Dorchester, County town of Dorset and gateway to the Jurassic Coast

what to see and do

visit Dorchester

the Dorchester Story

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See the major events in Dorchester this year
Dorchester's spectacular Carnival - click to see gallery
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Dinosaur helps with the child minding

Enjoy Dorchester this Summer

Here in Dorchester, Dorset, even the dinosaurs give you a warm welcome. This apparent dinosaur creche was part of Dorchester's very successful June Carnival day (see our Carnival picture page). There's always lots to do in Dorchester including a Dinosaur trail organised by the Dinosaur Museum, a visit to Dorset County Museum to discover the story of Thomas Hardy, a host of other museums and, of course,the famous Wellworth's store.

There has never been a better time to visit Dorchester, the county town of Dorset, particularly if you are a visitor from the United States or the Eurozone. The current value of the pound means that the UK has never been better value as a holiday destination.

Dorchester is also a great place to do business. We already have over 140 Dorchester businesses in our Business Directory. Please use the open text search above to find what you want.

This site has been created by the Dorchester BID - for more details contact our Project Director, Phil Gordon on 07799 494886 or philg@dorchesterdorset.co.uk.

For a moderately sized town Dorchester is packed with interest and history. This is just a quick snapshot of some of the great times and events in its past, evidence of which can still be seen today.

Dinosaur Museum - Jurassic Coast

Dorchester is the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, represented in the town by the Dinosaur Museum.

Maiden Castle, Iron Age hill fort

Maiden Castle, one of the best preserved Iron Age hill forts in Europe overlooks the town.

Dorchester' Roman Town House Museum

The Roman Town House museum has recently had a makeover and should be on every visitor's to do list.

Judge Jeffreys - Bloody Assize in Dorchester.

The failed Monmouth Rebellion in 1685 led to the arrival of Judge Jeffreys and his infamous Bloody Assize.

Tolpuddle Martyrs tried in Old Crown Court

The trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs took place in the Old Crown Court in 1834.