Dorchester

Travel Guide

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

George Albert Hotel & Spa

George Albert Hotel & Spa

3 out of 5
Wardon Hill Farm, Evershot, Dorchester, England
$96 nightly
The price is $115 total per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
$115 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
Total with taxes and 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! (453 reviews)
"Beds comfortable and good shower. Breakfast was not great … no bread available, had to ask and hot food could have done with fresh refills."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

George Albert Hotel & Spa
Summer Lodge Country House Hotel

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel

5 out of 5
9 Forestreet, Evershot, Dorchester, England
$311 nightly
The price is $374 total per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
$374 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Dorchester. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Mapperton Gardens and Cerne Abbas ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (121 reviews)
"Excellent locations, amazing personnel, excellent chef ....Like other times when all was of another quality !"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel
Laguna Hotel

Laguna Hotel

3 out of 5
6 Suffolk Road South, Bournemouth, England
$61 nightly
The price is $74 total per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
$74 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,016 reviews)
"The best thing is the pool the kids had a lots of fun in it."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

Laguna Hotel
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
Dorchester Nook

Dorchester Nook

Dorchester
Stay at this apartment in Dorchester. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Borough Gardens and Tutankhamun: The Exhibition are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Very comfortable bed, kind owner"

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Dorchester Nook
Cranborne House

Cranborne House

2 out of 5
St Paul's Pl, Bournemouth, England
Stay at this apartment in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Friendly staff happy to help"

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

Cranborne House
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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