The Day the tanks came to Dorchester. The annual Armour & Embarkation showcase returned on Saturday 20th June 2026, bringing the town to life with an extraordinary collection of World War II vehicles and living history displays. More than just a spectacle, the day was a chance to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of… Read more »
Step Back in Time This June 2026 Saturday 20th June | 11am – 5:30pm | Brewery Square, Dorchester, DT1 1GH This highly important and spectacular event is back in Dorchester this summer, and it’s one you won’t want to miss if you’re looking for something truly memorable. Dorchester plays host once again to the annual… Read more »
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** Possible Lost Poem by Thomas Hardy Discovered in Dorchester Dorchester, Dorset – A remarkable and unexpected literary discovery has been made in Fordington, where a handwritten poem was recently found concealed within an old writing bureau. The document, believed to have been tucked away for decades, was uncovered during the clearing of… Read more »
Dorchester’s streets have never stood still. Long before modern shop signs, takeaway menus and café windows, these buildings watched generations pass through their doors. Each leaving behind a trace of life, trade and story. What we see today is just the latest chapter. Behind familiar shopfronts and social spaces lie stories of coaching inns, quiet… Read more »
Did you know that Dorchester has a chillingly spooky past? From gruesome hangings to ghostly tales that could keep you awake at night, our town is steeped in eerie history. Don’t believe us? Take it from some of our residents and visitors, with many people reporting sudden drops in temperature, sightings of mysterious figures and… Read more »
Shire Hall is a historic Grade I listed courthouse in the heart of Dorchester, Dorset, built in 1797 and famously known for the 1834 trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Now home to the Shire Hall Museum, the building invites visitors to explore the courtroom, original cells, and over 250 years of justice history through immersive… Read more »
Dorchester is more than just a historic county town; it’s a thriving market hub with roots stretching back to medieval England. Dorchester was granted its first market charter in 1305, and has long been a place where local farmers, traders, and artisans gathered to exchange goods, share news, and support the rural economy. Today, that… Read more »
The Festival of Archaeology comes to Dorset 19 July – 13 August 2025. Dorset Museum & Art Gallery is delighted to join a large group of organisations working together to create a wide and varied programme of events and activities for the Dorset Festival of Archaeology. This year’s Festival theme is Archaeology and Wellbeing. Archaeology… Read more »
With the recent run of sunshine blessing Dorset, now’s the perfect time to grab a picnic blanket, pack a few treats, and head outdoors. We’ve hand-picked nine of the best Dorchester picnic spots where you can make the most of the summer sun. — from riverside retreats to grand historical backdrops. Whether you’re after peace… Read more »
Dorchester’s literary roots run deep, but it’s not just the novels and poems that live on. The Dorset dialect, made famous by local poet William Barnes, still adds colour and character to everyday life. In this light-hearted blog, we explore some charming Dorset words you might still hear today—and a few that have almost vanished… Read more »
