Hotels & Accommodation in Dorchester

Dorchester Hotels

The birthplace of renowned English poet and author Thomas Hardy, Dorchester has a long and intricate history having been settled since the Iron Age. The elegant spires of church and clock tower loom over the peaceful streets of the city centre, where you can find all manner of shops and cafés. There’s also plenty to be discovered at the numerous local historic sites, as well as fascinating exhibitions. Scenic walks also weave through the town and its lush surrounding countryside.

Things to see

Simply taking a leisurely stroll through the town centre whilst browsing the odds and ends in local shops and fresh produce of the farmers’ market (stopping for the occasional drink and snack) can be an enjoyable and relaxing experience. The remains of Maiden Castle, the largest hill fort in Britain, are carved deep into the nearby hills, and are certainly worth a visit. From atop the grassy remains of this 4,000 year old fortified oval you can survey the colourful patchwork farmland that stretches out to the horizon. As well as the rich local history, the Tutankhamun Exhibition in the town itself provides a unique experience, letting you retrace the discoveries of Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon. You can explore accurate recreations of dusky tombs and atmospheric chambers, adorned with glittering golden coffins. The use of fragrant oils and delicate ointments help add further depth to the experience, too.

Hotels in Dorchester

Hotels in Dorchester come in a variety of forms, from warm, friendly bed and breakfasts to traditional country inns. There’s also business friendly accommodation for those visiting for work or meetings. Dorchester hotels are all quite centrally located, which means you’ll usually be within very reasonable distance to the town centre and other attractions. In addition to a tempting complimentary breakfast, you’ll find many hotels and guesthouses will also offer free parking for guests – perfect if you’re travelling by car. Free internet access is also usually available in public spaces, and some hotels will offer this service in your room.

Where to stay

For easy access to a number of local attractions, including the Tutankhamun Exhibition and Dorchester Museum, staying on either the East or West side of the High Street can be a good choice. There’s also a good range of accommodation options to cater for families, couples, or business travellers here. If you’re planning on visiting some other areas of Dorset too, then Cornwall Road lies close to both of the town’s train stations, as well as some pleasant local parkland. Visitors after peaceful seclusion can head to the Athelstan Road/King’s Road area, where you’ll find cosy accommodation away from the town centre.

How to get to Dorchester

International visitors will want to fly into one London’s airports initially, before catching a train to Dorchester South station from London Waterloo. There are also train services from Weymouth and Bristol that run to Dorchester’s second train station, Dorchester West. The town is also quite well connected by coach service via National Express. Local public transport and taxi services make getting around the town itself straightforward. You can walk to most attractions from the town centre, although a car can be very handy for visiting the greater Dorset area without worrying about public transport timetables or the cost of taxi services.