The “Discover Dorchester” route is the perfect way to take in great views, enjoy the inviting ambiance of the town, and visit a host of notable attractions along the way.

This 2 mile walk around Dorchester starts at the monument known as the Town Pump in South Street and takes in some of Dorchester’s points of interest including Brewery Square and Maumbury Rings.

Ratty’s Trail follows a lovely circular route along the River Frome where there are plenty of opportunities for the kids to spot animals along the way – including ducklings, swans and brown trout.

The Poppy Trail - Dorchester and the First World War

Teresa Ridout of Dorset Life takes us on a tour of the village which is now a leafy suburb of Dorchester

Trace the footsteps of 19th century Dorchester-born doctor Sir Frederick Treves, learning about his life and accomplishments as you go.

Join Dorchester’s award-winning Town Crier Alistair Chisolm as he takes you on a tour of Dorchester.

A walk around Thomas Hardy country near Dorchester

Starting in Martinstown this superb walk climbs up to the ridge for fantastic views and one of the UK’s most interesting Bronze Age cemeteries. - Barrow Circle – 5.5 miles

Start from Weymouth Railway Station yard, turn left passed the magnificent Somerset pub towards Victoria’s (50th) Jubilee Clock

Discover the stories behind some of Dorchester's fascinating buildings

This walk takes you through Hardy’s real and imagined landscapes, through Kingston Maurward college estate and Lower Bockhampton.

This walk links the Kingston Maurward Estate, on which Hardy was raised, with Max Gate, the home he built from his literary successes.

If you fancy doing a less strenuous walk and skirt around the edge of Maiden Castle, then this is the walk for you - Maiden Castle & Clandon Barrow – 3 miles

Frome Valley trail - Maiden Newton – Dorchester

The best way to explore Hardy’s Mellstock is to follow this gentle four mile walk which starts at Kingston Maurward, visits both Higher and Lower Bockhampton, and ends at Stinsford Church.

Slightly out of town – but well worth a visit, this walk starts in the village of Portesham.

This walk starts from Maiden Castle car park and enjoys some spectacular views south to the Ridgeway and north over Dorchester and far into the Dorset countryside.

Exploring Thomas Hardy's rural Dorset

The South Dorset Ridgeway walk

A walk around Thomas Hardy country near Dorchester.

Hardy’s Birthplace Visitor Centre / Roman Road / Black Heath / Rushy Pond / Hardy’s Cottage

Thorncombe Wood / Puddletown Forest / Duddle Heath / Black Heath

Circular walk of 26 mile around the Cerne Valley

Wide and sweeping coastal views are combined with quiet valleys on this splendid walk.

Bubb Down and the Melburys