Dorchester

For details of places to stay and things to do in Dorchester, please try the links on the left.

AS the county town of Dorset, Dorchester's history dates back as far as prehistoric and Roman times. Evidence of the town's past can be seen in the fascinating Roman townhouse with its surviving mosaics or by visiting the nearby hill fort at Maiden Castle.

Dorchester, or Casterbridge as it is known in Thomas Hardy's novels, has 18th century houses and alleys along with the latest architectural ideas championed by HRH Prince Charles at his groundbreaking Poundbury estate. A number of the town's restaurants and cafes are housed in historic old buildings that are full of character and atmosphere.

A shopping centre lives in harmony with Dorchester's wealth of history. In the main shopping area of South Street a mix of local businesses and street stalls complement the national chain stores. The communities that surround Dorchester come together each Wednesday on market day when the town is bustling with activity. Hardy said the town was reminiscent of ancient Rome on these busy days.

Thomas Hardy enthusiasts can visit his birthplace at nearby Higher Bockhampton or the house he designed for himself, Max Gate, where he ended his days.

Dorchester has an excellent county museum where visitors can discover the history of Hardy as well as a whole range of other interesting subjects in the museum's many galleries. The exterior of the gothic-style building belies its large interior, which also contains Roman mosaics and fossilised dinosaur remains.

Other attractions in Dorchester include a Dinosaur Museum, Tutankhamun Exhibition and the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum.
At the top of the town is an impressive 'Keep' which houses the Military Museum of Devon and Dorset.

It was from the nearby village of Tolpuddle that the Tolpuddle Martyrs were transported to Australia in 1834 after forming a union. Their sorry plight is told in a museum housed in a cottage in the village.
There is always plenty to do in West Dorset, with countryside and seaside offering adventures for all the family.

Nearby Villages

Cerne Abbas - Home of the famous chalk giant, Cerne Abbas has many fine buildings and a pretty village centre.

Moreton - Georgian Gothic church with beautifully etched windows depicting scenes from WWll. T.E. Lawrence is buried in the nearby graveyard.

Puddletown - 15th century church and nearby historic Athelhampton House.

Tolpuddle - The Tolpuddle Martyrs were deported from here to Australia in 1834 for forming a union. Martyrs' Museum.