Dorchester Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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

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 colourful 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 further 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 centre, 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 centre. 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.

George Albert Hotel & Spa

George Albert Hotel & Spa

3 out of 5
Wardon Hill Farm, Evershot, Dorchester, England
The price is AU$157 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$157
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Dorchester. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (471 reviews)
"PERFECTION IS HERE What a pleasant and beautiful location and place From the room to the food everything is so grande, yet at an affordable amount for all I am so impressed, even though I live up north near Leeds and am getting married early next year, I can truly say I when found my location for ..."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

George Albert Hotel & Spa
Royal Bath Hotel & Spa Bournemouth

Royal Bath Hotel & Spa Bournemouth

4 out of 5
Bath Road, Bournemouth, England
The price is AU$98 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$98
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value ...
7/10 Good! (1,010 reviews)
Beautiful location
"Beautiful location and gardens, close to sea, helpful staff. Great to have gluten free toast brought to my table at breakfast"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Royal Bath Hotel & Spa Bournemouth
Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel & Spa

Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel & Spa

3 out of 5
7 Durley Chine Road, Bournemouth, England
The price is AU$111 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$111
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star luxury hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 indoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Very helpful taff"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel & Spa
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.
4 Bed-2 Bath-sleeps 8-large Garden-pet Friendly

4 Bed-2 Bath-sleeps 8-large Garden-pet Friendly

2 out of 5
Dorchester
Stay at this residence in Dorchester. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Cerne Abbas Giant and Badger Watch Dorset are located ...
4 Bed-2 Bath-sleeps 8-large Garden-pet Friendly
Charming Country Retreat on Old Sherbourne Road

Charming Country Retreat on Old Sherbourne Road

Dorchester
Stay at this vacation home in Dorchester. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a garden, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"A lovely little cabin hidden away for a break away, and a place to reset, So close to the beach and Weymouth town too was also a plus. thank you to Tracy the lovely host who made us feel so welcome."

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

Charming Country Retreat on Old Sherbourne Road
The Old Coach House in Dorset's Area of Outstanding Beauty - 1 bedroom

The Old Coach House in Dorset's Area of Outstanding Beauty - 1 bedroom

Maiden Newton
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Dorchester. Enjoy free WiFi, private hot tubs, and a garden. Popular attractions Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
"Had to contact the owner as the hot tub was not ready for our stay and had to be filled and warmed up. We then only had two nights in the hot tub instead of three we had paid for the hot tub via the booking agent but the owner was not aware of this !!!"

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

The Old Coach House in Dorset's Area of Outstanding Beauty - 1 bedroom
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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Reviews of Dorchester

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Top destination
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Possibly best to avoid long weekend  apparently every in the uk thinks Dorset is a great place to visit too. We went primarily to catch up with family and to do the steam show, that is defiantly worth a visit

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