Eat & Drink

Dorchester has a brilliant range of independent and nationally established places to eat and drink at any time of day.
Many of them utilise and celebrate the wonderful food and drink produced in the local area.
Dorchester has an amazing brewing history and we are fortunate to have a few local micro breweries and distilleries in the town.

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See & Do

Dorchester's rich history means there are lots of things to do here. We have hillforts, henges, an amphitheatre, Roman walls, a Roman town house complete with mosaics and a six brilliant museums! Plus, we forgot to mention all of our play parks, river walks and town trails. It is impossible for anyone, of any age, to be bored in Dorchester.

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Inspiration

We have pulled together some suggested itineraries and more detailed information about how to make the most of your visit to Dorchester. Click on the link to be inspired.

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Shopping

Dorchester has a variety of different shopping areas. All of them have a great balance of national favourites and independent shops. Homewares, gifts, clothing, shoes, toys, essentials, refills and more can all be found in our vibrant county town.

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Discover Dorchester

Dorchester – Thomas Hardy’s Casterbridge, or the Roman town of Durnovaria – is awash with history and sights to explore.

Whether it’s the two (where else has two?) Iron Age hill forts of Maiden Castle and Poundbury, the Roman Town House close to the line of the old Roman Walls (the only example of a fully exposed Roman town house in the country); the fantastic Georgian Architecture in the picturesque town centre; 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 the former brewery with its dancing fountains – there is lots for everyone to enjoy.

Dinosaurs and Romans, literary giants, great scientists, military history, art and architecture, beautiful green spaces, interesting and independent shops and great places to eat – there really is something for everyone.

 

What's On?

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Dorset County Show

Celebrate Dorset Agriculture, Countryside, Rural Life and the Food, Drink, Crafts and Businesses within.

Sun 8th Sep - All day

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Exhibition: Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the world-famous exhibition from the Natural History Museum, is returning to Dorset Museum & Art Gallery!

Sun 8th Sep - All day
and 55 future schedules

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Sensing The Past Community Exhibition

"Sensing the Past" was a collaborative and co-produced project involving The Dorset Blind Association, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, and Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.

Sun 8th Sep - All day
and 18 future schedules

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Summer Guided Tours at Shire Hall Museum

Uncover the history of Dorchester's historic courtroom in Guided Tours of Shire Hall Museum this summer.

Wed 11th Sep - 11:00am
and 2 future schedules

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At the Chapel

“At the Chapel” Pop Up Bakery

Pop along every Thursday for scrumptious baked goodies including their signature traditional breads, croissants, savouries, quiches, doughnuts, cruffins, and fabulous cakes.

Thu 12th Sep - 9:00am
and 14 future schedules

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Emily Chappell: Epic Tales of Cycling Adventure

The inspirational adventurer and endurance cyclist Emily Chappell shares stories from her epic travels and remarkable life story.

Thu 12th Sep - 7:30pm

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Sculpture by the Lakes – Sanctuary Retreat Day 1

Sanctuary Retreat Days – Immersive Wellbeing Days At Sculpture By The Lakes

Indulge in an immersive well-being day.

Fri 13th Sep - 9:30am
and 2 future schedules

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Friday Night Sessions & 2 for £15 cocktails

Friday Night Sessions & 2 for £15 cocktails

Fri 13th Sep - 6:30pm
and 6 future schedules

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Peacock: Kiri Pritchard-McLean

Prepare for a joyous and uplifting show from a comedian known for making ‘powerhouse stand-up from the thorniest of subjects’.

Fri 13th Sep - 7:30pm

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Weldmar Hospicecare Summer Fete

Join Weldmar and Martin Clunes for a summer spectacular!

Sat 14th Sep - 11:00am

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Planning a trip to Dorchester?

Visiting Dorchester?

Dorchester is a compact Market town, nowhere is more than a 20 minute or so walk from the town centre. It’s easy to get in a sustainable way too. There are direct train services from Bristol, Bath, London, Southampton, Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth. We are part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, well connected by bus and we have lots of electric car charging facilities dotted about the town as well.

YOUR VISIT
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Train

Dorchester has two train stations meaning we are well connected for visitors from across the country. London to Dorchester takes less than three hours and Bournemouth to Dorchester takes less than an hour!

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Bike

There are lots of cycle parking points to lock your bike up around the town and it is well connected to the Sustrans National Cycle network.

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Bus

We have a regular bus service to local major towns including Bridport, Weymouth and Blandford.

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Car

There are lots of car parks dotted around and lots of e-car charging points too.

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Download the Discover Dorchester App

Your guide to everything you need during your visit to discover Dorchester.

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