Top Things to do in Dorchester
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10 Free Things to do in Dorchester That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Dorchester, United Kingdom including Maiden Castle, Romano-British House, Borough Gardens, St Michael’s Church, Dorchester Tourist Information Centre, Convivial Rabbit Micropub, Wardon Hill Trading Post, Thorncombe Woods Local Nature Reserve, Langham Wine Estate Vineyard, Barcleys bank.
Restaurants in Dorchester
1. Maiden Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 371 reviews
Reviewed By petersL830TM
Maiden Castle offers a brilliant free outing for anything from a spare half hour stroll to a half day exploring and picnicing. There is a large free car park and clearly marked and well maintained paths up to the remarkable three rampart and ditch system surrounding an extensive grassy plateau. The elevated position offers excellent views all round, including down to Dorchester and Poundbury, and the chalky subsoil drains fast so it is good for most weathers and dries out fast after rain. A natural delight for both adults and children.
2. Romano-British House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By K1857LUcatherinel
A well-designed structure protects the remains of this ancient building from the elements. It is tucked away behind County Hall and just above the river Frome. The house itself is down in a dip with benches and a grassy area to one side. Families could enjoy a picnic here, the grassy slopes are very inviting and the enclosed space makes it safe for little children. It is accessible for disabled visitors but not the easiest if you're pushing a wheelchair. Information boards explain its history and excavation. The mosaics are truly superb, beautifully presented and preserved. Unbelievably this place is free! Combine it with a walk alongside the notable chalk-bedded river. Perfect for dog-owners and bird-watchers alike.
3. Borough Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By Paulmcvey - Peterborough, United Kingdom
An oasis of paradise away from the current madness in the world with Covid 19. It was a nice pleasant walk through each day to the high street from where i was staying. The Gardens include a traditional Bandstand, clock tower and fountains along with beautiful flower area and modern facilities include a children play area along with Gym equipment. This place is well worth a visit and you can lose yourself in time at this location.
4. St Michael’s Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Maxinecarter100
Stinsford is a pretty little village just next to Kingston Maurward. The church is very pretty and not overly restored. Thomas Hardy's heart is buried within the cemetery. Worth a visit
5. Dorchester Tourist Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By cherriesfan_9 - Cheltenham, United Kingdom
One of the most helpful and enthusiastic TIC I have ever come across.Keen to show (even in the winter months) just how much Dorchester has to offer the visitor. I certainly recommend visiting the TIC (it is in part of the Library), before looking around - ity gives a great insight into the Roman / Ancient Briton sites and Hardy's Casterbridge.
6. Convivial Rabbit Micropub
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
A simple independent bar focussing on ever-changing real ale from the cask plus local food and drinks including ciders, wine, gins and bar snacks. A rustic and cosy place for drinks and banter with old and new friends. Folk music meeting every Sunday evening plus occasional live music performances.
7. Wardon Hill Trading Post
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Antiques, Vintage, Collectable, Craft and so much more.. Over 60 traders under one roof. Garden Centre and Cafe with plenty of free parking on site. Open Mon - Sat 9-5 / Sun 9-4. A37 Dorchester - Yeovil DT2 9PW.
Reviewed By allans928 - Yeovil, United Kingdom
A very interesting place to visit with Antiques and collectibles to suit every purse, also a very good cafe with a vast menu to choose from
8. Thorncombe Woods Local Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Owned and managed by the Dorset Council's Countryside team, this magical pocket of mixed woodland and heath is home to a great diversity of trees including mature Oaks, Sweet Chestnut and Beech. The woodland gives way to Black Heath, an area of heather and gorse with its own herd of Dartmoor ponies. Rushy Pond is a small watering hole for many birds, mammals,damselflies and dragonflies. Running through the site is a well preserved Roman road, which is designated as an Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Reviewed By Dozzle63
Lovely place for a walk, it will be chestnut picking time soon,but it can be hard to park at weekends.
9. Langham Wine Estate Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Wine Estate. Single site vineyard based just outside Dorchester in Dorset with winery, cafe, tasting room and shop on site selling sparkling wine and tours.
Reviewed By FoodieStephie
I would highly recommend making a trip to this vineyard. We went as a group of five 21-26 year olds to do a self-guided tour of the vineyard before a tasting. It was lovely to have the time to walk through the vineyard at our own pace with an information sheet telling us about the grapes. We then sat down for the tasting. Emma, who talked us through the three sparkling wines we sampled, is an excellent speaker. She managed to talk about wine in a totally unpretentious and incredibly informative way. Our group had different levels of prior knowledge about wine but we all felt engaged during the tasting. It was one of the highlights of our holiday in Dorset. And of course the wine tastes excellent too! We bought a bottle of each of the ones we had tasted.
10. Barcleys bank
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By neilherbert45 - Dorchester, United Kingdom
This happens to be my local Barclays Bank, situated in South Street in Dorchester, but is also the setting for the mayors house in Thomas Hardy's book "The Mayor of Casterbridge"
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