Steeped in history and surrounded by lush rolling countryside, Dorchester is Dorset’s splendid county town. Once a successful Roman settlement, the attractive market town now bustles with history buffs and holidaymakers.
It’s also the perfect base for exploring south Dorset and is just eight miles from the sandy stretches of Weymouth’s coast.
DAY 1
10am Roman rooms Kick off a packed day of discovering Dorchester’s history with a trip to the Roman Town House. This ancient site was once part of the Roman settlement of Durnovaria and is still home to mosaics, hypocausts and excavated rooms.
Then, if you wander just across the road, you’ll see Hangman’s Cottage, a surprisingly pretty 13th-century house that is supposed to have been the home of the Bloody Assizes executioner.
Here you’ll also encounter the charming River Frome and you can trace the scenic footpath right into the town centre.
dorsetmuseum.org/romantownhouse britishlistedbuildings.co.uk
12pm Just keep walking Housed in an imposing Norman-inspired fortress, The Keep Military Museum offers fascinating insights into the history of Dorchester and beyond. The artefacts and exhibitions span the centuries, and visitors can also enjoy a superb bird’s eye view across the town and its surrounding countryside from the roof of the barracks. Adult tickets £7.50, children £3.
keepmilitarymuseum.org
2pm Lunch break Further along the charming high street, you’ll find The Posh Partridge Café.
This family-run, dog-friendly restaurant serves an excellent menu, including breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, all homemade using locally sourced ingredients.
theposhpartridge.com
4pm Ancient mysteries In the heart of the town, you can step even further back in time at the Maumbury Rings. This mysterious monument has served many purposes, as a Neolithic henge, a Roman amphitheatre and a Civil War artillery fort.
Stroll around the circular earthwork and learn about the 5000-year lifespan of the site. If you’re there during the summer, make sure you also check out HengeFest, an entertaining, family-friendly day of events and live performances.
discoverdorchester.co.uk
6pm Dine à la carte With a mouthwatering menu of Italian dishes, Al Molo restaurant is the perfect spot for a leisurely dinner. Housed in a 17th-century building, the award-winning eatery offers patrons an extensive à la carte selection, a three-course set dinne
