Things to do in Dorchester

A visit to Dorchester keeps the holiday miles down. It’s just fifteen minutes down the road from Upton Grange and there’s more than enough there to keep you busy for a day or three.

Here are just some of the things you can do in Dorchester, the historic county town of Dorset.

Maiden Castle

It’s one of the biggest hillforts in Europe. The high banks and deep gullies of Maiden Castle are the results of thousands of years of habitation. It was probably at its most impressive around the time the Romans invaded Britain. They later built a temple inside the castle.

The views are spectacular but it’s a stiff climb up and there’s no shelter – so check the weather forecast before you go.

Maumbury Rings

Roman bloodsports. Civil war cannons. Public executions. Maumbury Rings have seen all this, and more. First constructed thousands of years ago, the Rings became a Roman amphitheatre, a sort of local Colosseum in Dorset.

Later they became a base for civil war cannons and in 1685 Judge Jeffreys sent dozens to the gallows that were set up in the Rings.

A short walk from the town centre, the grassy banks of Maumbury Rings hide centuries of history.

Roman Town House

Dorchester was a thriving Roman town but sadly, very little of it remains visible. The exception is the Roman Town House in Colliton Park. Unearthed in the 1930s, it’s the only example of a fully exposed town house in the country.

It’s managed by Dorset Museum, who arrange guided tours from time to time.

Borough Gardens

Dorchester Borough Gardens have been a place of tranquil refuge for well over a century. The attractive park includes a fully enclosed play area, a splash area for warmer days, an outdoor gym, refreshment kiosk, tennis courts and public toilets.

It’s a great spot to enjoy a picnic lunch or a coffee while you’re exploring the town.

Features include a bandstand, clock tower and fountain.

Poundbury

In 1993 Prince Charles launched a massive experiment in re-thinking urban architecture and life. That experiment was Poundbury, which is now home to thousands of people and many businesses.

Anyone can visit Poundbury at any time, although first-time visitors may feel a little out of place. The streets and buildings, most of which have a Georgian styling, were designed to put people first.

Poundbury is still being built, with completion scheduled in the next few years.

Highlights include Queen Mother Square, Duchess of Cornwall pub, Brownsword Hall and the Buttermarket.

Dorchester Curiosity Centre

When is a museum a shop? You’ll love exploring the nooks and crannies of the rambling collectables emporium, housed in the old bus station. It’s free to visit, but we can’t promise you’ll leave without parting with some cash.