Dorchester

Travel Guide

Dorchester featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people
Tutankhamun: The Exhibition featuring heritage architecture
Maiden Castle featuring tranquil scenes
Dorchester featuring street scenes and heritage architecture
Maiden Castle showing tranquil scenes

With greater historical legacies than many far bigger cities, Dorset's county town is rich in sights and activities for the curious traveler.

Explore prehistoric ruins, ancient amphitheaters and literary locations in cultural Dorchester. Founded by the Romans in a land previously inhabited by Stone Age farmers, this town still displays the heritage of these two distinct groups. Walk through the town and surrounding area to see the lasting impact of Dorchester's colorful history.

Orient yourself by finding the centrally located obelisk, which was once the town pump. Learn about the region's past at the Dorset County Museum, which houses local archaeological findings, Tudor paintings and manuscripts from local writer Thomas Hardy. Many of the exhibits relate to Dorchester's most famous sights.

Travel farther back in time at the Tutankhamun ExhibitionOpens in a new window, featuring recreations of Egypt's most famous mummy. Discover different facets of history at the Keep Military Museum, the Dinosaur Museum and the Terracotta Warriors Museum.

Continue your journey into history outdoors, stopping at the Maumbury RingsOpens in a new window. This ancient circle, a short walk from the town center, is made of three different layers dating from the Neolithic, Roman and English Civil War eras. Find out how Romans lived at the remains of a Roman Town House and relax in the green Borough Gardens which hosts many of the town's cultural events.

Outside the city limits, discover even more area stories. Marvel at the mysterious Cerne Abbas GiantOpens in a new window, Britain's largest chalk drawing. Historians disagree on the origins and purpose of the famous naked figure. View the drawing from afar for the whole picture or stroll around it to see pleasant scenery and local wildlife.

South of town lies Maiden CastleOpens in a new window, a hill fort about 5,000 years old. Examine the Roman temple and Neolithic defenses and admire spectacular views over the town. The ancient settlement is free to visit and open year-round.

Dorchester has two railway stations, both 5-minute walks from the town center. Trains from London regularly head to Dorchester South. Arrange to visit in spring or summer to thoroughly appreciate the outdoor attractions that make the town such a fascinating destination.

The Frampton Arms
The Frampton Arms
3.5 out of 5
Station Road, Dorchester, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,029 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
P4,029
P4,835 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Dorchester. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (462 reviews)
"Staff very friendly and helpful. Room was bigger than expexted. Clean and cozy with AC to heat room if required.Good fun playing darts etc. Only downfall is would have liked some bacon and eggs for breakfast but the continental breakfast offered was ok."

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2025

The Frampton Arms
The Duchess of Cornwall Inn
The Duchess of Cornwall Inn
3.5 out of 5
12 Queen Mother Square,, Poundbury, Dorchester, England
The price is P5,510 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P5,510
P6,612 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
Stay at this 3.5-star inn in Dorchester. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions The Keep Military Museum and Roman Town ...
9/10 Wonderful! (77 reviews)
"We had a lovely stay here and would return again. Staff were friendly, polite and attentive. There was a good selection for breakfast and all the meals we had during our stay was excellent. Our room was great, with a nice cosy theme. The bed was too firm for me and my partner, though that is down ..."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

The Duchess of Cornwall Inn
Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester
Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester
3 out of 5
32 High West Street, 32, Dorchester, England
The price is P3,845 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
P3,845
P4,613 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 20 - Mar 21
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Dorchester. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (482 reviews)
"Brilliant"

Reviewed on Mar 5, 2025

Sleeping Bear Hotel Dorchester
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Dorset Resort
The Dorset Resort
4 out of 5
Bere Regis, Wareham, England
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Wareham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Popular attractions Purbeck Shooting School and Monkey World ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
"The property was clean. Just the beds were single Beds in all couple rooms. Would be great if they had double beds instead."

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2024

The Dorset Resort
Chelsea Hotel
Chelsea Hotel
3 out of 5
32 St. Swithun's Road, Bournemouth, England
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Bournemouth Beach and Poole Harbour ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (77 reviews)
"Good and clean room. Have microwave in room and amenities which is a plus."

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2024

Chelsea Hotel
The Victorian Barn self catering holidays with pool & hot tubs
The Victorian Barn self catering holidays with pool & hot tubs
4 out of 5
Dairy House Farm Woolland, Blandford Forum, England
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly vacation home in Blandford Forum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Popular attractions Sturminster Newton Mill ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"A lovely venue for a few days R&R in this part of Dorset. The accommodation is modern, spacious and of good quality, with great on-site facilities (pool, sauna, etc). Recommended."

Reviewed on Jan 21, 2019

The Victorian Barn self catering holidays with pool & hot tubs
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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