Top Things to do in Dorchester
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What to do and see in Dorchester, England: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in Dorchester, United Kingdom including Victorian Post Box, Clay Pigeon Raceway, Maiden Castle, Hardy's Cottage, Athelhampton House and Gardens, Max Gate, St Michael’s Church, Barcleys bank, William Barnes Statue, Hardy's Monument.
Restaurants in Dorchester
1. Victorian Post Box
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Clay Pigeon Raceway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Clay Pigeon Raceway is one of the UK's leading Kart Circuits, set in the Dorset Countryside, a short drive from Dorchester and Yeovil, and the place where it all began for Jenson Button. We are a professional kart racing centre, and home to a high quality 815m circuit. Here at Clay Pigeon we regularly host British and National Championship race meetings.
3. 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.
4. Hardy's Cottage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 561 reviews
Reviewed By Alan0566 - Wiltshire, United Kingdom
Had a lovely trip around hardy’s cottage this week it starts with a nice stroll though the woods from the visitor centre to the cottage we then walk through the garden to get into the cottage from there the knowledgeable staff give a fascinating insight to hardy’s early life in mid 1800’s Dorset
5. Athelhampton House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 755 reviews
Athelhampton House is one of England's finest Tudor Manor Houses. Dating from 1485, the Great Hall is a fine example of domestic Tudor architecture, the house has many interesting rooms, filled with antique furnishings and art. The Gardens remodelled in 1891 surround the House, with many 'compartments' built with Ham stone, each with a different style or theme, each with a water feature of a pond or fountain. The Great Court features the 12 world famous giant yew tree pyramids. The House and Gardens are protected by a Grade 1 listing, and are well maintained to protect for future generations. An excellent visitor centre with restaurant, tea room, gift shop and plant sales area complete the attraction. Enjoy a great Lunch or afternoon tea. See our website for special offers.
Reviewed By Li33iet
We had a fantastic day out at Athelhampton House & Gardens. The house was a complete joy to explore and still retains a lived in feel with masses of history. The visit was very relaxed, we were able to come and go as we pleased , breaking off for a superb lunch in the restaurant before returning to the house. The gardens were beautiful, a delight to explore with plenty of places to sit and rest or take in the views. All staff were very friendly and welcoming and knowledgeable about the property and it’s history. Little touches such as being able to borrow a guide book while touring the house and gardens and being invited to sit on the chairs while exploring the house were exceptional. Returning to the restaurant for superb tea and cake rounded off a perfect day. Would happily revisit when next in the area.
6. Max Gate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 325 reviews
Reviewed By U5296PJdavidk - Worthing, United Kingdom
After a horrendous journey by train to get to Max Gate , 20 mins walk from town of Dorchester ,Dorset i well recommend Thomas Hardy's house . National Trust owned , Non members to pay to get in £8:30 per adult (Jan 2020 prices) The staff make you very welcome and there was a brilliant guide book which has been written by a member of the house tells you all you need to know about Max Gate . You start off downstairs next to the Drawing room and as you go round you feel the presence of Hardy himself, and his famous guests as well . Everything is in situ and as you make your way upstairs you come to his third study study room where he used to write and look out onto the garden ,You will also see the attic room where his wife Emma had her privacy . His master bedroom was very neat and tidy ..And even had a mock cooked breakfast on the bed ! Downstairs was a small kitchen area where you could make yourself a cup of tea & enjoy a slice of cake where you pay a donation and also the toilets . Outside the garden was lovely , Large , Plenty of lawn and plenty of flowers i imagine coming out in the summer , Look out for the second hand book shop and his pet cemetery .
7. 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
8. 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"
9. William Barnes Statue
10. Hardy's Monument
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By 619CarolP - Fleet, United Kingdom
This is a great place to visit just for the view. It is worth the drive up from the coast road. In the Spring there are carpets of bluebells. On a rough day you will get blown about as it gets very windy up here ! I have never climbed to the top of the Monument as there are too many steps and I am getting too old. ! There is an interesting information board about Admiral Hardy who served with Nelson at the battle of Trafalger. There are plenty of tracks to walk and you might be lucky enough to see the Belted Galloway cows. Beautiful animals who like having their photos taken as long as you don't get too close. It's what I call a "food for the soul" place. Well worth a detour for an hour if you are passing the area.
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