Museums, history, and a proper pub lunch — whatever the weather
Dorchester is one of the most historically rich towns in England — Roman amphitheatre, Thomas Hardy's birthplace, a world-class county museum, and a proper market town high street. This itinerary works perfectly on a wet day because almost everything is indoors or covered.
One of the best regional museums in England, recently refurbished to a very high standard. The Thomas Hardy collection is exceptional — his study has been reconstructed exactly as it was. The Roman and prehistoric galleries are genuinely fascinating. Allow 2 hours minimum.
The museum café is good and reasonably priced. It's a sensible place to have coffee before you start.
The Blue Raddle on Church Street is the best pub in Dorchester — a proper local with good food, local ales, and no pretension. The menu changes regularly and uses local suppliers. Book ahead at weekends.
If The Blue Raddle is full, The Kings Arms on High East Street is a good alternative.
A 5-minute walk from the town centre, Maumbury Rings is a Neolithic henge that the Romans converted into an amphitheatre. It held up to 10,000 spectators. Entry is free and it's open all year. The earthworks are surprisingly impressive — you can walk the full circuit of the banks.
The Romans used this for gladiatorial combat and public executions. Judge Jeffreys used it for executions after the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685. It has a dark history.
The only museum in Britain dedicated entirely to dinosaurs. It's unashamedly aimed at children but adults enjoy it too. Real fossils, life-size reconstructions, and hands-on exhibits. Allow 90 minutes.
Combined tickets with the Tutankhamun Exhibition next door are available and good value if you have children.
Dorchester is Thomas Hardy's 'Casterbridge' — the town he fictionalised in The Mayor of Casterbridge and other novels. If you're a Hardy fan, the Tourist Information Centre on Antelope Walk has a Hardy Trail map that takes you past all the key locations.
Found this useful? Share it.
We use essential cookies to make our site work, and analytics cookies to understand how you use it. We never use your data for marketing. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to all cookies. You can manage your preferences or read our Cookie Policy.