Dorchester is a historic market town with a rich and diverse heritage. Many of Dorset’s museums are based here and Dorchester also has an interesting military history. From ancient forts to castles and many activities it is a unique place to visit. Based in the heart of Dorset, Dorchester is a stone’s throw from Bournemouth which has a great selection of nightlife and many of Dorset’s attractions including Monkey World and the Tank Museum and the nearby Dorset Jurassic Coast.

Dorchester has a cosmopolitan nightlife that is surprising for a small town. There are three well-established nightclubs and a few bars spread over different levels, each playing a different type of music. From indie to club classics. It doesn’t have the best selection of nightlife, however, there is more than enough to keep visitors entertained. Quite friendly locals make for a nice quiet evening.

The restaurants here are quite varied and there is promise in the location for a more secluded meal than in many Dorset towns. Pound for pound, here are some great restaurants that are reasonably priced and fit any budget. If it’s a specific type of cuisine you’re looking for in Dorchester and it’s not available, there are every type of restaurant you can imagine, from African to vegetarian, within a half hour’s drive of the city centre.

If it’s attractions you’re looking for, Dorchester is at the epicenter of most of Dorset’s big attractions and many of the smaller ones. The town of Weymouth is close by, with its prime location on the Dorset coast, as well as Bournemouth and Poole, all approximately half an hour’s drive away. Most of Dorset’s castles are within easy reach, almost all the museums are in Dorchester and it has a wide variety of other historic buildings. All in all, good value for money.

Again, just like the attractions, Dorchester is right in the center of many of Dorset’s best activities. From beautiful cottages and gardens to beautiful locations and zorbing in the hills, one of the craziest activities to come to these shores from New Zealand. So if you fancy flying downhill in a huge ball or going paragliding, Dorchester is the place to be.