Although Dorchester has been around in some form since Roman times, it’s possibly best known for its association with English writer Thomas Hardy, who was born close to the town, and died in his home here. While Dorchester may have expanded somewhat since Hardy’s time, however, it still retains enough of its rustic charm to make it an important addition to any tour of Dorset and the South East. Here are some of the best things to do in Dorchester.
Visit Thomas Hardy’s cottage
This pretty, thatched cottage was the birthplace of the famous writer, and looks much the same today as it did when he was born in 1840. Hardy wrote ‘Under the Greenwood Tree’ and ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ here, as well as several short stories and poems. Located next to an ancient woodland, Hardy’s Cottage is now in the ownership of the National Trust, and is just three miles from the house the writer lived in until his death in 1928.
Take a walk to Maiden Castle
Although there’s no actual castle to see here, the site of Maiden Castle still bears fascinating traces of the hill fort that once sat here. Roughly the size of 50 football pitches, the multiple ramparts now provide grazing for the sheep who wander here. However, we know the site has been the location of a Neolithic enclosure, Roman temple, and iron age cemetery, at various stages of its life. It’s totally free to visit the site, which has provided inspiration for Thomas Hardy and composer John Ireland.
Stroll the experimental streets of Poundbury
Poundbury is an experimental town or “urban extension” on the outskirts of Doncaster, which is built on Duchy of Cornwall land owned by Prince Charles, who heavily endorsed the project. The architect-designed town will house 6,000 people when complete, with Prince Charles explaining that the project aims to “break the mould of conventional housing development… and create an attractive place for people to live, work and play.” The town currently has a population of 3,500 residents, and a stroll around its streets provides a fascinating glimpse of the proposed future of urban development.
See Hardy’s second home
If you enjoyed your visit to Thomas Hardy’s Cottage, you might want to continue on the Hardy trail with a trip to Max Gate, which the writer designed and lived in until his death. Jude the Obscure and Tess of the D’Urbervilles were both penned here, and the Victorian townhouse is an interesting memorial to Dorchester’s most famous former resident.
Shop at Brewery Square
There’s a large number of small, independent shops dotted around the streets of Dorchester, but if that’s not enough for you, you can get your retail fix at Brewery Square - a contemporary mall which contains a range of shops and restaurants, as well as a cinema and gym.
Take a trip to the Roman Town House
Dorchester’s Roman Town House was discovered in the 1930s, during the excavation of the site in preparation for the building of a new Country Hall. The remains of at least 8 Roman buildings were discovered, with the Town House being the best preserved. In order to continue that preservation, a new building was placed over the site in the 1990s, to cover and protect it, and it remains open to the public.
Visit the Dorset County Museum
If you’d like to know more about the history and culture of Dorset in general, Dorset Country Museum, located in Dorchester, is the place to start. Built in 1881, the museum contains artefacts and exhibitions relating to many of the places on this list, including Maiden Castle and the Roman Townhouse. It’s also an excellent source of information on the life of Thomas Hardy, and the history of the Jurassic coast.
Take a tour of the Teddy Bear Museum
If the Dorset County Museum doesn’t quite hold the kids’ interest, the Teddy Bear Museum certainly will! Celebrating over 100 years of teddies in a sweet and vintage-inspired setting, here are over 100 different teddies to “meet” and plenty of fun to be had!
Explore Athelhampton House
Built in 1485, Athelhampton House is a stunning example of a Tudor mansion house, set in beautiful grounds consisting of multiple different themed “compartments”, each with their own water feature. Both house and gardens are Grade I listed and when you’ve finished exploring, you can stop off at the visitor centre or have something to eat in the restaurant or cafe.
Stand in the dock at the Courthouse Museum
A museum that’s totally different from any of the others in the area, Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum allows you to hear the stories and step in the footsteps of the people who once stood trial on this spot. You can visit both the cells and the dock itself, before buying a souvenir of your visit in the gift shop, or stopping for a snack in the cafe.
Learn the fine art of brewing
A Full Day Brewery Experience provides a comprehensive introduction to the art of beer brewing, with instruction from the Head Brewer at the Brewhouse & Kitchen. See a beer made from start to finish, sample some of the wares for yourself, and enjoy a tasty lunch in the kitchen. You’ll take home a certificate of completion and better still, a 5 lite mini keg of craft beer brewed on the premises.
Take a Gin Lover’s Masterclass
Love gin? Learn all you’ve ever wanted to know about it, from its history to the distilling process, with a Gin Lover’s Masterclass at Brewhouse & Kitchen. During your session, you’ll be treated to five tastings from a range of gins, plus a three course meal - served with a large G&T, of course!
Gin Lover's Masterclass with Tastings and Meal for Two
Grab a friend and head to Brewhouse and Kitchen for this Gin Lover's Masterclass with Tastings and Meal for Two. With the guidance of a gin expert, you’ll learn all about the history of gin, and gain a fascinating insight into the distilling process.
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Things to do in Dorchester with dogs
There’s plenty to see in Dorchester for human visitors, but if you’re bringing a four-legged friend along for the trip, here are some dog-friendly places you might want to try:
Take a walk through Borough Gardens
These beautiful, leafy gardens are located in the centre of Dorchester, and opened in 1896. Designed by landscape architect William Goldring, there’s a play park, outdoor gym, tennis courts and bandstand to add to the Victorian charm of the original gardens.
See the Maumbury Rings
The amazing Neolithic structure that is the Maumbury Rings has been a Roman amphitheatre, artillery fort, and place of public execution in the course of its very long history. These days, all that remains is the distinctive shape of the “rings' themselves, but it’s a pleasant place for a walk, and is often used at the location for various outdoor events.
Stroll the banks of the River Frome
The River Frome, which flows through Dorchester, is around 30 miles long, but you only have to sample a small section of it to soak in some of the atmosphere of the local area: stopping off at a local pub or restaurant for refreshments, if the mood takes you!
Take your dog to the dinosaur museum
You probably wouldn’t expect to find a museum on a list of dog-friendly locations, but Dorchester’s Dinosaur Museum is one place that does allow dogs (at their discretion). You’ll find fossils, skeletons and life-sized reconstruction of various types of dinosaur here, making it a great place to go with kids too.
See a Himalayan garden
Minterne House isn’t open to the public, unfortunately, however the Himalayan gardens which surround it welcome visitors and their dogs and are a peaceful and scenic place for a stroll.
Walk in a walled garden
The Walled Garden at Moreton covers five acres in total, and is located right on the River Frome.
The Best Places to Eat in Dorchester
From fine dining to casual cafe culture, Dorchester is packed with culinary options to suit even the fussiest of palates. Take a look at the list below for some of the best places to eat in Dorchester:
- The Cow & Apple: Burgers and cider are the combination you didn’t know you needed until now: and The Cow & Apple offers the best of both.
- The King and Thai Restaurant: As the name suggests, this is a Thai restaurant in the heart of Dorchester, and it specialises in tasty meals using only the freshest of ingredients with absolutely no artificial flavours.
- Myra’s Kaiseki: Fine Japanese cuisine, including sushi and tempura, served in a serene and relaxing environment.
- The Posh Partridge Club: This family-run cafe is dog friendly, and serves home cooked breakfasts, along with lunches and afternoon teas.
- Georgie Porgie Pie & Burger Co.: Sample the award-winning, handmade pies and burgers at this quirky local restaurant where they’ll take their time and cook your meal to perfection.
- The Blue Raddle : A traditional pub loved by locals and visitors alike, The Blue Raddle has been a pub (with various different incarnations) since 1850, and is still a Dorchester favourite.
- The Old Tea House: The staff at The Old Tea House believe home cooked meals are the best, which is why that’s what you’ll find there, whether you pop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- ReLoved: Comforting and tasty food is the order of the day at this tearoom connected to one of Dorchester’s family-run vintage shops.
- Hendover Cafe: A contemporary cafe with a bright, modern interior where you can choose to either eat in or take away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day is Dorchester Market?
Dorchester Market is open every Wednesday from 8am - 1pm and includes both an indoor market and outdoor section. The market features a wide range of local produce from fruit and veg to clothing, hot food and fresh flowers. Founded in 1860, and now one of the biggest markets in Dorset, Dorchester Market is located opposite Brewery Square, near the town centre.
Is Dorchester good for shopping?
Dorchester is best known for its independent and speciality shops and in particular, antiques and vintage clothing. If you’re looking for something more modern, however, the Brewer Square development includes a wide range of well-known high street brands, plus restaurants and a cinema.