Itinerary – A Roman Weekend in Dorset

The site of present-day Dorchester is rich with Roman history and well worth a weekend visit. Known as Durnovaria, it was a garrison fort for the Legio II Augusta shortly after the Roman conquest. Durnovaria became a civilian settlement and became a strategically important centre to the Durotriges tribe when the military moved away in around AD 70.

This refined weekend itinerary is packed with Roman remains and landmarks. It also includes suggestions for delicious food and drink spots and allows time to soak in the charm of modern-day Dorchester.

Images: Main image – Dorset Museum & Art Gallery  Image on right – Roman Town House

Friday Evening – Arrive and Unwind

Getting to Dorchester is easy by train. Dorchester boasts two train stations with direct links to London, Woking, Basingstoke, Southampton, Bournemouth, Weymouth, Bruton, Bristol and Bath.

Dorchester West train station | Departures, arrivals and tickets | GWR

Dorchester South Train Station | South Western Railway

Both train stations are centrally located in Dorchester so once you have stepped off the train you can make the short walk to your booked accommodation. Need some inspiration for where to book? Visit our Stay page and choose from one of Dorchester’s charming boutique stays, ensuring a restful night in the heart of this historic town.

Once you have dropped your bags then wander (the town centre is very compact and easy to navigate on foot) over to Brewery Square. The Square is home to a range of restaurants with a range of different cuisine. If you are looking for a warm ambience and expertly crafted dishes, then we recommend Meram Kitchen will not disappoint!

Be sure to check out the What’s on pages of our website to see what is happening in the evenings during your stay.  Dorchester is known as Dorset’s cultural capital and Dorchester Arts are always hosting brilliant performances at the Corn Exchange.

Saturday Morning - Museum Time

Start of your Roman weekend properly with a visit to Dorset Museum & Art Gallery. This museum has an extensive collection of interesting Roman artefacts from Dorchester and over 12 Roman mosaics, two of which you can actually stand on!

We recommend allowing two hours or more at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery as there is so much to see. It really is so much bigger inside that it looks from the outside and there aren’t only Roman things to explore. There is also a brilliant Natural Gallery with fantastic fossils and the Hardy Gallery which explores the life and works of internationally renowned poet Thomas Hardy.

For a freshly made and filling lunch then head to Potters Café. It’s a two-minute walk from Dorset Museum & Art Gallery and you are guaranteed to find something you like on their specials board of seasonally changing dishes, Dorset cream teas, fabulous coffees, loose teas and amazing cakes. The café has a sunny courtyard garden and always has a roaring log fire in winter, making it the perfect destination all year round.

Saturday Afternoon - Roman site around the town

After lunch then walk up High West Street and over to visit the Roman Town House. This unique and free attraction is the only example of a fully exposed Roman Town House in the country and offers a rare and invaluable glimpse into life in Roman Britain.

The beautifully intricate mosaics on display here have never been lifted so still have the original Roman mortar in between the tesserae.

After you have finished at the Roman Town House, take a leisurely stroll along The Walks, a series of tree lined avenues that follow the outline of Dorchester’s ancient Roman walls, offering a peaceful yet historic perspective of the town. There is one section of the Roman wall still remaining so make sure you look out for that on your way round!

Saturday Evening - Italian Elegance

Savour an authentic Italian dining experience at Basilico, where traditional flavours meet contemporary finesse. Indulge in their signature wood-fired pizza made with the finest ingredients and cooked to perfection in a traditional oven.

Sunday Morning - fresh air and amazing views

Begin your morning with a visit to Maiden Castle, one of Europe’s largest Iron Age hillforts, later conquered and occupied by the Romans. Walk in the footsteps of ancient warriors and take in breathtaking countryside views while learning about the dramatic clashes between the native Durotriges tribe and the Roman legions.

Sunday Lunch: Country Charm at The Sun Inn

Sunday lunch at The Sun Inn, a charming countryside pub with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

One final thing

Conclude your weekend with a visit to Maumbury Rings, a remarkable Neolithic henge transformed into a Roman amphitheatre. Stand in the very spot where gladiatorial contests and grand public spectacles once took place and imagine the echoes of history lingering in the air.