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.

Laguna Hotel
Laguna Hotel
3 out of 5
6 Suffolk Road South, Bournemouth, England
$68 nightly
The price is $82 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$82 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes 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! (1,000 reviews)
Great location, familiar and good staff!
"Great facilities. Big pool. Clean. Kind. A lot parking! Great location 👌"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Laguna Hotel
The Trouville Bournemouth
The Trouville Bournemouth
3 out of 5
5-7 Priory Road, Dorset, Bournemouth, England
$86 nightly
The price is $104 total per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
$104 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.6/10 (272 reviews)
"Nice staying in there"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

The Trouville Bournemouth
Carrington House Hotel
Carrington House Hotel
3 out of 5
Knyveton Road, Bournemouth, England
$59 nightly
The price is $71 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$71 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
6.4/10 (1,011 reviews)
"The hotel was clean but room could do of a bit of refurbishment. The bathroom had no safety rails to get in and out of the shower. Has this hotel caters for a lot of coaches which in most cases are pensioners like me this is an accident waiting to happen. The staff were friendly and welcoming on ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Carrington House 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.
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.
Room near Dorchester centre
"Good sized en suite room in private flat. Powerful shower, good wifi. Convenient for Dorchester centre, no parking but public (paid) car park just across the road. There is a cat. Comfortable bed and very quiet location even though close to centre"

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2025

Dorchester Nook
Tadnoll Escape- Shepards Hut- Sleeps 2- Bbq- Lake
Tadnoll Escape- Shepards Hut- Sleeps 2- Bbq- Lake
2 out of 5
Dorchester
Stay at this cabin in Dorchester. Enjoy free parking, balconies, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Durdle Door and Durdle Door Beach are located ...
Tadnoll Escape- Shepards Hut- Sleeps 2- Bbq- Lake
Agua de Plata, 16 Wakeling Island, Silverlake
Agua de Plata, 16 Wakeling Island, Silverlake
3 out of 5
Wakeling Island Warmwell Road Silverlake, Dorchester, England
Stay at this 3-star golf cottage in Dorchester. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Durdle Door and Durdle Door Beach are ...
Agua de Plata, 16 Wakeling Island, Silverlake
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Dorchester

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Very pleasant stay

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