Guided walks and tours

Chris Belsten

Chris has over 20 years experience leading and guiding groups around the world on educational, cultural and historical tours. He holds the Blue Badge Tourist Guide qualification accredited by the Institute the UK’s highest level of tourist guiding qualification and have public liability insurance. I am also an accredited guide for Windsor Castle and Eton.

Although Chris has spent many years guiding and tour managing across the world, his first love is for Dorset, exploring it’s rural charm on foot or on bike.

He invites you to take a tour of this very special region of England and especially his home county of Dorset – the land and it’s people, steeped in a rich and ancient history immortalised by the great writer Thomas Hardy, who was born just outside the county town of Dorchester.

• Website: https://chrisbelsten.com/
• Email: chrisjbelsten@gmail.com
• Tel: 07989689830

Mark Chutter

Mark Damon Chutter is the Chairman and Academic Director of the Thomas Hardy Society . He is a member of the Dorchester Civic Society and the Dorchester Town Council Heritage Committee. All tours are available most weekends and/or school holidays.

Find about the usual tours Mark Chutter offers below…

Judge Jeffreys – A Gruesome Tale (1 hour)

Join Mark for a gruesome story about the dreaded Judge Jeffreys known as the ‘ Hanging Judge’ ( 1645- 1689) . His visit to Dorchester was notorious involving heads of the dead being placed on the spikes of St Peter’s Church . Come and find out about his use of the tunnel system from the Oak Room in Antelope Walk.

Walk in the Footsteps of Thomas Hardy (2 hours)

Walk around Dorchester and Fordington in the footsteps of Hardy. There will be readings of his poetry and prose as we tour around the town and we will discuss the hanging of Martha Brown who could be argued to be the inspiration for ‘Tess’ .We will also consider the Roman settings for his work as described in ‘ The Mayor of Casterbridge’. We will look at the buildings and monuments that inspired Hardy in his writing such as the King’s Arms Hotel alongside looking at his critical role as an architect of literature.

The Life and Death of Mary Channing (1 hour)

A walk around Dorchester with Mark to explore the life and tragic death of Mary Channing who was found guilty of ‘petty treason’ for seemingly poisoning her husband . Mary was half-strangled and then burnt at Maumbury Rings in 1706 in front of 10,000 spectators. Hardy always doubted her guilt and makes reference to Channing in ‘ The Mayor of Casterbridge’ and in the poem ‘ The Mock Wife’.

Famous Artists in and around Dorchester and Fordington (2 hours)

A tour around Dorchester and Fordington to consider the sculptures, statues and windows by famous artists such as Elisabeth Frink and Burne-Jones. We will consider where some famous artists lived such as Tom Roberts who was born in Dorchester.

Wessex Writers in Dorchester and Fordington (1 hour)

Join Mark Chutter for a walk to explore the writings of William Barnes, Henry and Handley Moule, Powys and Sylvia Townsend Warner . We will explore the connections with Dorchester and Fordington with readings from their work and diaries.

• Each tour costs £5 cash per person.
• Email: chuttermark@gmail.com
• Tel: 07399 833930

Joy Wallis

Joy is a blue badge qualified Dorchester based tour guide. Joy offers lots of walks around Dorset, including a walk around the centre of the old town of Dorchester within the Roman walls and be taken back through more than 3,000 years of history. Walk in the footsteps of Thomas Hardy and the Tolpuddle Martyrs and hear about the Great Fire and the exodus to Dorchester, Massachusetts. The walking tour will take about one and a half to two hours, cover a distance of two kilometres and include a few steps though it can be customised for those with limited mobility.

• Website: https://www.joywallistourguide.com/
• Email: joy_wallis@hotmail.com
• Tel: 07496634088

Alistair Chisholm

Alistair is an experienced tour manager and guide. His relaxed and entertaining style will take you effortlessly around Dorchester and through the countryside of Thomas Hardy.

Alistair Chisholm has been the Town Crier of Dorchester since 1997 and has been National Champion Town Crier numerous times!

• Email: alistair@chiz.org.uk
• Tel: 07773286197

Julia Morris

Julia first qualified as a Blue Badge Guide working in Dorset and the South West. Julia comes from a background studying history and archaeology at University College London and a career teaching in Museums and historic houses. As a Learning Manager Julia specialised in creating inspiring, hands-on learning experiences for adults and children and developing exhibitions that really work for visitors. Julia am now able to take this experience into the wider world of tourist guiding.

• Website: https://britainsbestguides.org/guides/julia-morris
• Email: juliamorris101@me.com
• Tel: 07817364981

Dorchester Roman Tours

Take a journey through time to ancient Roman Durnovaria, guided by our resident Roman soldiers, who’ll show you through the town and give an educational insight to how our ancestors lived here 2000 years ago. See how the Roman army dominated and built it’s Empire from the cold highlands of Scotland to the scorched sands of Iraq.

West Gate Tour

Guided Tour of Roman Dorchester visiting the Roman wall and Roman Town House while exploring Dorchesters rich Roman heritage. Perfect for parties of 5 or groups as large as 70.

Adult price £12, child (aged 6-12) price £6. Family ticket £30 (2 adults and 2 children). Children under 6 years go free.

Tours running every 2 hours, starting at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Last tour finished at 4pm.

Pre-booking your place 24 hours in advance is required.

Roman Religion Workshops

Explore the ancient customs of our Roman Pagan ancestors. Learn about the Customs of the Durotriges and the Romans of Durnovaria. Witness ancient rites performed or for special events suggest a offering to a specific Deity. For Those interested in taking part to gain a firsthand perspective of how our ancient ancestors worshipped, please specify so we can prepare in advance.

Suitable for large parties of 10 people minimum, 30 maximum.

Ideally for adults. £15 per person. Children N/A.

Runtime: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Roman cookery workshop

Ever wanted to learn how to make Roman meals? From the low class Plebian to the rich Patrician, we have everything to show. Featuring 3 meals prepared on site for show & to try. With notes & advice on recipes and methods including historical talks on how food was important to the Roman classes.

Due to the expected high popularity of this event we will be able to have 10-15 people. Bring pen and paper and a empty stomach. If you have any specific needs/allergies or requirements which may prevent you from trying some foods please notify us beforehand, and after we may offer substitutes.

Run time 3-4hours. Seating provided.

Ideally for adults. Price per person £20. Children N/A.

• Website: Dorchester Roman Tours
• Email: Dorchesterromantours@outlook.com

Paul Birbeck

Paul is an experienced leader at guiding educational groups around the UK. He is a Dorset based blue badge tour guide and Dorset Ambassador who specializes in offering walks and tours around Dorset, including a variety a variety of historical and cultural walks and tours around Dorchester and the surrounding Hardy landscapes.

A normal walking tour takes about two hours, and will take you back through time on a fascinating journey through the history of the town, including exploring features around the conservation area; discovering Poundbury and guiding clients around the Poppy Trail.

Paul believes a local guide can add extra depth and enjoyment as you explore the town – it can make a big difference. Walks can be made accessible to everyone in order to help you enjoy your visit. The personal touch is what will make your visit special.

• Website: www.sherbornewalks.co.uk 
• Email: paul@drove.plus.com
• Tel: 07989 453966

Dorchester Ghost Walks

Discover Dorchester’s grisly history – Judge Jeffreys and the Bloody Assize, ghosts that haunt the taverns and the alleyways – with a gripping ghost walk.

To see the programme of dates for the Ghost walks please visit the website listed below.

There is no need to book.

All of the walks start at 8pm outside the Kings Arms Hotel in High East Street, last about 90 minutes, and cost £7.50 per adult and £3 per child.

The walk is pushchair and buggie friendly and well-behaved dogs are welcome.

• Website: Dorchester Ghost Walks
• Email: chris-gallarus@hotmail.co.uk

Derek Pride

Derek Pride has been working in Dorchester as a tour guide for many years. He can offer guided walks around the town including heritage pub walks.

• Email: derek.pride@btinternet.com
• Tel: 01305 250417