a wealth of resources, including testimonial videos from thriving local businesses, footfall counter data demonstrating the steady stream of potential customers, and detailed insights into what makes Dorchester a vibrant, welcoming, and profitable environment for enterprises of all kinds.
