There are several emergency defibrillators located around the town centre. =============================== You will find them in the following locations:- =============================== Goulds Household store – South Street The Post Office – Trinity Street Royal Oak (Wetherspoons) – High East Street The Corn Exchange – North Square entrance lobby Outside the Masonic lodge – Princes Street Brewery […]
The majority of on-street parking and car parks in Dorchester are chargeable during the day 08.00 – 18.00. However, you will find free parking after 18.00 in the main car parks around the town centre. Just Park phone app and car parking machines are available at most locations. See the Explore >> Visitor section for […]
Hardy’s Cottage is a beautiful secluded place to visit if you are following the Thomas Hardy Trail through Dorset. The cottage, just outside Higher Bockhapmton, and an easy walk from Dorchester. It is approximately 3.5 miles from Dorchester to Thomas Hardy’s cottage following the footpath to Stinsford and then on to Higher Bockhampton. This route can […]
There is always lots to explore in Dorchester – whether that is enjoying a spot of shopping, a hotel stay, restaurant, museum visit or afternoon tea. The Discover Dorchester app is the most up to date resource – build your own itinerary of things to do, places to see, and local Dorchester events.
================== For Families ================== Visit one of the World Heritage attractions – Dinosaur, Tutankhamun, Mummies, Teddy Bears or Terra Cotta Warriors’ exhibitions, Have lunch at one of the many places to eat in Brewery Square, and then relax and explore the borough gardens with its outdoor gym and well equipped children’s play area. Explore Maiden […]
===== Day 1 ===== Spend a day with Thomas Hardy. Visit his Birthplace at Higher Bockhampton in the morning. For the energetic its easily walkable from the town centre. In the afternoon, take a tour of Max Gate – the home that Hardy designed and lived in until his death (both NT – booking required) […]
Take a trip through time over three days in Dorchester. ===== Day 1 ===== Start with a trip to Maiden Castle, the iron age hill fort on the edge of the town, followed by a visit to Maumbury Rings – the Neolithic henge close to the town centre. Take a stroll to the entrance to […]
How to spend a morning or afternoon on Dorchester There is so much to enjoy for visitors in Dorchester with just a couple of hours to spare. For Families Visit the Borough gardens, laid out at the end of the 19th Century, encourage the little ones to make use of the play area and enjoy […]
======================= Dial 999 in an emergency ======================= If there is an emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, ambulance or the coastguard. ======================= Non urgent enquiries and advice ======================= For less urgent matters and advice please contact… Dorset Police – (24hr non emergencies) – dial 101 NHS – dial 111 Crimestoppers (24hr) – dial 0800 555 […]
You will find the majority of shops open Monday to Saturday 09.00 – 17.00. Some shops open on a Sunday with shorter hours – 10.00 – 16.00. The Dorchester market is held on a Wednesday throughout the year from 06.30 – 14.00. You will find the market opposite Brewery Square and just a short walk […]
The Dorchester market is held on a Wednesday throughout the year from 06.30 – 14.00. Dorchester Market sees over 200 traders attend regularly selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, quality meats, clothes, plants and hot food. The market can be found opposite the new Brewery Square development and only a short walk from […]
Below is a list of electric car charging points in or closest to Dorchester. It shows charge point address, number, type and to which network each charging point belongs. =================== DRC Fairfield Car Park =================== DT1 1QW is part of the Mer EV charging network. There are 4 EV charge points (connectors) at this charging […]
Barclays Bank plc Cashpoint (ATM) location: 10 South Street, Dorchester, DT1 1BT Co-operative Bank plc Cashpoint (ATM) location: Trinity Square Wadham, Dorchester, DT1 1TT Halifax plc Cashpoint (ATM) location: 6 South Street, Dorchester, DT1 1AZ HSBC Bank plc Cashpoint (ATM) location: 15 Cornhill, Dorchester, DT1 1BJ Lloyds TSB Bank Plc Cashpoint (ATM) location: 1-2 High […]
There are several public toilets in Dorchester located here:- ================ Trinity Street ================ 4 toilets with disable access and baby change facilities. Situated towards the bottom end of Trinity Street opposite Shoetrees ================ Top o’ Town Car Park ================ Toilets are situated in the Top o’ Town car park. ================ Waitrose ================ The public toilets […]
There are several bike stands situated throughout the town. You will find them:- Cornhill South Street – bottom of South Street outside Cafe No. 1
You will find tourist information points in a number of businesses throughout the town:- Ali’s Attic Basilico Box of Porcelain Concierge BS County Butchers Hendovers Jordans Jewellers Posh Partridge Shoetrees Taste The Horse with the Red Umbrella The Jewel House The Keep (A3) The Olde Tea House The Post Office The Potter In Cafe Westwood […]
The town pump at Cornhill is a good place to start your visit to Dorchester. If you are coming to Dorchester via train (London to Weymouth line) you will arrive at Dorchester South Train Station so Brewery Square is a good starting point. You will find plenty of shops and eateries and then it is […]
==================
For Families
==================
Visit one of the World Heritage attractions – Dinosaur, Tutankhamun, Mummies, Teddy Bears or Terra Cotta Warriors’ exhibitions, Have lunch at one of the many places to eat in Brewery Square, and then relax and explore the borough gardens with its outdoor gym and well equipped children’s play area.
Explore Maiden Castle and listen to the Echoscope sound piece as you explore the vast iron age hillfort. Take lunch in one of the many eateries spread throughout Poundbury. Finish the day with a visit to Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens.
==================
For Adults and Couples
==================
Follow one of the many town trails in the morning, enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes in the town centre or in Brewery Square, and then find out about the towns past at one of the three heritage museums – the Dorset Museum, the Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, or the Keep Military Museum.
Explore Poundbury on the western edge of Dorchester, with its range of architectural styles, intimate spaces, diverse independent shops and eateries, and fantastic views over Maiden Castle and surrounding countryside.
Explore the Iron Age Hillfort of Maiden Castle in the morning, with its fantastic views over Dorchester, enjoy lunch in one of the many places to eat spread throughout Poundbury, and then look for artefacts found during archaeological excavations of Maiden Castle at the newly refurbished and enlarged Dorset Museum.
=====
Day 1
=====
Spend a day with Thomas Hardy. Visit his Birthplace at Higher Bockhampton in the morning. For the energetic its easily walkable from the town centre. In the afternoon, take a tour of Max Gate – the home that Hardy designed and lived in until his death (both NT – booking required) or visit the Hardy displays and study in the Dorset Museum.
=====
Day 2
=====
Explore Poundbury on the western edge of Dorchester, with its range of architectural styles, intimate spaces, diverse independent shops and eateries, and fantastic views over Maiden Castle and surrounding countryside.
Enjoy your evenings at one of the many restaurants in the Town Centre, Brewery Square or Poundbury or take in a performance at Dorchester Arts or one of the two cinemas in the town.
Take a trip through time over three days in Dorchester.
=====
Day 1
=====
Start with a trip to Maiden Castle, the iron age hill fort on the edge of the town, followed by a visit to Maumbury Rings – the Neolithic henge close to the town centre. Take a stroll to the entrance to the Borough Gardens at the south western end of Princes street and look for the remains of the Roman Wall. Follow the route of the roman walls along the tree lined walks, and stop off at the Roman Town House as you pass along Colliton Walk.
=====
Day 2
=====
Explore Dorchester town centre, laid out in almost the same pattern as it was in the Romans times, admire the architecture of more recent centuries, and explore the wonderful independent shops throughout the town. Take time for a visit to one of the museums to find out more about the town’s past.
=====
Day 3
=====
Enjoy more recent development in Dorchester with a visit to the modern Brewery Square development on the site of the former Eldridge Pope Brewery. Brewery Square boasts a wide range of independent shops and eateries, along with a large public square (occasionally used for performance) and a large outdoor cinema style screen.
Finish your visit to Dorchester with a visit to HRH Prince of Wales development at Poundbury, with its range of architectural styles, intimate spaces, diverse independent shops and eateries, and fantastic views over Maiden Castle and surrounding countryside.
Enjoy your evenings at one of the many restaurants in the Town Centre, Brewery Square or Poundbury or take in a performance at Dorchester Arts or one of the two cinemas in the town.
How to spend a morning or afternoon on Dorchester
There is so much to enjoy for visitors in Dorchester with just a couple of hours to spare.
For Families
Visit the Borough gardens, laid out at the end of the 19th Century, encourage the little ones to make use of the play area and enjoy refreshments in the Kiosk cafe.
Follow one of the many circular town walks (See the Town walks entries in the See and Do section) or follow one of the walks displayed on the information board by the town pump in Cornhill.
Visit one of the World Attractions Exhibitions – Dinosaur, Tutankhamun, Mummies, Teddy Bears or Terra Cotta warriors exhibitions.
For Adults and couples
If you are a fan of Thomas Hardy, why not visit his home at Max Gate, or his Birthplace at Higher Bockhampton – both National Trust – booking required.
Explore the new galleries in the recently refurbished Dorset Museum.
Find out about the trials in the Historic Courthouse Museum and the part it played in the birth of trades unionism.
Follow one of the many circular town walks (See the Town walks entries in the See and Do section) or follow one of the walks displayed n on the information board by the town pump in Cornhill.
You will find the majority of shops open Monday to Saturday 09.00 – 17.00.
Some shops open on a Sunday with shorter hours – 10.00 – 16.00.
The Dorchester market is held on a Wednesday throughout the year from 06.30 – 14.00. You will find the market opposite Brewery Square and just a short walk from the town centre. On Sunday, the market is transformed into a car boot and table top sale.
Please see individual shop opening hours within the Explore section of the app.
The Dorchester market is held on a Wednesday throughout the year from 06.30 – 14.00.
Dorchester Market sees over 200 traders attend regularly selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, quality meats, clothes, plants and hot food.
The market can be found opposite the new Brewery Square development and only a short walk from the town centre allowing you to enjoy all of Dorchester’s shopping opportunities.
The market is well supported by public transport. A bus stop can be found at the market entrance with many of the local routes bringing shoppers directly to the market at regular intervals throughout market day.
Sundays see the market transformed into one of the area’s largest car boot and table top sales. A favourite with locals and visitors alike it provides a great opportunity to grab some bargains. Visitors to the boot sale are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
The majority of on-street parking and car parks in Dorchester are chargeable during the day 08.00 – 18.00.
However, you will find free parking after 18.00 in the main car parks around the town centre.
Just Park phone app and car parking machines are available at most locations.
See the Explore >> Visitor section for a full list of car parks.
Hardy’s Cottage is a beautiful secluded place to visit if you are following the Thomas Hardy Trail through Dorset. The cottage, just outside Higher Bockhapmton, and an easy walk from Dorchester.
It is approximately 3.5 miles from Dorchester to Thomas Hardy’s cottage following the footpath to Stinsford and then on to Higher Bockhampton. This route can get a little muddy.
See the Town Walks section for a map and route.
There is always lots to explore in Dorchester – whether that is enjoying a spot of shopping, a hotel stay, restaurant, museum visit or afternoon tea.
The Discover Dorchester app is the most up to date resource – build your own itinerary of things to do, places to see, and local Dorchester events.
==================
For Families
==================
Visit one of the World Heritage attractions – Dinosaur, Tutankhamun, Mummies, Teddy Bears or Terra Cotta Warriors’ exhibitions, Have lunch at one of the many places to eat in Brewery Square, and then relax and explore the borough gardens with its outdoor gym and well equipped children’s play area.
Explore Maiden Castle and listen to the Echoscope sound piece as you explore the vast iron age hillfort. Take lunch in one of the many eateries spread throughout Poundbury. Finish the day with a visit to Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens.
==================
For Adults and Couples
==================
Follow one of the many town trails in the morning, enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes in the town centre or in Brewery Square, and then find out about the towns past at one of the three heritage museums – the Dorset Museum, the Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, or the Keep Military Museum.
Explore Poundbury on the western edge of Dorchester, with its range of architectural styles, intimate spaces, diverse independent shops and eateries, and fantastic views over Maiden Castle and surrounding countryside.
Explore the Iron Age Hillfort of Maiden Castle in the morning, with its fantastic views over Dorchester, enjoy lunch in one of the many places to eat spread throughout Poundbury, and then look for artefacts found during archaeological excavations of Maiden Castle at the newly refurbished and enlarged Dorset Museum.
=====
Day 1
=====
Spend a day with Thomas Hardy. Visit his Birthplace at Higher Bockhampton in the morning. For the energetic its easily walkable from the town centre. In the afternoon, take a tour of Max Gate – the home that Hardy designed and lived in until his death (both NT – booking required) or visit the Hardy displays and study in the Dorset Museum.
=====
Day 2
=====
Explore Poundbury on the western edge of Dorchester, with its range of architectural styles, intimate spaces, diverse independent shops and eateries, and fantastic views over Maiden Castle and surrounding countryside.
Enjoy your evenings at one of the many restaurants in the Town Centre, Brewery Square or Poundbury or take in a performance at Dorchester Arts or one of the two cinemas in the town.
Take a trip through time over three days in Dorchester.
=====
Day 1
=====
Start with a trip to Maiden Castle, the iron age hill fort on the edge of the town, followed by a visit to Maumbury Rings – the Neolithic henge close to the town centre. Take a stroll to the entrance to the Borough Gardens at the south western end of Princes street and look for the remains of the Roman Wall. Follow the route of the roman walls along the tree lined walks, and stop off at the Roman Town House as you pass along Colliton Walk.
=====
Day 2
=====
Explore Dorchester town centre, laid out in almost the same pattern as it was in the Romans times, admire the architecture of more recent centuries, and explore the wonderful independent shops throughout the town. Take time for a visit to one of the museums to find out more about the town’s past.
=====
Day 3
=====
Enjoy more recent development in Dorchester with a visit to the modern Brewery Square development on the site of the former Eldridge Pope Brewery. Brewery Square boasts a wide range of independent shops and eateries, along with a large public square (occasionally used for performance) and a large outdoor cinema style screen.
Finish your visit to Dorchester with a visit to HRH Prince of Wales development at Poundbury, with its range of architectural styles, intimate spaces, diverse independent shops and eateries, and fantastic views over Maiden Castle and surrounding countryside.
Enjoy your evenings at one of the many restaurants in the Town Centre, Brewery Square or Poundbury or take in a performance at Dorchester Arts or one of the two cinemas in the town.
How to spend a morning or afternoon on Dorchester
There is so much to enjoy for visitors in Dorchester with just a couple of hours to spare.
For Families
Visit the Borough gardens, laid out at the end of the 19th Century, encourage the little ones to make use of the play area and enjoy refreshments in the Kiosk cafe.
Follow one of the many circular town walks (See the Town walks entries in the See and Do section) or follow one of the walks displayed on the information board by the town pump in Cornhill.
Visit one of the World Attractions Exhibitions – Dinosaur, Tutankhamun, Mummies, Teddy Bears or Terra Cotta warriors exhibitions.
For Adults and couples
If you are a fan of Thomas Hardy, why not visit his home at Max Gate, or his Birthplace at Higher Bockhampton – both National Trust – booking required.
Explore the new galleries in the recently refurbished Dorset Museum.
Find out about the trials in the Historic Courthouse Museum and the part it played in the birth of trades unionism.
Follow one of the many circular town walks (See the Town walks entries in the See and Do section) or follow one of the walks displayed n on the information board by the town pump in Cornhill.
You will find the majority of shops open Monday to Saturday 09.00 – 17.00.
Some shops open on a Sunday with shorter hours – 10.00 – 16.00.
The Dorchester market is held on a Wednesday throughout the year from 06.30 – 14.00. You will find the market opposite Brewery Square and just a short walk from the town centre. On Sunday, the market is transformed into a car boot and table top sale.
Please see individual shop opening hours within the Explore section of the app.
The Dorchester market is held on a Wednesday throughout the year from 06.30 – 14.00.
Dorchester Market sees over 200 traders attend regularly selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, quality meats, clothes, plants and hot food.
The market can be found opposite the new Brewery Square development and only a short walk from the town centre allowing you to enjoy all of Dorchester’s shopping opportunities.
The market is well supported by public transport. A bus stop can be found at the market entrance with many of the local routes bringing shoppers directly to the market at regular intervals throughout market day.
Sundays see the market transformed into one of the area’s largest car boot and table top sales. A favourite with locals and visitors alike it provides a great opportunity to grab some bargains. Visitors to the boot sale are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Barclays Bank plc
Cashpoint (ATM) location: 10 South Street, Dorchester, DT1 1BT
Co-operative Bank plc
Cashpoint (ATM) location: Trinity Square Wadham, Dorchester, DT1 1TT
Halifax plc
Cashpoint (ATM) location: 6 South Street, Dorchester, DT1 1AZ
HSBC Bank plc
Cashpoint (ATM) location: 15 Cornhill, Dorchester, DT1 1BJ
Lloyds TSB Bank Plc
Cashpoint (ATM) location: 1-2 High West Street Dorchester, Dorchester, DT1 1UG
Nationwide Building Society
Cashpoint (ATM) location: 4 High West Street 4 High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UJ
National Westminster Bank/NatWest
Cashpoint (ATM) location: 49 South Street, Dorchester, DT1 1DW
Notemachine
Cashpoint (ATM) location: 17 Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 1QY
Notemachine
Cashpoint (ATM) location: Unit 2 Forum Centre, Trinity Street
Dorchester, DT1 1TP
Royal Bank of Scotland
Cashpoint (ATM) location: Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2RY
Sainsburys Bank
Cashpoint (ATM) location: 59 Bridport Road, Dorchester, DT1 2FB
There are several public toilets in Dorchester located here:-
================
Trinity Street
================
4 toilets with disable access and baby change facilities.
Situated towards the bottom end of Trinity Street opposite Shoetrees
================
Top o’ Town Car Park
================
Toilets are situated in the Top o’ Town car park.
================
Waitrose
================
The public toilets are ituated at the foot of the stairs, opposite Charles Street car park entrance
================
Borough Gardens
================
The public toilets are located adjacent to the refreshment kiosk building and are open all year round during the Gardens opening times.
There are several bike stands situated throughout the town.
You will find them:-
You will find tourist information points in a number of businesses throughout the town:-
The town pump at Cornhill is a good place to start your visit to Dorchester.
If you are coming to Dorchester via train (London to Weymouth line) you will arrive at Dorchester South Train Station so Brewery Square is a good starting point. You will find plenty of shops and eateries and then it is a short walk through to the main town centre.
The majority of on-street parking and car parks in Dorchester are chargeable during the day 08.00 – 18.00.
However, you will find free parking after 18.00 in the main car parks around the town centre.
Just Park phone app and car parking machines are available at most locations.
See the Explore >> Visitor section for a full list of car parks.
Hardy’s Cottage is a beautiful secluded place to visit if you are following the Thomas Hardy Trail through Dorset. The cottage, just outside Higher Bockhapmton, and an easy walk from Dorchester.
It is approximately 3.5 miles from Dorchester to Thomas Hardy’s cottage following the footpath to Stinsford and then on to Higher Bockhampton. This route can get a little muddy.
See the Town Walks section for a map and route.
Below is a list of electric car charging points in or closest to Dorchester. It shows charge point address, number, type and to which network each charging point belongs.
===================
DRC Fairfield Car Park
===================
DT1 1QW is part of the Mer EV charging network.
There are 4 EV charge points (connectors) at this charging location.
4 x Rating: 22kW 32A
Supply: 3-phase AC
Socket: Type 2 Mennekes
===================
Trinity Street Car Park
===================
DT1 1TU is part of the Charge Your Car, ChargerNet EV charging network.
There are 3 EV charge points (connectors) at this charging location.
1 x Rating: 43kW 63A
Supply: 3-phase AC
Conn: Type 2 Mennekes
1 x Rating: 50kW 125A
Supply: DC
Conn: JEVS (CHAdeMO)
1 x Rating: 50kW 125A
Supply: DC
Conn: CCS (Combo)
===================
DRC Wollaston Field
===================
DT1 1EQ is part of the Mer EV charging network.
There are 1 EV charge points (connectors) at this charging location.
1 x Rating: 22kW 32A
Supply: 3-phase AC
Socket: Type 2 Mennekes
===================
Tesco Superstore Dorchester
===================
DT1 2RY is part of the Pod Point EV charging network.
There are 4 EV charge points (connectors) at this charging location.
4 xRating: 7kW 32A
Supply: 1-phase AC
Socket: Type 2 Mennekes
===================
Poundbury
===================
DT1 3AZ is part of the Osprey EV charging network.
There are 9 EV charge points (connectors) at this charging location.
3 x Rating: 22kW 32A
Supply: 3-phase AC
Socket: Type 2 Mennekes
3 x Rating: 50kW 125A
Supply: DC
Conn: JEVS (CHAdeMO)
3 x Rating: 50kW 125A
Supply: DC
Conn: CCS (Combo)
There are several bike stands situated throughout the town.
You will find them:-
There are several emergency defibrillators located around the town centre.
===============================
You will find them in the following locations:-
===============================
Goulds Household store – South Street
The Post Office – Trinity Street
Royal Oak (Wetherspoons) – High East Street
The Corn Exchange – North Square entrance lobby
Outside the Masonic lodge – Princes Street
Brewery Square (Concierge building) – opposite the train station short stay car park
Alternatively, see the Health & Emergency section of the app for map locations.
=======================
Dial 999 in an emergency
=======================
If there is an emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, ambulance or the coastguard.
=======================
Non urgent enquiries and advice
=======================
For less urgent matters and advice please contact…
Dorset Police – (24hr non emergencies) – dial 101
NHS – dial 111
Crimestoppers (24hr) – dial 0800 555 111
British Transport Police – dial 0845 40 50 40
Dorchester Hospital (A&E) – dial 01305 251150