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The 10 best churches in Dorchester
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedFeb 20, 2025
Updated • updatedFeb 20, 2025
Many of us love traveling on the Wanderlog team, so naturally we’re always on the hunt to find the most popular spots anytime we travel somewhere new. With favorites like St Peter's Church, Dorchester, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Dorchester, and Dorchester Baptist Church and more, get ready to experience the best places in Dorchester.
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Anglican church
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St. Peter's Church in Dorchester, built in 1879, is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture set on a picturesque hillside. The interior boasts a richly decorated chancel and elaborate flourishes on its high ceiling. This inclusive Anglican church welcomes all visitors for prayer and quiet reflection, offering morning services throughout the week.
St Peter’s is an open and inclusive worshipping community where all are welcome. This town centre church is open daily for prayer and quiet reflection and is a centre of peaceful stillness appreciated by visitors and locals alike.
Morning prayer is held in the Hardye Chapel on Monday and Thursday mornings at 9.00am and on a Sunday morning there are two main services – an earlier, quiet more devotional spoken service at 9.00am based on the Book of Common Prayer and at 10.30am the Sung Eucharist with a full and excellent choir. There is also a weekday communion on Thursday mornings.
The liturgy and worship at St Peter’s are formal but the atmosphere informal; we seek to be a place where all can explore and deepen their spirituality and relationship with God in a safe and nurturing environment. There is a regular monthly theology discussion group. The Church itself is a beautiful medieval building with rich historical associations with the town and individuals such as Rev. John White and Thomas Hardye.
Georgia S — Google review
Beautiful inside, amazing gargoyles outside and fabulous heads inside. Stunning actually.
Warm, inclusive broad Anglican church. Midweek services are quiet and contemplative, but festal liturgy and music is to a very high standard indeed.
Architecturally fairly interesting, and with some important tomb-sculptures, but unattractively set next to the main road through the town. Worth popping your head in if you're passing, but not worth a detour.
Beautiful. Amazing gargoyles and architecture. Stained stones, very photogenic. Cool place. Open to the public
Well worth a visit. Especially as just next door to the excellent Dorset Museum.
Plus, no one seems to mention the Michael Caine gargoyle effigy on the left of the door arch... ;)
Peaceful ..warm (so unusual for a church!) Beautifully maintained
Beautiful church.. Including the pair of pigeons in roof singing with the hymns. Perfect.
26 High E St, Dorchester, DT1 1EZ, United Kingdom•
Catholic church
Religious destination
Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dorchester is a charming oblong structure with a nave supported by arches and an aisle to the south. The chancel, separated from the aisle by rails, sits in the middle. Despite its modest size and age, it exudes warmth and friendliness. Visitors praise the parish priest, altar servers, and the welcoming community. Many appreciate its historic charm and peaceful atmosphere during services or visits for special occasions.
Sunday services at 8.30 and 10.30. Lovely community
Artur ( — Google review
A wonderfully friendly church.
The parish priest and altar servers are a treat...
You really feel like you have been to mass when you have celebrated it here.
God Bless all concerned.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Love this place!! So peaceful. I wish it could be open in daytime ,like the churches back in my country
A warm welcome I had
Great ambience
I absolutely love this church the farther of the church is amazing,the reason I’m giving four stars is because it’s a church and should be open 365 days a year!
Beautiful historic church with a very warm welcome to friends and family at a relatives funeral.
I love visiting historic churches. They are awesome and beautiful built to last and a far cry from the tacky buildings of today.
Beautiful mass and very friendly parisioners
High W St, Dorchester, DT1 1UP, United Kingdom•
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Baptist church
Church
Conference center
Dorchester Baptist Church is a welcoming place that hosts various events and meetings, providing support and information for different groups of people. The church offers a spacious and well-equipped venue for gatherings such as memorial services, literary festivals, courses, and activities for all age groups. Visitors appreciate the caring and sensitive atmosphere during events, as well as the minister's availability to offer personal attention. The church is highly recommended for its facilities and accommodating nature.
We recently held a celebration of life service at the Dorford Centre for my late dad & the staff could not have been more kind & helpful, both before the service & on the day.
Melissa W — Google review
Had a meeting there in one off their meeting rooms. Nice, clean room and staff helpful in where to go. Small car park outside but recommend main car park across the road.
We have been here 4 or 5 times in the last 2 years and this is the first time we have heard the minister preach. He was very good. His sermon on Jonah was a revelation. The pianist/singer was very talented but only sang one song that we knew. They have children's activities.
I went to a memorial. It could'nt have been more caring, sensitive and well done. The acoustics came across clearly and at a good volume, it is a spacious place too with easy access to the facilities. Everybody involved was extremely kind and thoughtful, I'm very grateful.
I attended a meeting hosted by C.U.P.I.D for Stoma patient's which was very informative. There was approximately 35 in attendance with advice and really good support information for all to benefit, coffee and tea was provided. I would recommend this type of meeting to those in support of Stoma patients as well. Very good location. Regards Terry and Sue 👍
Went there with a friend with her grandchildren. Lots of entertainment for them. 2 donkey s as well because of Easter. Lovely, friendly staff
Always wonder place to visit for babies toddlers teenagers all the way up to elderly would highly recommend it for activities and choose as well as rooms to hire uh for public or private. :-) 4.8 would give It 5 but only the Lord God Almighty has full marks. 😊❤️✝️
Flexible range of rooms for group activities, including talks and presentations. Support staff are great too!
2 Bridport Rd, Dorchester, DT1 1RR, United Kingdom•
Anglican church
St George's Church in Dorchester is a 15th-century church with recent updates and available parking. It houses a remarkable treasure - a Roman stone engraved on Purbeck marble, which is the earliest known inscription in the county. The picturesque traditional English setting of the stone church and its neighboring buildings make it a must-visit on any walking tour of Dorchester. Additionally, it serves as an excellent local facility for various community events, offering amenities such as kitchen, toilets, and parking.
Very attractive stone church and neighbouring buildings. This is a picturesque traditional English setting that is a must visit on any serious walking tour of Dorchester.
Duncan W — Google review
I visited the church as I had many ancestors who were christened and married here.
A 15th C church, but has been updated in recent years. Parking is available behind the church.
This church has a great treasure, a Roman stone, a block of Purbeck marble, engraved and the earliest inscription known in the county. A tribute to a Roman husband and father exiled in Britain from his family.
Vicar Rev Henry Moule was the architect of extension work carried out in 1833 while some rebuilding and extension occurred in 1907 to the designs of Jem Feacy.
I guess I expected to feel a connection with this church, but I personally I felt something was missing.
This is a fab church. I am not overly religious, but the atmosphere inside the building is welcoming. The parishioners are generally polite and helpful. I certainly enjoy taking a little quiet time on occasions inside this church..
Thank you to all.who keep.rhebchurchbin good order.
The Annual St George's fair held on the nearest Saturday to the 23rd April is well worth a visit. A friendly welcoming church.
Great hall to use for children's parties
Excellent local facility for the community to use for public, family and community events. Kitchen, toilets, good sized hall and parking!
Beautiful facility. Hall and kitchen were immaculate. We had a wonderful party
Thankyou for choosing Steve Bane Fabrics to do the curtains and blinds! I hope you like them!
St. Georges Vicarage/High St, High Street Fordington, Dorchester DT1 1LB, United Kingdom•
Anglican church
St Mary's Church in Dorchester is a stunning high Anglican church known for its beautiful architecture and warm, welcoming atmosphere. The Arts and Crafts Gothic building by CE Ponting is carefully maintained and offers a liberal high Anglican fellowship with good music and liturgy. The church has fantastic acoustics, making it a popular venue for live music events. With its tall vaulted ceiling and capacity for 200 or more, the church provides a wonderful setting for concerts.
Fabulous high Anglican church, with very tall vaulted ceiling, huge inside. Indeed, I was there to see live music. Capacity for 200 or more as a venue and the acoustics were really great. I look forward to returning during the daytime to look around soon.
Jim P — Google review
Beautiful church. Attended for a concert and the acoustics are fantastic.
If you like churches this is a beauty. Carefully looked after and well maintained. Do not miss it.
It was a shame about the vocal 🎤 for announcements which was really badly set up.
The words could have been about departures on platform 7 for all we knew Sounded like they had borrowed it from a station . But this was the only detracting from a wonderful event.
Well done once again Bournemouth and District concert band on a great gig at yet another superb venue.
Do be aware of the parking restrictions locally. They are a bit eccentric due to the proximity of the hospital. Different Roads with different rules which made me nervous about parking.
Check the signs carefully to avoid nasty surprises.
Warm, liberal high Anglican fellowship. Good music and liturgy. Lovely Arts and Crafts Gothic building by CE Ponting (1912). Good place to worship if you're in Dorchester, and well worth a visit for the architecture alone.
I'm not a massive church fan.But I'm so glad that we went in to visit this fantastic building.
Beautiful church! I got married here, by the lovely Canon Thomas. It could not have been any better, loved every minute.
One of three Church of England churches in Dorchester. Worship in the Anglo-Catholic tradition. Very friendly and welcoming.
Parish Church serving west Dorcester. Fine interior and very good modern Collins organ
Lovely church in Dorchester, acoustics were amazing for a concert
15 Edward Rd, Dorchester, DT1 2HJ, United Kingdom•
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Church
The United Church in Dorchester, Dorset is conveniently located at the Southern end of South Street with an additional rear entrance on Charles Street. The church boasts a prime town center position and excellent facilities, making it a popular choice for various events such as charity sales and blood donation drives. Visitors appreciate the clean and tidy environment maintained by the dedicated users of the venue. Additionally, its spacious kitchen and easy accessibility make it an ideal space for activities like singing sessions and social gatherings.
The United Church, Dorchester is located at the Southern end of South Street, Dorchester, Dorset and is also accessible by the rear entrance at 49/51 Charles Street, (opposite the Library).
It is important to note if calling emergency vehicles as there is both a front and rear entrance the correct address and Post Code is specified.
South Street, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1BY (front entrance)
49/51 Charles Street, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EE (rear entrance)
Use the Google Map below to find us and get directions by entering your 'start address' and clicking 'Get Directions'
The front entrance in South Street is pedestrianised. The rear entrance (which includes the entrance to the Church Shop and Coffee Shop) is adjacent to Charles Street Car Park via Acland Road, which if traveling by car offers the best parking solution. There is both a shopping arcade and an alleyway that links the car park through to South Street.
Special pre-arrangements can be made for vehicular access to the pedestrianised area at the front entrance of the church should anyone with mobilty limitations require it.
Georgia S — Google review
Warm, friendly URC/Methodist fellowship. Good music and preaching, excellent AV, well cared-for building. A good place to worship!
Attend functions here regularly as well as the occasional service. A welcoming and friendly place
I love coming here for singing with some nice facilities a big kitchen for coffee and easy access
I was helping to set up a stall for a sale in aid of charity tomorrow. It has an excellent town centre position and very good facilities.
I visited United Church every few months to give blood. The venue is always clean and tidy thanks to the efforts of those who use it!
A place of warm fellowship right in the centre of town.
Warm, and has good facilities.
29 South St, Dorchester, DT1 1BY, United Kingdom•
Church
All Saints' Church is a spacious building located at the western end of the parish. It appears to be relatively modern, featuring a nave supported by eight pillars and a similarly sized North aisle. The tower, although low, is believed to have been reconstructed after a fire in 1613 that likely destroyed the original church. Inside the tower are three bells, adding to the historical charm of this place of worship.
One small beautiful church.
Zee ( — Google review
Atmospheric place, but it's a pity that everything was closed. All doors were closed.
4.9
(20)
4.5
(20)
Anglican church
Sights & Landmarks
Churches & Cathedrals
St Michael's Church is a charming place of worship that warmly welcomes visitors to explore its premises during specified hours. The churchyard houses the burial site of renowned poet Thomas Hardy, where his heart was laid to rest. Additionally, nearby lie the residences that once sheltered him. This picturesque Anglican church also boasts the distinction of possessing the oldest surviving stained glass window from the 25th century.
Burial place of the Hardy family (Thomas Hardy's heart is here) along with Cecil Day Lewis
Tom ( — Google review
Beautiful. Burial spot of Thomas Hardy (his heart at least) and oldest surviving stained glass window from the 25th century.
Love the stained glass window dedicated to Thomas Hardy - the rainbow was especially well done
Thomas Hardy and family are here. Well, his heart is here, otherwise his body is in Westminster Abbey.
Wonderful church
Lovely church , any one welcome to go inside and look round between certain hours.
In the grave yard is where the poet Thomas Hardys heart was buried ,and not far from there are both homes he lived at.
Very pretty church and village Thomas Hardy heart buried here
Lovely community church in a beautiful location.
3 Church Ln, Stinsford, Dorchester DT2 8PT, United Kingdom•
4.9
(12)
Church
Saxon solitude sheltered by Oak 'ents' straight from the pages of Tolkien. Donate if You visit to help preserve these special places.
Nivek D — Google review
Fantastic little community church. Bring donations to help keep this place open for all.
Lovely historic church. The wall paintings are interesting.
Beatifully cared for church in a stunning rural location.
Great little church passed many times
Beautiful little church in a field.
4.0
(10)
Episcopal church
St Peter's Church is a charming and intimate place of worship with a welcoming community. Visitors can expect to find a serene and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for quiet reflection. It's known for its friendly congregation and as a place where the truth is shared in an uplifting manner.
Lovely little church. Friendly congregation.
Shawn B — Google review
Always good to hear the truth amen.
Clean quiet reflective place
Cute church in cute village
Beautiful parish church
Loved it!
West Knighton, Dorchester, DT2 8PF, United Kingdom•
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