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
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Upcoming events
The Tiny Art House
A recreation of a Dorset artist Clem's home and studio, made by Art in Poundbury.
Fri 3rd Jul - All day
and 20 future schedules
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Treasure! Lost and Found Exhibition
The Treasure! Lost and Found exhibition reveals the stories of objects once treasured, buried for centuries, then rediscovered – celebrating our fascination with uncovering the past.
Fri 3rd Jul - All day
and 72 future schedules
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The Buzzing Dumbledore Trail
Follow the buzz around our galleries and spot the hidden bees – known as 'Dumbledore' in Dorset dialect.
Fri 3rd Jul - All day
and 16 future schedules
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Art at Crossroads Crown Square Poundbury
A visit to Crossroads Café is now even more rewarding.
Fri 3rd Jul - All day
and 10 future schedules
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Wear Your Wings With Pride
Beautiful Pride exhibition of hand-crafted wings!
Fri 3rd Jul - All day
and 54 future schedules
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Health Walk
Free Weekly Health Walks at Thorncombe Wood!
Fri 3rd Jul - 10:00am
and 19 future schedules
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Friday Sessions: DJ & Cocktails
Friday Sessions at The King's Arms
Fri 3rd Jul - 6:00pm
and 25 future schedules
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The Return of the Native
Thomas Hardy’s The Return of the Native is a profound exploration of human desires and the indomitable forces that shape destiny.
Fri 3rd Jul - 7:30pm
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Quiet Opening
Explore the Museum and take part in drop-in activities during our Quiet Openings. Especially suitable for visitors with autism or other sensory conditions, and their siblings, parents and carers. The sessions are also suitable for any group or individual who would like to visit our museums and galleries at a quieter time.
Sat 4th Jul - 10:00am
and 4 future schedules
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Roman Dorchester Tour
Join our trained guides to step back in time and immerse yourself in the historic Roman town of Durnovaria.
Sat 4th Jul - 10:30am
and 6 future schedules
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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.
