The idyllic English market town of Dorchester has successfully resisted the lure of modernity. Dorchester is a timeless city filled with peaceful gardens, award-winning restaurants and several Roman ruins.

Things to do

Start your day in Dorchester at the Town Pump, where a traditional Town Crier will take you on an entertaining tour of the town. Encounter the looming stone towers of The Keep Military Museum, learn about the Maiden Castle hilltop that overlooks Dorchester and stop for a modern British meal with a twist at Sienna Restaurant.

Visit the Roman Town House and travel back in time to the 4th century. Explore the Town House grounds and admire a splendid mosaic, an ancient underground heating system and the remarkably well-preserved ruins of a Roman home.

For a breath of fresh air, spend a relaxing afternoon at Borough Gardens, located in the centre of Dorchester. Play a game of tennis, read a book by the fountain, visit the clock tower or grab a bite to eat at the snack bar.

Discover the many ancient and prehistoric artefacts uncovered in the rich soil surrounding Dorchester with a visit to Dorset County Museum. Browse an extensive collection of priceless objects, from fossils, beads, glassware and pottery unearthed at the Roman Town House to original manuscripts by author Thomas Hardy.

Getting around

Arrive by train at either Dorchester South (via London) or Dorchester West (via Weymouth and Bristol). The train journey is 2.5 hours from London and two hours from Bristol. Dorchester’s compact city centre is easy to explore on foot, but you can also take a ferry cruise along the Jurassic Coast.