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4-Day Dorchester Itinerary
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Dorchester in 4 days
If you only have 4 days to spend in Dorchester, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
With favorites like Shire Hall Museum, The King and Thai Restaurant, and Luciano's (Dorchester), we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like Al Molo-Dorchester and Luciano's (Dorchester) so you can get the best taste of Dorchester while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Dorchester?
Visiting Dorchester? See our Dorchester Trip Planner.
Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
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Table of contents
Day 1
Most popular attractions
For day 1, we strategically grouped the most popular attraction, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, with surrounding point of interests to start your trip off with a bang. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 8 hours of your day.
1
Liam D — Google reviewRobbob T — Google reviewAndrew B — Google reviewPolarccc — Google reviewMike F — Google reviewJon R — Google reviewJohn S — Google review
Plaza Cinema Dorchester
4.8
(2645)
Movie theater
Plaza Cinema Dorchester is a charming 1933 picture house with four screens, including options for 3D films. The cinema offers spacious seating with ample legroom and a clean, friendly atmosphere. Following a modern renovation, it provides an excellent budget-friendly option for catching the latest movies compared to larger chains in the area. Visitors appreciate the affordable ticket prices and enjoy the themed decor, comfortable seats, and good food and drink options.
Beautiful old historic Cinema. They managed through the years to keep prices down and only just raised them.
Staff are welcoming and warm. Easy to book online and compared to other Cinemas very good price.
I've been coming here for years with my kids. Cinemas ranged from small to big rooms. Comfortable and pletty of leg room. Pletty of snacks available. Good alot of toilets too.
Hug D — Google review
I'd not been here for decades and what a nice surprise! Comfortable leather seats, really well staffed, great selection of food and drink and super cheap too. Audio and video quality was just as good as others locally and much cheaper here too
Might as well review this place while I endure the adverts, waiting for Mission Impossible to start.
Great cinema in Dorchester with comfy learher style seating. Plenty of leg room and vision experience (even if some lanky chap is sat in the seat infront).
Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages are available with the obligatory pop corn. Other snacks are also sold.
Aircon and superb sound system (a little too loud for my delicate ears).
Entrance and ticket office isn't that roomy, so be prepared to queue outside when the films are busy.
As of May 2025, all tickets are a fiver!! Staff are lovely and welcoming. Booking online is also an option. In a nutshell, as my film is about to start, its a fab cinema!!
A lovely small cinema with a really welcoming feel. The seats are very comfortable and the screenings aren’t overcrowded, which makes for a much more relaxed experience. I wasn’t expecting the audio-visual quality to be as good as it is – it really exceeded my expectations. It’s a great place to take children, offering a different experience to the big multiplexes, and in many ways, a better one. A real gem in Dorchester.
Excellent, budget friendly cinema. Always plenty of films on offer, however lots of the big blockbuster films can get booked up quickly, that's why online booking is usually essential. There are 4 screens, 2 are very small (half the size of the ones at the Odeon down the road) and the others are of a standard size however those are mostly reserved for 'supportive environment' or subtitled screenings. Chairs are comfortable and have enough leg room. Again, food is overpriced but again that's to be expected. Screen is just the right size and the surround sound isn't too overpowering. Would recommend.
Smaller than Odeon, and decor highlighting past glories rather than what's coming soon. Rather old-fashioned, but none the worse for it. Seats seriously comfortable, and legroom best I've had in years. Car park barely 150yds away, so convenient.
As the other reviews say, this is great value, better still since it was recently refurbished.
Not sure why there is the necessity to show the booking fee separately when booking online. Suddenly that 'great value' cinema doesn't seem so great when 29% is added to the ticket price! And why do you need to charge 5 booking fees for one transaction?
Don't let this put you off though, it's still just over a fiver for a ticket.
Lovely cinema. Beautiful art deco style building. Felt like the old days cinema experience.
31-32 Trinity St, Dorchester, DT1 1TT, United Kingdom•
3 min · 0.14 mi
2•Patrick A — Google reviewWarren H — Google reviewPenny S — Google reviewMike F — Google reviewP_Addler — Google reviewJane J — Google reviewPen 9 — Google review
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
4.5
(1248)
4.5
(575)
Museum
Art gallery
Art museum
Heritage museum
The Dorset Museum & Art Gallery in Dorchester is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. It boasts an impressive collection of Iron Age artifacts from Maiden Castle, local fossils, and a significant assortment of Thomas Hardy's effects. The museum offers diverse galleries covering archaeology, art, and history. Visitors can explore the largest Thomas Hardy memorabilia collection globally, generously bequeathed by his second wife Florence Hardy.
A fantastic evening Jane Austin event with a four course meal & museum tour cost £40.
Optional Drinks flight £35. Petit four & coffee extra.
We were both very surprised at the size of the museum., which had a large range of different artifacts and pieces of art.
Gainsborough, Elizabeth Frink 😮. Mosaics, axes etc .
The Jane Austin area was compact but interesting also had 2 areas for trying on costumes which everyone seemed to have a laugh & enjoy.
We spend a good hour on our museum tour but only really scratched the surface as so much to see & read.
Our tour guide was lovely, passionate & very informative.
The food for the evening was amazing 😋.
Staff were all very personable and professional.
There are more events like this later in the year and We would highly recommend them.
Julie S — Google review
This is a very impressive local museum with many top quality display areas but, for me, the visit was spoiled by the arcane charging system. We live 170 miles from Dorchester and were visiting solely to see the museum's current entertaining and informative Jane Austen exhibition. At the cash desk, I was frankly shocked to find that this would cost us £15 each. As avid museum visitors, we found such a charge for a local museum, albeit a rather good one, pretty extraordinary. I was already feeling grumpy when the very pleasant young woman at the till insisted that I must give my full name and email before I could have a ticket. I suggested that it was very unusual for museums to demand personal details before selling a ticket but she explained, very politely, that she could not issue a ticket without these. This left me totally bemused until I later received an email with a link allowing me to claim an annual museum pass. Neither of us had seen any obvious indication at the desk that even the casual visitor had to buy an annual pass to get in, and this was not explained by the assistant. Living so far away, we would certainly not be visiting again within a year and, in my opinion and based on my experience of local museums, £15 is an eyewateringly high price for a single entry. The most liberal local authorities offer free entry, as does my home town of Bedford to its equally impressive Higgins museum and gallery. Some charge £3 to £6 or £7. I would associate £15 with a major collection, which, lovely though it is, this is not
Being a history lover (weirdly it bored me at school 55-60yrs ago) I enjoyed my couple of hours here , especially the Roman mosaics, Victorian hall and the library. The building itself is also worth a second look especially the windows. The cafe looked nice but I didn't use it so can't comment , likewise the toilets.
Spent the day in Dorchester and explored the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery - truly fantastic! This museum is one of the best we've visited, with four floors of surprises around every corner…
What a fantastic place!! There is so much to see, from the prehistoric Dorset coast to Thomas Hardy connections. We were interested in the travelling Gladiators in Britain exhibition which was brilliant. Make sure you allow plenty of time to look round but the ticket does allow you to go back within 12 months.
Very disappointed that it closes at 17:00 hours yet at 16:10 they refused to let me enter because I was 10 minutes late and they needed to close the rooms. Also the cafe doors were locked. So you don’t close at 5:00, you close as soon as the last person leaves as long as it is before closure time. The woman just said come back tomorrow. I won’t bother!! Be aware that traffic getting in to and out of Dorchester is horrendous. I saw the beautiful church next door and got to wander around the local shops. Everyone else I met was friendly and helpful. Shame.
Great museum, lots of Jurassic coast fossils and sea dinosaurs. A fantastic collection of archaeological finds from local locations, Bronze and Iron Age, Roman and Medieval. Human skeletons and fascinating local history including Roman mosaics, funny phalluses and a hoard of Roman coins. Enjoyed the art gallery too especially the Alfred Wallis paintings.
Ticket is valid for a year.
Staff friendly & knowledgeable We were directed to exactly the section we were most interested in - Thomas Hardy.
Fabulous collection, wish we had more time
High W St, Dorchester, DT1 1XA, United Kingdom•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
10 min · 0.49 mi
3Paul B — Google reviewAlex S — Google reviewReverentwolf M — Google reviewAndrew F — Google reviewLee R — Google reviewGraham V — Google reviewMatt 3 — Google review
Dorchester Market & Carboot
4.1
(1137)
Market
Dorchester Market & Carboot is a vibrant hub of local culture and commerce in Dorset. The monthly farmers market on South Street offers an array of farm-fresh produce, from vegetables to cheese and bread. Meanwhile, the weekly Wednesday market boasts a wide range of goods, including local produce, clothing, hot food, and flowers. Visitors can also find unique items like vintage books and toys while interacting with friendly vendors.
I love the market it's so friendly and you can sit and have a chat with the burger Van man who's always chirpy and perky. But the bargains you can get. So if you want a good day out then go to the market on a Wednesday and you will see and it's like something else.
OMG today the 2nd July 2025 it was packed and full of people off holiday coaches, I couldn't move jam packed but managed to get my items.
Katie M — Google review
A busy market with plenty of choice. Plenty of parking and toilet facilities are available.
Close to Vivo Lounge.
One of the best markets I've been to. SO MANY lovely stalls and great prices.
Went to the Sunday car boot was a reasonable size and although we didn't get much there was plenty there to browse through. Will be going back to check it out on a weds as well
Good local market, plenty of fish. meat and veg alongside fabric clothes and bric a brac. Difficult parking due to number of visitors.
Very small now compared to what it used to be. Even the indoor part has shrunk abit. Market cafe great for food.
Variety of stalls, Easy parking ease of entrance. Near to the town what more could you want? Public loos as well
Not the best poor lay out not many stalls indoor area is just a bunch of old plates wouldn't rush back
6 Weymouth Ave, Dorchester, DT1 1QS, United Kingdom•
5 min · 0.25 mi
4•May W — Google reviewHug D — Google reviewPaul A — Google reviewAdam T — Google reviewNicky M — Google reviewSOPHIE J — Google reviewJudy B — Google review
Borough Gardens
4.7
(1465)
4.5
(105)
Garden
Nature & Parks
Borough Gardens in Dorchester is a beautifully maintained Victorian park with various attractions for visitors. It features a restored bandstand, an Edwardian Baroque clock tower, fountains, outdoor gym, and enclosed play area for kids. The gardens also offer tennis courts and host events like food festivals and live music concerts during warmer months. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll or grab ice cream from the kiosk.
Well the number of times i have pasted this place looking down from the train. Well I finally got round to having a little Wanda around d what can only be described as a gorgeous well looked after little Victorian Garden. It has the Gorgeous Clock 🤩 (Definitely shows Weymouth's seafront one needs a paint). The sweet little Bandstand and the very gorgeous and slightly tucked away water fountain are all very looked after. With plenty of grassed area for sitting and paths and benches and the plentiful history. I can see why this place gets packed out sometimes. Definitely Worth a look if you are in Dorchester and a decent little place to have your take out lunch or just 15 mins you time to watch the world tick by.
Joe S — Google review
The small garden is beautiful, but the drought appears to be affecting it—some plants are struggling, and the grass has turned yellow. Still, it remains a pleasant place for a walk
A peaceful place for the family, good for picnics, has a play ground for children, toilets, bandstand, cafe and a tennis court. Very well maintained park. Beautiful colours of the flower beds. Massive clock near the middle by bandstand.
Fantastic area for a walk or picnic. Good play park for the children and very well kept gardens. Lovely.
Great central park with play equipment for all ages as well as open grass areas with seating. Public toilets located in the park are convenient and clean.
Visited on a day trip to Dorchester. Delightful park, with fountain, bandstand, clock tower, playground, coffee shop and toilets, and the most beautiful flower displays. Very impressed.
Lovely walk through these Immaculate gardens.
A hidden little treasure just a few minutes walk from the main high street.
It's worth a visit .
Beautiful gardens. A gem in the middle of Dorchester. Play areas for children are good too. A small kiosk sells drinks, ice creams, etc. The gardens always look beautiful and are well kept by the parks staff.
Cornwall Rd, Dorchester, DT1 1RG, United Kingdom•
11 min · 0.55 mi
5•Robert D — Google reviewGrace W — Google reviewLisa T — Google reviewPauline S — Google reviewMartin R — Google reviewJenny T — Google reviewJim P — Google review
Dorchester Curiosity Centre
4.4
(864)
4.0
(64)
Antique store
Shopping
Antique furniture store
Chinaware store
The Dorchester Curiosity Centre, located in the Old Bus Depot on the Grove Trading Estate, is a popular spot for antique enthusiasts and up-cycling fans. With 90 traders under one roof, this treasure trove offers a wide range of curiosities to explore. Visitors can easily spend hours browsing through the diverse collection and are often pleasantly surprised by the reasonable prices. The center also features a charming cafe, making it an ideal place to relax and refuel during your visit.
So much to browse and the prices are affordable. If you are looking for something different or vintage you can find it here and then sit down and enjoy a cuppa and fabulous cake in their cafe. We loved it
Linda K — Google review
One of favourite places to wander whilst in Dorchester. We have bagged many a bargain and enjoyed looking at all of the displays. Staff really friendly and helpful.
Dorchester Curiosity Centre is a wonderful destination if you’re looking for furniture or antiques. It’s absolutely huge, so you’ll need plenty of time to explore — easily two to three hours if you want to see everything. This is a fantastic place to find great bargains; prices are lower than buying new, though not quite as low as charity shop prices. The variety is impressive, with plenty of beautiful and unique pieces, from cupboards and couches to beds, mirrors, and more. A treasure trove for anyone who loves browsing for distinctive home items. Highly recommended for a leisurely visit.
There’s also a cosy coffee shop inside, serving coffee, tea, cakes, and light bites — perfect for a break in between your browsing. Plenty of parking is available nearby. It’s a delightful place to visit if you have a curious eye and enjoy discovering unique and interesting finds.
Staff so friendly and helpful. So many unique items I need a bigger house. The cafe is brilliant the Chef produces fresh home cooked food. French Onion soup is lush. Home baked cakes are the next level.
So much to see, and buy! You can't come away without buying something. Staff and really helpful and friendly. Also, good coffee and cakes in the cafe.
A large antiques and collectibles centre inside what used to be a bus depot. A good range of things to look, tiny and large, at all prices. Worth a visit, especially on a rainy day.
Love this place. Always something new to find. Prices are very good
What a great place to look around, I could have spent hours in there. They have everything from large furniture pieces, rugs and fireplace surrounds to all manner of antique and old-fashioned pottery, jewellery, art, crockery and ornaments. You name it, they've probably got it. Managed to restrict ourselves to half a dozen items. Amazing place, I'd highly recommend!
The Old Bus Depot, Grove Trading Estate, Dorchester DT1 1ST, United Kingdom•
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Where to eat
Even the most seasoned adventurers need a break to chow down some food. Close to Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, these restaurants are about a 1-minute walk away.
Al Molo-Dorchester
4.7
(171)
4.9
(399)
Restaurant
Al Molo, Dorchester is the second location of the renowned Italian seafood restaurant that initially gained acclaim for transforming Weymouths Pier Bandstand into an Italian culinary gem. Housed in a historic 17th-century building on High West Street, this Ristorante Di Pesce has quickly become a local favorite. The owners have poured their hearts into renovating the space and assembling a dedicated team to ensure a seamless dining experience.
Incredible food. Went for my birthday and the food was absolutely amazing!! Best steak we’ve had and the portions were generous!
Staff were extremely polite and friendly, we cant wait to go back !!
Amanda W — Google review
We had a delicious meal here. I only drank tap water and as a consequence I felt the full impact of the flavoursome food. We went for the set menu, three courses for £36, which was amazing value for such top notch food. We paid a small surcharge for a couple of items, lobster paté for example, but that is fair enough. There is no enforced service charge, but of course we tipped as the waitress was very pleasant and helpful. All the food was immaculately presented and very good indeed. I would not have thought of putting a mandarin coulis with squid and lobster paté, but it worked! Other surprises were honeycomb chunks with the cheeseboard. A truly delightful meal. Recommend!
Attentive and friendly staff, warm and cosy atmosphere - a great recommendation from our hotel in this interesting and historic town. Great flavours with the food, and servings are generous PLUS appreciate them not adding the automatic service charge - we still tipped well.
The food was great, and the taste was amazing. The portions were generous, and we ended up with the Set Dinner, which was quite filling. Nice food overall – I’d definitely go again.
We have decided to leave the fish and chips dominated seaside and went for more interesting option in Dorchester.
We had £36 set menu and chosen a bit of fish and meat.
My option: tuna tartar was ok but not super special however the rabbit sous vide was amazing.
My partner choice scallops and tuna were also super tasty and beautifuly presented.
The highlight was pistachio cheese cake - quality and flavours were top notch - I could easily eat few of them:)
Recommended place if you want to leave the seaside and have more quiet and quality place to eat!
Amazing food, great staff, and not expensive, hats off to the chefs. would go there weekly if it wasn't so far away, over 3h drive but well worth it.
What a great place to eat! The food was great and the flavours were amazing. Scallops were cooked really well and the rabbit was superb. The pistachio cheesecake was delicious.
I’ve not had such a good 3 course meal in many, many years.
The service was excellent and Verity was so attentive and personable.
Beautiful food had 3 courses and all were beautiful, service was well paced and not fast so you get to enjoy the dishes . Steak was more than an 8oz fillet and my wife’s seafood linguine was in her words divine. Waiters were lovely and honoured to meet one of the chefs . Thank you
6 High W St, Dorchester, DT1 1UJ, United Kingdom•
Luciano's (Dorchester)
3.9
(291)
3.5
(301)
Permanently Closed
Italian restaurant
Grill
Luciano's (Dorchester) is an Italian restaurant located in Brewery Square. It provides a high standard of Italian cuisine and is owned by Luciano Pierre White, the son of Marco Pierre White. The menu features authentic dishes such as Maria Rosas Meatballs and Mr Whites Ragu, which are regularly changed to keep things fresh. Customers can expect delicious food, including great pizza, fantastic beef ragu, and excellent carbonara.
Had a lovely night last night for my birthday, there were 9 of us and we all enjoyed our food. We made the most of the buy one get one free on cocktails, which were amazing. The entertainment was great too... Hamish. The service was amazing and the staff attentive and friendly..... Definitely be back again especially on a night with entertainment.
Puddletowndavies — Google review
Have organised a couple large group functions for events here.
Manager Kyle goes above and beyond to deliver a great service even when things don’t go quite to plan. He is happy to listen and act on constructive feedback.
Food always been good, the only reason one star off is due to my disappointment of my pudding not being unavailable, but I have been assured next time I visit this won’t be a problem. Atmosphere great. Service always as helpful as can be.
My first visit turned out to be one of the biggest disappointment. We used to visit this place when it was Carluccio's and absolutely loved it. Luccio's food and service were both very disappoing. While presentation on some of the food looks nice, they all tasted really bland.
The Burrata was served with 3 cherry tomatoes not the beef tomatoes as stated on the menu and 3 basil leaves. There was no seasoning so the dish was very bland.
Meatballs were so tiny and over cooked to the point they were very dry. They were burnt on the top which I was surprised the chef felt was ok to serve to the customers. The Pomodoro sauce was very salty but lacks depths. Supermarkets' sauce taste better than the rubbish we were served.
On the menu, it said WHOLE roasted seabass which we expected to see whole fish intact. It was not. The fish had it's head and spine removed but not pin boned. There were lots of bones and the fish was also lacking flavour as again, it was not seasoned.
My husband ordered his steak medium rare but was served medium well.
The mains came with very little salad and no carb at all. To make it a substantial meal, you'll have to order sides, too. First glance of the menu looks like a very reasonably priced menu but there is supplement to pay on most dishes. There is also a service charge of 12.5% added to the bill. It wouldn't have been a problem if we had a good evening. Unfortunately, the waitress who served us was very cold and nonchalant. It is safe to say that we will not be visiting again. I think Marco Pierre White Senior should drag his son's behind back to his kitchen and give him some proper lessons.
Location amazing ,love the building and the little square just in front of it .I had high expectations about this place ...Menu was not bad but when I asked how Carbonara is made and they told me with "cream" I changed my mind!!!!We ordered spaghetti with tomatoes ,carbonara and tagliatelle ..we had tagliatelle for everyone(no one told us that the pasta was just in one shape )!!Gnocchi with Ragu were delicious ...fries with truffle taste cheesy and the focaccia dough was not baked properly plus too oily.Very good the Spritz ,the burrata and olives .Staff super nice and friendly .
My visit on this occasion was fab. A meal with friends in a warm and friendly atmosphere. A semi formal restaurant experience followed by dancing to a live band. These type of evenings are programmed regularly through the year. 4 of us had two courses, 2 bottles of red, pre drinks and a post drink for £215, a little over 50 quid each.
Luccianos was quite a casual place to eat but tasty. We had foccacia for the table which was delicious and prices are very decent especially with getting a complimentary drink with your main!
Food wise - it's tasty, my pasta unfortunately was slightly overdone and clumped but the ragu was delicious. Very simple and small range for a menu though with only really 2 options for meat eaters and 12.50 for a pomodoro pasta was a bit much? Our carbonara came with very crispy and streaky pancetta which was a but unexpected but the rich egg yolk sauce made up for it.
Service wise - we got served a random starter we didn't order and also served a bottle of wine again we didn't order. Of course we declined each one but shows a bit of unorganisation and inexperience in staffing for table numbers. Our mains which were carbonara, ragu and pomodoro pastas took over 50mins and took us 2mins to eat so that was quite disappointing. We assume the waitress forgot to submit our order as it came 5mins after we asked for an update on them.
Overall, food was good and so were the prices. Service just needs a bit of adjusting. Will still try it out again but wish the menu had more range as it only seemed to have ragu, tomato or csrbonara based dishes.
Really enjoyed our lunch ,first ever visit,and the manager Kyle was great ,friendly and cheerful
Had a great evening at Luciano’s last night, we went in during happy hour and so had cheap cocktails before our meal. The drinks were really good and when we ate we were all delighted with our food. The service was brilliant, really attentive and helpful and also really knew their menu when we had questions.
It was pretty quiet while we were there but still had a great atmosphere. We’ll definitely be back.
BREWERY SQUARE, 1 Dray Horse Yard, Dorchester DT1 1GS, United Kingdom•
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Travelers
2
Convivial Rabbit
4.7
(346)
affordable
Pub
Nestled just off Trinity Street, the Convivial Rabbit Micropub is a delightful freehouse that captures the essence of local charm. This hidden gem in Dorchester offers an impressive array of locally brewed ales, ciders, wines, and spirits from nearby breweries. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot to unwind with friends or enjoy some quiet time alone. What sets the Convivial Rabbit apart is its unique blend of great drinks and cultural offerings.
Off the beaten track but this little watering hole is quite lovely. Random ales from local independent breweries are served here. Great atmosphere as the clientele are majority level headed people who know how important it is to support the minos in the franchised world. Great service from the owners who are probably retired folk who like the idea of running a relaxing little pub. Nothing bad to say about the place. Its just a great place to meet friends and chat to the rest of the customers.
Robbob T — Google review
Simple pub with multiple real ales, plus a handful of other options for non beer drinkers. It probably is more for those who like beer than anything else.
Superb selection and ever changing, often while you finish your first pint a new option will arrive, always good service and decent price too. Easily the best pub in Dorchester.
Excellent hidden away pub,, the owner/barman obviously knows his beers. Ask for advice and you'll be given guidance and what suits your pallet and be given a well kept beer. The pub allows board games and has that inclusive atmosphere that is often sought by smaller pubs. You'll come in here for one and stay for a couple, you can't really argue with that.
They kindly let us bring our fish and chips to eat outside. The beer and wine were excellent, staff even better.
Cant recommend enough. Enjoy.
Ale condition isn't as good as it used to be. Shame, as it used to be great here when Nigel ran things.
“Fantastic pub with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The staff are friendly, and there’s an excellent selection of beers and spirits to suit all tastes. This is exactly how a proper pub should be — cosy, inviting, and full of character chris was a right laugh”
Fantastic place. If you're looking for live entertainment, a good atmosphere and some cracking micro brews. This is the place to go
Such a wonderful place !
Every time we visit Dorchester we come here
So welcoming
Dog friendly
Great beer 🍺
Lovely staff
Great vibe
All round great place to visit and savour the atmosphere
💎❤️😍
1 Trinity House, Trinity St, Dorchester, DT1 1TT, United Kingdom•
The King and Thai Restaurant
4.8
(316)
4.7
(628)
affordable
Thai restaurant
Restaurant
The King and Thai in Dorchester is a popular spot known for its simple and contemporary decor, as well as its high-quality, locally sourced meat and fresh fish. The menu offers a variety of authentic Thai dishes along with some Asian fusion options. This family-run restaurant is praised for its warm and friendly service, with the green Thai curry being a standout dish. The establishment's cleanliness, good selection of local drinks, and commitment to cooking everything fresh without MSG or preservatives are also highlighted by patrons.
1st time in this restaurant and the Thai attitude & hospitality is immediately obvious - very friendly and attentive service indeed. We chose "Anna's Banquet" - the V/VE option. The starters were delicious as was our desert of fried banana. The main course was a feast of vegetable dishes... We could not eat them all!
Overall a very good experience. If I had one criticism it would be that the vegetables were partly very crunchy = almost undercooked.
But overall a very positive experience and we will return... Trying some meat dishes and ordering individually. 😉
Good value for money too.
Christina J — Google review
I had a perfect dining experience here. The food was absolutely flavorful and delicious. From the starter to the dessert. The customer service was amazing, our servers were very very hospitable and pleasant. I will absolutely be visiting again. Overall I give this restaurant a solid 10/10!
As always food is outstanding and delicious. Service is top class, always our go to place. 100% recommend a visit to the king and thai dorchester
My partner and I decided to visit this restaurant for lunch.
We have visited this place before, and have always found food excellent.
The staff are always friendly.
This venue is clean and tidy.
There is no car park, you would have to park in one of the local car parks.
Would recommend this restaurant to family and friends.
Food didn't just taste good but looked the part as well. Desert was out of this world!
Lovely atmosphere and beautifully clean restaurant! The service was impeccable - but the food! Freshly cooked and bursting with taste and subtle flavours. Served very hot - just how I like it; and good sized portions. Huge prawns, fresh pork and chicken - no preformed meat. The handmade coconut ice cream is a real treat and not too sweet. It really is a wonderful experience, you are not rushed eating the food and we cant wait to go back!
Just had a lovely meal here. Good service, very friendly and helpful. The food was delicious. Highly recommended.
Amazing food as always. 5 star service. Love coming to the king and Thai as always guaranteed to have fresh home cooked food. Would highly recommend
35 Great Western Rd, Dorchester, DT1 1UF, United Kingdom•
I'll never travel to Dorchester without this trip planner again
Day 2
Off the beaten path
For day 2, if you don’t mind the extra trek, today covers more off the beaten path places like Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens. Not quite as popular as Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, but still highly rated among many travelers. Accounting for getting around and average time spent, today’s activities could take about 7 hours.
1•Paul G — Google reviewSean J — Google reviewAnne R — Google reviewMichael W — Google reviewRhona S — Google reviewLisa S — Google reviewLeo F — Google review
Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens
4.6
(1590)
4.0
(328)
Garden
Nature & Parks
Animal protection organization
Zoo
Nestled just two miles from the historic market town of Dorchester, Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens is a delightful family destination that promises a day filled with fun and exploration. This expansive estate spans 35 acres of beautifully restored gardens and Grade II listed parkland, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature.
We had a great time exploring here! Beautiful gardens and animals to look at. A brilliant place to come on a cloudy day when the beach would have been a bit chilly. Perfect for a picnic
CatherineL — Google review
We have driven past this for the last 14 years and never been in. A few days ago we decided to try. Expecting to be there only a couple hours, we were taken back by a whole day here!
Massive grounds to walk and you get to enjoy a sandwich and hot drink in the cafe.
There is a selection of animal for kids and adults to enjoy.
And entry for Free!
Great day out.
Beautiful gardens, really well kept and so much to see. Unfortunately (for me) not all of the gardens and lake were accessible due to a wedding, but what I saw was really interesting. The animals were nice to see, the car parking was free and plenty of spaces. Free entry to the gardens too made it an outstanding day out.
We had a great time here, very family friendly, free entry, outdoor picnic area, indoor cafe and play area for under 8s. Lots of animals to look at; sheep, pigs, ponies, alpacas and guinea pigs. Great shop too for local souvenirs
Great place to take the kids, especially as it is free to walk around the gardens, they have a nice cafe to get a coffee and cake, we went when they had a fairy trail for the kids to follow and find the fairy houses with a wishing tree at the end of the trail. which was a nice touch, there are a load of animals to see on the way around also, along with the park it really Is great to take the kids there and spend the day without spending a fortune
Extremely enjoyable visit. Ideal for those with young children.
Context - we visited mid September after school holidays finished with our toddler- the house was not open.
Finding the entrance proved a little challenging- I would recommend following the signs locally, Google maps was misleading. On arrival parking was easy and plentiful. Parking and park were free to visit - Thank you!!
We visited the park, some of the gardens, enjoyed visiting the animals, and finished the visit enjoying lovely food in the cafe whilst the toddler & parent had a great time in the soft play. I highly recommend the cafe food with a 5* plus particularly for the passion fruit cake.
We could easily have spent considerably more time there - so if you’re looking for something to exhaust your toddler - this is a great option
Brilliant day out if you make the most of the beautiful grounds, visit the animals and enjoy a picnic in the grounds. We didn't realize there was a soft play barn inside until the end of the day when we stopped for an ice cream in the cafe at the end of the day, so kids are keen to return. Also a sweet little play area and they did a lovely kids trail with fairy wand and a prize at the end. I would recommend the fairy doors were raised up above dog cocking leg height as we saw a dog wee against one of the fairy doors which was disgusting considering the kids were opening the doors to get the trail stamp. I did notice the cafe did a kids lunch box which was fairly priced. We would love to come back.
Lovely place to visit. Free entry and parking. So nice to spend money in the cafe for some lovely cake and coffee. Was going to buy some Apple Juice to take home from gift shop but got there too late before it closed at 4pm. Park closes at 4.30pm. Will have to set reminder for myself next time!
Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, DT2 8PX, United Kingdom•
5 min · 2.4 mi
2Rachel B — Google reviewMark W — Google reviewJeanie E — Google reviewJacqueline L — Google reviewStephen M — Google reviewMike R — Google reviewPhil A — Google review
National Trust - Hardy's Cottage
4.6
(818)
Heritage building
Nestled in the picturesque Dorset countryside, National Trust - Hardy's Cottage is a charming thatched cottage where the renowned author Thomas Hardy was born and wrote some of his early novels. The property offers visitors a glimpse into the poet's history and features a country garden for leisurely strolls. The volunteers on-site are knowledgeable and helpful, providing insights into Hardy's life. Additionally, there is a quaint shop offering books, dog toys, treats, and jam selections.
We had the most glorious guided walk. We were able to forest bathe and then stroll over Egdon heath and climb an ancient barrow to enjoy a spectacular view. Out guide Alban was superb. We were so grateful for sharing his knowledge with us. But be sure to get your lunch order on before 2pm when the toasties stop.
David M — Google review
Fantastic place with a beautiful atmosphere, cafe, toilet facilities and small book shop a short walk away, surrounded by lovely woodland. You have to have a tour guide and book in advance but there are lots of spots available (and this is August!) one of my favourite national trust visits. Also to add - our tour guide was fantastic, she gave us lots of interesting information while still allowing us the time and space to walk around, take photographs and enjoy the atmosphere. Well worth a look!
Hardy’s Cottage is a charming and atmospheric place, tucked away in peaceful woodland. It’s beautifully preserved and gives a real sense of Thomas Hardy’s early life and the rural surroundings that inspired so much of his writing. The garden is lovely too – full of colour and character.
If you’re visiting, I’d definitely recommend also making time for Max Gate, the house Hardy designed and lived in later in life. Together, they give a fascinating insight into his journey as a writer and his connection to Dorset. A wonderful experience for any literature lover!
We didn't go inside the cottage but the walk through the woodland is beautiful with plenty of places to sit and rest, you can see the cottage from the outside which is absolutely stunning.
There is a cafe which also sells a few souvenirs and if you're taking your dog there is also a dog wash available by the visitor centre.
Parking prices varies from
1 hour for £1:50 to the whole day for £10:00.
What a treat. The Thomas Hardy cottage, and walks on the surrounding grounds are just beautiful. The guides are so interesting. Our visit really cheered up a rainy afternoon.
Excellent tour with a comprehensive and interesting guide. Lots of details and references back to Hardy's work. Paints a great picture of his childhood and early adult life.
The most beautiful setting up a gravelled country lane in a quiet peaceful corner of Dorset. Such a friendly team to welcome you and we all stood in absorbed silence listening to the Hatdy history.
Highly recommended
Well maintained cottage where Hardy was born and dressed with period furniture. Guided tour only (because it is very small) but excellent guide
Cuckoo Ln, Dorchester, DT2 8QJ, United Kingdom•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
5 min · 2.8 mi
3•J S — Google reviewMark H — Google reviewOleksandra K — Google reviewAlice-Marie A — Google reviewLynsey A — Google reviewAnthony S — Google reviewG K — Google review
The Dinosaur Museum
3.4
(802)
2.5
(523)
Museum
Natural History Museums
Science Museums
Specialty Museums
The Dinosaur Museum, located in a Victorian schoolhouse and opened in 1984, offers an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. The museum's unique approach to exhibits includes hands-on elements like a feely box, setting it apart from traditional museums. Situated near Dorset's Jurassic Coast, the award-winning museum showcases real-life and replica dinosaur fossils, skeletons, and true-to-scale reconstructions such as a life-size Stegosaurus and T-Rex.
Very impressive little museum located in central Dorchester.
There was plenty of paid parking near by with just a short walk to the museum.
The museum itself was full of fascinating objects and lots of information to learn.
My kids love dinosaurs so were thrilled to visit and each got a certificate at the end for filling in the quiz as you go around.
It was a little pricey considering how small it was but was worth visiting once.
Takes around 1 hour to get around the whole place if you take your time.
James H — Google review
When we arrived, it cost more than what was advertised online. Lots of information but pricey for less than 1hour 30mins in there.
Was given a cute little Easter Half Term quiz for our child.
Little gift shop.
Stairs upstairs are narrow, not good if mobility issues.
Small but excellent for young children who loved the displays and the fossils.
Worth to be visited, not too expressive, as I expected. Lots of different marine fossils from the Jurassic period.
There are also modern shells and skeletons on display. The museum has a small collection of dinosaur fossils on show (such as a large dinosaur coprolite, a Megalosaurus skeleton and a Chinese dinosaur
I was nervous to visit after reading the reviews on google so was pleasantly surprised. We paid £14 per adult and £10? for a child. So £38 for the 3 of us. It is a lot of money and I am sure *would put many off. For our rainy day in Dorchester it was a choice between other attractions (county museum, Tutankhamen, china warriors etc) which felt like a similar ballpark and our 6 year old requested dinosaurs! Was it worth the money? It depends on how much you are into dinosaurs!!! We were met with a friendly welcome. The museum had 3 rooms absolutely ram full of dino facts, models and artefacts and videos. I think for me if anything I found the amount of information overwhelming 🤭 but there was definitely plenty to look at and do. We all enjoyed the museum. I think if you have someone that loves reading and facts they will get a lot out of the displays but equally our 6 year old who will only read a little, enjoyed the models and interactive stations and the quiz. « I loved it » was their verdict. Its a small museum and if you have kids that will whip round and not take things in, it maybe isn’t big enough to keep you busy very long. For us we had about 1hr 15 mins in there and could easily have spent longer. If I could change anything… a picnic area in the yard would have been great to break our visit up. When you have littles with you anything that helps you extend a visit is really parent gold. We certainly didn’t feel ripped off but a little more affordable (in the realms of a family ticket deal?) would make this a no brainer.
We visited the museum as my little boy whos 6 is completely obsessed with dinosaurs and has been for many years with extensive knowledge of these times even at his age.
As a family of 4, 2 adults, 1 child and my elderly father we found it to be a bit pricey and wasn't clear if it was very wheelchair accessible to a 2nd floor. Charging £10 for an adult, £5? for a child it was rather expensive. The lady did give us discount for my elderly relative however it still seemed alot of money for the actual size if the museum with limited amount of exhibitions.
We were given a small trial for my little boy to do and was awarded with a certificate once completed which was a nice touch for the dinosaur enthusiasts.
I suppose and suspect there may not be alot of council or public funding and post covid it quite possible hit hard times however lowering the fee or having the price more attractive and affordable for larger groups or families especially taking into consideration the cost of living rising like it is it may work out better long-term for the museum and its future as I suspect holiday makers this summer visiting my indeed be put off paying such alot of money for what it offers will definitely put people off visiting unfortunately.
Offers, discounts on admissions should be considered especially during busier and during school holidays when families often have already been stung paying over the odds on accommodation due to the holidays. Just an idea....
The museum is made up of four small rooms (roughly the size of an average house). Filled with plastic and plaster dinosaur models and amateurish explanations.
Trading on its reputation as the former home of Dippy (formally of the Natural History Museum) which is no longer there and goodness knows where it went as there's no way it all fitted in that building.
The whole experience took less than an hour and we were charged £48.00 for the experience.
Don't make the same mistake that I did and avoid at all costs.
We popped by today with out 4 year old son and throughly enjoyed the visit. The museum was well laid out and we enjoyed the dinasour trail we were given by Katherine the staff member. At the end my son recieved a certificate and brought a toy from the lovely stocked gift shop. Highly recommend the trip, great location and nearby car parking.
Icen Way, Dorchester, DT1 1EW, United Kingdom•
3 min · 0.98 mi
4•Andrew B — Google reviewGary E — Google reviewP_Addler — Google reviewMatthew B — Google reviewSteven P — Google reviewNigel W — Google reviewSteve B — Google review
National Trust - Hardy's House Max Gate
4.6
(732)
4.5
(379)
affordable
Sights & Landmarks
Architectural Buildings
Historic Sites
Max Gate, located on the outskirts of Dorchester, is a significant historical site associated with the renowned writer Thomas Hardy. This former townhouse was designed by Hardy himself in 1885 and served as his residence until his passing in 1928. The property, now under the management of the National Trust, offers visitors a glimpse into Hardy's life and creative inspirations.
Max Gate is a wonderful place to visit if you are interested in Thomas Hardy. This is the house that TH lived in for most of his life and designed and had built by his father and brother. A comprehensive talk was given in the grounds which was interesting and very illuminating. Following the talk you are allowed to view the interior unguided, Volunteers are available in the house that are very keen to answer your questions or offer further insights. After viewing the house we explored the grounds further. On arrival there is no car park as such. There are some spaces at the end of the road and you can park along the verge opposite the front entrance.
Nigel M — Google review
Worth a visit for sure. I should say I have little interest in the author but did find the visit interesting and enjoyable. Allow about 1-30m. Guided tour was very good thanks to the knowledge and manner of our guide Mary👍House is intriguing, lots of unusual details. Furniture is authentic for the period but not necessarily from the original house.
Interesting and knowledgeable guide. Another brilliant National Trust building, free to Nationsl Trust members. Booking your visit ahead of time is recommended.
Parking is on the road opposite the house.
Spent a lovely morning at #maxGate. The host on my tour was formerly a teacher and obviously a fan of Hardy. I learnt so-much more from him in that 30 minutes about Hardy and his love of Women and eccentric life. Especially the tale of the formidable mother Jemima. Definitely worth a visit, the house and grounds are lovely. I would set aside at least 90 minutes for a visit. I forgot to mention Nikki who says #SconeAsInGone, she was baking biscuits for the guests!
These are photos connected to the novelist and poet Thomas Hardy.
The first photo is Hardy's Cottage, Dorset, the birthplace of Thomas Hardy. Photo is from 2006.
The remaining photos are of Hardy's House, Max Gate, Dorset, the home of Thomas Hardy. Photos are from 2019.
Fascinating house, lovely to learn more about Hardy, Cathy (I think that was her name) was really friendly and nice to chat to after the tour. Adam read me a poem by hardy and was very friendly and knowledgeable
A wonderful morning here greeted so enthusiastically even for none hardy fans it’s worth visiting. For Hardy fans it’s unmissable.
Excellent place to visit, especially if you are into Hardy. Friendly, helpful staff. House, garden, secondhand bookshop, small gift shop and loos. No proper site parking (some spaces just outside) or refreshments, but The Trumpet Major pub up the road is very walkable with a large car park, and that does classic pub food and drink, so not a real problem.
Alington Ave, Dorchester, DT1 2FN, United Kingdom•
16 min · 8.9 mi
5•Marysia L — Google reviewTrevor S — Google reviewDavid R — Google reviewTamara T — Google reviewTerike — Google reviewJohn R — Google reviewPAUL S — Google review
National Trust - Hardy Monument
4.6
(648)
4.0
(193)
affordable
Sights & Landmarks
Monument
Monuments & Statues
Hardy’s Monument, a tribute to Vice-Admiral Hardy, overlooks the village of Portesham in Dorset. Managed by the National Trust since 1938, this 1844 monument commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar and offers panoramic views of Fleet Lagoon, Chesil Beach, and Dorset Downs. While it's a tight drive up, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and walking trails. Cattle may roam the area at times.
Great views from the Hardy monument and walks through areas nearby. (Search on alls like Kamoot or All Traile). You can see across to the Isle of Portland and surrounds. The gorse was in full bloom in mid-April.
Dean G — Google review
A great place to visit with far reaching views across Dorset to Portland, Dorchester and if you're really lucky-the Isle of Wight. Free parking and plenty of walks for you and your dog. Go at the weekend and you can climb to the top of the monument which is free if you're a National Trust member.
Took a detour to visit vice admiral hardy's monument, glad we did.. very exposed location, this 8 sided landmark with amazing 360 views is worth a visit.. large carpark with free parking (dawn to dusk)... With Seats and plenty of grassed area to sit and have a picnic.. interest boards dotted around some with walks to follow, so this makes a great starting point.. The tower is open certain times of the year, national trust members can climb the tower for free....
Worth the diversion, one of the highlights of a trip to the area! Really spectacular views over the surrounding countryside and out all the way to the coast. Climbing the tower is a narrow staircase, which is poorly lit in parts, so accessibility is limited.
Stunning views, lively monument with great information boards.
well worth a visit.
Very nice setting, good hiking and lots of stone circles and formations in the general area.
Lovely spot for a walk, with the option of following marked trails.
There was a coffee van there when we visited so also lovely to sit and enjoy the views
Friendly staff in the monument too and great views from the top
Great Views from up here, take care on the steep narrow road. Big car parks with plenty of picnic benches.
Black Down, DT2 9HY, United Kingdom•
I'll never travel to Dorchester without this trip planner again
Where to eat
Under a 1-minute walk from The Dinosaur Museum, here are a few close by recommendations for when you get hungry exploring around.
La Caverna Limited Sit-In And Takeaway Restaurant
4.6
(152)
4.5
(393)
Permanently Closed
affordable
Italian restaurant
La Caverna, a cozy and intimate cellar restaurant in Dorchester, offers an enchanting atmosphere for a romantic evening. This established Italian eatery prides itself on its refined cuisine and carefully sourced local ingredients. With just seven tables, it is advisable to book in advance to secure a spot at this highly recommended spot.
It's one of the best Italian restaurants I have been to! I love small family owned restaurants and I was impressed with the personal touch and atmosphere of this restaurant. The food was amazingly delicious and the service was warm, welcoming and friendly! The candles for my birthday were a lovely gesture! I was really happy to see the mixture of traditional and modern Italian food. I was completely in love with my main cod dish and the processed sugar free flourless cake! I wish more restaurants have such healthy and delicious options!
Veronica I — Google review
First experience eating here last night. The food was amazing. The king prawns were outstanding and the pizza was the best we’ve eaten since being on a mountain top in Italy. The wine we chose was also fantastic. To finish off, our bill was under £70; total value for money and will definitely be coming back to try other things on the menu as everything we saw being served to other guests looked equally mouthwatering!! Thank you
I lovely little Italian restaurant, well worth booking a table if you are in Dorchester as the food is really tasty
Had the bianchetti and a pizza. My dining partner had the risotto. Food was great, and there was a vegan cheese option. We shared a tiramisu. The lady managing the restaurant was very sweet and helpful with the food. It wasn't very busy when we went, so was quiet, but the decoration was great.
I don't believe the rating reviews here, we eat out twice a week, and this has to be one of the worst! Photos on internet looked cosy and warm atmosphere but in reality, not like this, basement where you eat was very cold and brightly lit, the waitress service, very poor, pour your own wine when plonked on the table, same for black pepper etc. Food average. Wasn't asked if food was okay even. The whole experience very very unfriendly. So bad was the whole experience that we left our wine behind to get home to some warmth. My wife left last, the owner did not realise that their door was jammed to get out, but she could hear the owner mocking her loudly in front of friends or staff for being so cold. Staff agreed with my wife about the cold when paying admittingthey couldn't bare the cold either, anyway a truly disgusting night out. Will never go back.
The overall experience here is excellent. The menu is vast without being intimidating, with an excellent range of genuine Italian classics with a personal twist. I thought the service was exemplary, each of the waiting staff knew the menu and wine list thoroughly and there was a nice touch to their interaction with our party. The setting of the dining room is lovely, coupling a homely feel with a rustic finish. I would recommend this restaurant to couples looking for a quiet evening as well as larger groups who are celebrating a special occasion. I would also advise booking in advance as the tables are highly sought after.
We ordered takeaway (collection) of pasta and pizza - they only had one chef but they went the extra mile to prepare our dishes. We are so glad they did as they were all absolutely delicious. They clearly put a lot of heart into their cooking and we would not hesitate to order again!
LA Caverns has a well deserved local reputation for excellent food. When I visited last week it slipped a bit. My risotto was good, but not as exceptional as I had before. The previous one was probably the best meal, that I have ever had. They opened at lunchtime just for our large party and looked after us well. When it was pointed out, that one member of our party had a burnt meal, they immediately refunded him. I would still thoroughly recommended this restaurant as one of the best in Dorchester and hope that the slight glitch in the kitchen is just down to the need for unusual staff at lunchtime.
57 Icen Way, Dorchester, DT1 1EW, United Kingdom•
Yalbury Cottage
4.8
(314)
4.9
(628)
Guest house
Hotel
Restaurant
Tucked away in the charming village of Lower Bockhampton, Yalbury Cottage is a delightful 17th-century retreat that exudes warmth and character. This picturesque thatched cottage, steeped in history as it once belonged to a local shepherd, has transformed into an award-winning hotel and restaurant. Guests can indulge in a delectable Full YC Dorset Breakfast featuring locally sourced ingredients like West Country white pudding and fresh Dorset Down mushrooms.
We stayed for a night with dinner and breakfast the next day. It was hard to fault. The food was fantastic, well thought out menu with something for everyone, made with mostly local ingredients all nicely presented. The location is quiet, there isn't a whole lot going on in Lower Bockhampton, but that's one of its selling points, it's a lovely retreat. There are some nice walks nearby, Hardy's cottage and puddletown woods, Dorchester town is within a walkable distance across the water meadows.
Recommended if you want some relaxation time.
Mark G — Google review
From the moment we stepped in to the minute we left, the experience was really special. The staff were incredibly friendly and exceptionally professional. The food was phenomenal though. Very well presented and just so tasty. On the final day of our holiday this was the icing on the cake.
Five stars richly deserved.
We had the best experience at Yalbury! The breakfast was splendid! My husband had The best omelette of his life! We slept really good and Ariana is an amazing host. From start to finish this was lovely and luxurious. Wish we could have stayed longer.
The staff were incredibly nice, the garden was beautiful, it had great views, and the rooms were very clean. However, we heard every single footstep in the room above ours and it prevented us from sleeping. The walking was super loud! Also, the bed was very springy and not comfortable, which we could've dealt with if not the poor soundproofing between floors.
Absolutely five star. Beautiful garden, lovely furniture and decor, with happy attentive staff. There was wonderful local food presented with the utmost care and little unexpected ‘treats’ to nibble. This is one of the best, if not the best, meal I have ever had. I really can’t fault a thing. Good wine too.
Went here for a meal, and I must say it was wonderful!!! The food was delicious, the soufflé and duck just melted in my mouth. I don’t think I’ve had anything so good. The atmosphere of the restaurant was really cozy and nice, it’s small but I think that’s the charm of it. The service was also great, they were extremely nice and welcoming!! Thank you for such a great time!
Beautiful setting in a lovely area. The food was all absolutely delicious and the friendly service was impeccable! I would recommend this venue to anyone with a love for food.
We didn't stay over night, we came for dinner. Delicious, great service. Sorry to hear they are retiring
Lower Bockhampton, Dorchester, DT2 8PZ, United Kingdom•
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Travelers
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Callaway's Fish & Chips
4.7
(362)
5.0
(38)
affordable
Fish and chips takeaway
Restaurant
Callaway's Fish & Chips offers an exceptional dining experience with their delectable seafood options. Customers praise the superb quality of their meals, which are prepared with a delightful crispy batter and served alongside delicious chips. The establishment has gained a reputation for its outstanding food, drawing in a steady stream of customers. The portions provided are large and reasonably priced, making it an excellent value for money. Additionally, the staff members are friendly and provide great service to ensure a pleasant visit.
I came on 4th July to get my elderly dad fish and chips for his birthday. I came here after a bad service from another chippy and I have to say these guys were so friendly. I travelled all the way from Bournemouth to see my dad and gift him fish and chips.
The food was insanely the best, the size of the fish was amazing. The pea fritters were so big I didn’t expect them to be. Absolutely incredible and I’ll be back again for them soon! Thank you guys for being so kind and thanks for the best fish and chips for dad’s birthday. He really enjoyed them that much he called me on the Sunday asking for more!
Tillie V — Google review
Wow! We grabbed lunch here on a stroll around the town and were blown away how good this is. All fish and chips is NOT the same — and Callaway’s are superb. Food delicious, friendly service, great prices. What a find! Not to be missed if you’re in Dorchester.
I must say.
I've been all around the uk having fish and chips.
This place is lush.
Its in my top 3.
My only criticism would be.
Use different curry sauce.
You would be number 2.
But apart from that when we are off to Devon from now on.
We will be popping in.
Truly delicious Fish and Chips, one the the best I’ve ever had. Light batter, tender fish, generous portions - you can’t skip out on this.
Homemade tartare, mushy peas and curry sauce are all pretty special too!
Ordered scampi and chips and asked for it to be well wrapped due to taking it into Dorchester Hospital. On taking the food out, it was still hot and delicious. Nice tartare sauce as well. Recommend 😋😋
Fantastic fish and chips, second visit following last year's holiday. Great portions and pre ordered for collection bang on time. Might even visit again later this week. Fine fish and chips.
Haddock was cooked fresh.
A little wait for my order but it is cooked to order and deffently worth the wait. Very good size portions, will have to order small chips next time.
Absolutely fabulous- top quality fish and chips (unmatched outside those I've had in Brixham harbour or Lochinver)
14 Fordington Grn, Dorchester, DT1 1LU, United Kingdom•
The Kings Arms
4.3
(1067)
4.0
(256)
Pub
Bed & breakfast
The Kings Arms is a charming country pub located in the picturesque village of Portesham, near Weymouth. This 5-star hotel offers traditional charm with its elegant Edwardian building and period features. The comfortable soft furnishings and three log fires create a cozy atmosphere for guests to enjoy locally sourced menu offerings. In addition to the celebrated restaurant, visitors can experience fresh pizza from the wood-fired oven in the sunny beer garden during the summer months.
Lovely pub on the road between Abbotsbury and Weymouth.
Reasonable choice of beers and wine.
Nice menu, food was fine with good portions. Service was great a solid mix of professionalism and friendliness. Large garden out the front with bench tables around. Smaller slightly raised decked area attached to the pub with several tables.
I have no hesitation in recommending this place and will definitely be returning in the future.
Freddy T — Google review
Excellent beer collection. Good attentive service and excellent food. I would have perhaps preferred a little more of a crunch to the batter but fish was excellent. Delightful deserts. I do think as mentioned it’s a little pricey given village location but would certainly revisit.
Stopped here for lunch after a morning out and about, it’s a beautiful area and worth a look around. The pubs garden is lovely and well kept , we had a great welcome from the young lad behind the bar , we ordered the 2 for 20.00 main and dessert, to be honest we thought the portions would be small, due to the price, I was stuffed we ordered dessert at the same time we ordered the main meal, scampi chips, Belgium waffle and Eton mess, both delicious, big portions and great value for money, highly recommended.
While we like the place and the server very friendly, love the way she let us try a little of the wines before ordering. Great touch.
On to the food, way over priced for the quality the bill came to £107 including wine (£25ish) for two starters and two mains. Probably at least £30 over priced in my view. To be honest if we are ever back there we wouldn't bother going back. Sorry
Edit: In fairness we had a cheese board in the price which the wife reminded me we had, I'd totally forgotten.
Camping nearby, popped in for an early evening meal. Lovely large garden, looked quite big inside too. Friendly welcome, limited but varied menu. Had Fish and chips, was good. Choice of lagers let it down for my personal taste but overall a lovely country pub in a fab location.
Lovely pub in a lovely village , isn’t the cheapest £8 a pint ! Had to wait over an hour for food despite not being very busy but was worth the wait .
Friendly and garden is lovely , needs new garden furniture but all in good time will be here again soon
We stayed 1 night,room was clean and bed was very comfy. Friendly staff and good service. Food was ok, a little bit salty. We enjoyed our stay in this nice little village.
We were camping nearby on our hike of the SWP and went there for dinner. They had 3 vegetarian/vegan options which were welcome. We had a lovely tomato and pepper soup with some nice crusty bread followed by a nice cauliflower masala with pilau rice, all delicious. The highlight of the evening and a nice surprise, was the ukele players and singers, who perform there on mondays! A great evening all around.
2 Front St, Portesham, Weymouth DT3 4ET, United Kingdom•
I'll never travel to Dorchester without this trip planner again
Day 3
Proximity is everything
For day 3, we bundled attractions like Sculpture by the Lakes and Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum and other places within a close range, so that the time it takes to travel between all of them is less than one hour. Combined with the average time people spend there, your day should take about 8 hours.
1•Beth P — Google reviewSteve H — Google reviewPhil J — Google reviewAlessia S — Google reviewLouise N — Google reviewWayne — Google reviewLaurie M — Google review
Sculpture by the Lakes
4.7
(1367)
4.5
(1590)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Art gallery
Craft store
Sculpture by the Lakes is a sprawling 26-acre park featuring stunning sculptures by Simon Gudgeon nestled amid beautifully landscaped gardens. This unique sculpture park and art gallery offers visitors an opportunity to escape into a magical world where nature and art merge flawlessly. Unlike traditional galleries, Sculpture by the Lakes provides an outdoor setting that allows enthusiasts to appreciate awe-inspiring works of art without feeling enclosed.
19/09/2025 - A very beautiful and peaceful place. We came from Cambridgeshire to visit during our holiday and it was truly worth it. The peace and tranquility of the gardens and grounds was astounding. The sculptures were incredibly beautiful and I loved the QR codes besides them for more information. The cafe had lovely cakes and selection of drinks, the waitresses were lovely, chatty and gave excellent service. The gift shop had some lovely local items to sell, we purchased some local cider and local handmade soap and all very reasonably priced (we are used to Cambridge prices!). My boyfriend (now fiance) proposed to me whilst we were here in the gardens and it was truly so special I'll never forget it
Katie W — Google review
It’s a beautiful place to visit, especially on a summer’s day. Very peaceful and relaxed, you can take you time wandering around the lake - at least two loops to do both halves of the path and see everything. There’s also a small kitchen garden with flowers, vegetables and fruit which is pretty to see. Excellent food and drinks in the onsite cafe - would recommend the sticky ginger cake - but you can also get takeaway sandwiches from the pantry or bring in your own picnic. The tickets were a little on the expensive side at £16.50pp (if you book online there’s a £1.50 discount) but understand they are very focused on conservation and ecology, which probably comes with higher maintenance costs. All in all a nice day out.
Great place for an enjoyable stroll.
Lovely lakes setting, interesting sculptures, some you can sit on. Dogs are allowed through the majority of the area. Great cafe too for lunch. Plenty of parking.
Truly amazing place. The whole experience has been well thought through and implemented. From the opening sculpture reminding how important nature is to our wellbeing to the carefully placed seating where you can sit and enjoy the calm. A number of the sculptures are interactive and I particularly enjoyed the one where you lay flat on a suspended round cushioned platform to watch the clouds drift by to the sound of water, the gentle rustling of trees and the watch the wildlife. Sculpture by the Lakes well exceeded my expectations.
I had the honour of a sound bath with Simon this week. This, paired with the serenity of the gardens, blissed me out beyond words. These gardens are an oasis of beautiful sculptures curated in harmony with nature. Everything here is considered and consciously designed with wellbeing in mind. The cafe is elevated dining, the shops and gallery are thoughtfully stocked and priced, the staff are helpful and friendly, and everything just works in a lovely way. I highly recommend a visit.
Absolutely beautiful place. Full of beautiful Sculptures. Has a lovely restaurant and shop. Loads of parking. Flat even paths to walk around and areas on the lake to hire out if you want to. Definitely worth the entrance fee.
Had a amazing day here walking around their lake. Awesome sculptures set in and around their grounds. Coffee shop and restaurant food looked amazing but didn't eat there. But take your own food and have a picnic at one of the seating area's. We went on a week day out of school holidays so it didn't feel busy.oh and if you book online you pay £15 instead of £16.50
What a great place to visit. Well manicured gardens, water features, wind features, sculptures and great place for hot meals or sandwiches. Loved it.
Pallington Lakes, Dorchester, DT2 8QU, United Kingdom•
7 min · 4.2 mi
2•Warren H — Google reviewMike B — Google reviewWeewildadventure — Google reviewJohn G — Google reviewCornfields D — Google reviewKathryn C — Google reviewDaniel W — Google review
Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum
4.3
(507)
4.0
(232)
Museum
Gift shop
Public bathroom
History Museums
Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum is a significant site that sheds light on the history of the working class, socialism, and the trade union movement. The museum offers free entry with an option to make a donation to support its preservation. It provides valuable insights into the struggles of ordinary people who made extraordinary contributions, despite facing funding challenges that are reflected in basic yet effective displays.
Free museum with interesting history about how the trade unions began. Certainly worth stopping. Staff member very helpful small coffee shop with refreshments plus gifts / post cards etc. 👍🏻😊
Malcolm P — Google review
If you like history it's fascinating, half remembered it from school so this was a detailed refresher. Nothing else here just what relates to the story. An interesting sculpture outside and a visitor shop next door. Toilets at end of building. Oh and it's free entry but make a donation if you wish. Didn't see a car park but there's a layby opposite.
First this is it’s FREE, the very next thing is the story. What amazing people these men were. You simply must come and see their story, also there is a trail you can follow around this absolutely beautiful place.
I hadn’t heard of the Tolpuddle Marty’s the until I visited Dorset with my friend whose ancestors were the Loveless gentlemen. We went to the free museum and I was enthralled to hear about their plight. And thanks to them that we have the rights we do today. After spending about an hour in the museum we stopped off at the local pub and had a great supper and pint. A great walk and day out in Tolpuddle.
Well worth a visit. Only a few minutes away from A35. Small free museum (but at least £2 contribution expected). Free parking near bye. A pretty fair and balanced display on an attempt by local land owners to lock up poverty pay workers trying to improve their lot via forming a union. It backfired and turned into a huge victory for unions and public protest when they were (eventually) released from transportation. Shop with ice-cream and vending machine on site.
The museum offers a fascinating history of the first attempt in England by six agricultural labourers to get a better living wage from their employer. They were rewarded with prison and transportation to Australia. Well worth a visit. Street parking in the village.
A very interesting small museum full of facts about the men involved. Also notes about the Trades Union movement. It is free but a small donation of £2.00 is suggested. We'll worth a visit. There is historical trail around the village to follow.
A wonderful and phenomenal museum that goes into informative and interesting story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. The size of museum is very small and discusses the story of George Lovelace, James Lovelace, James Hammett, James Brine, Thomas Standfield and James Standfield how they protested against their working conditions and wages etc and how it brought about the trade union movement that we see in the UK. There are displays about the lives of Tolpuddle Martyrs and how the Protests came about and how trade unions were born and the importance. The great thing about the display is that it is very thought provoking and intriguing and there is some interesting artefacts in tribute to them. There is no cafe but there is a small amount of drink and food in the shop at reasonable prices and the shop has a great range of souvenirs at reasonable prices. Overall this is a thoroughly phenomenal and interesting place to visit and makes for an intriguing day out. Well worth a visit whilst in the area of Dorchester.
Dorchester Rd, Tolpuddle, Dorchester DT2 7EH, United Kingdom•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
8 min · 5.1 mi
3•JemD H — Google reviewPat H — Google reviewJohn H — Google reviewJohn C — Google reviewElls W — Google reviewTina L — Google reviewR A — Google review
The Walled Garden
4.6
(1071)
4.0
(305)
Garden
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
The Walled Garden is a charming destination, especially during May Half Term when it offers fun activities hosted by characters from Alice in Wonderland. The garden itself is beautiful, filled with lovely plants like hydrangeas at their peak. While some areas may need more attention from volunteer gardeners, the overall experience is delightful. Visitors can also explore the dinosaur trail and enjoy a play area for children. The entrance fee is reasonable and goes back into maintaining the gardens.
Lovely walled garden with a play park, farmyard animals and reasonably priced cafe which serves delish food. Reasonably priced day out for the family, including the dog.
Laura H — Google review
Fantastic place. We did the animal experience which was thoroughly enjoyable for all ages. Lots of fantastic knowledge gained by the very knowledgeable staff. Gardens are stunning. Lots of variety of colours and a Dino trail to do at the moment.
What an absolute gem this place is. The gardener apologised for the fact that he thought the gardens weren’t at their best due to the drought but they were in our eyes beautiful. The young man who served us in the cafe was so polite and diligent. A real credit to the work of the EMA initiative. 5 well deserved stars. Oh and the apple cake with cream was divine.
A little disappointed overall. The gardens have been very well designed and laid out however they are not being maintained very well. Many flower beds over-run with well established weeds and brambles. This is surprising for a garden you pay to visit. I think it's a very fair access fee.
We found the cafe pleasant with good service but a little expensive although portions were generous.
Currently the main toilets are a long walk around due to works, but we found out later there are closer ones at the rear of the cafe.
This enchanting 'hidden' pearl of a garden in Moreton,Dorset ( right next to Laurence of Arabia's grave site) can be free to visit if you don't want to pay the suggested voluntary fee of £3pp, though having visited it l'd question why you'd think of not, at the very least, making a donation. There is a great kn site cafe/ tea room with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The menu is pretty varied and the portions are v generous, freshly made and tasty to boot. Lunch for 2 with drinks was approx £20. Enjoy a post or pre prandial stroll through the gardens with themed areas and there is also a small area with rabbits, ferrets,goats and even bearded dragons!. A very pleasant visit
Lovely gardens to walk around, sculptures as well as flowers along the pathway. Play area for younger children. The cafe is inviting and has a wide range of food and drinks to choose from. The staff are very helpful and nothing is too much trouble.
Lovely walk round various different sections of gardens, could do with walk round arrows, guides altho quite small. Play park area for children. Cafe, buildings having work done so had to ask how to get into cafe which was still serving. We had afternoon cream tea. Was delicious, excellent quality, cost. Dogs enjoyed walk on leads as well. No cost to walk round but donation expected at various boxes around gardens. Lovely place to spend couple of hours.
Pretty walled garden with a secret garden feel, there is also a cafe and play area and a few random animals but you can't feed them such as pigs, goats, rabbits, ferrets etc free to look around the garden just a donation box. Nice place to spend a couple of hours.
Station Road, Moreton, DT2 8RH, United Kingdom•
11 min · 4.8 mi
4•Paul B — Google reviewDavid C — Google reviewJulian B — Google reviewMadeleine S — Google reviewAlex T — Google reviewEmma “ — Google reviewAlice — Google review
Xtreme Falconry at Dorset Falconry Park
4.9
(482)
5.0
(283)
Temporarily Closed
Zoo
Located near Dorchester, Dorset Falconry Park is a unique wildlife attraction in the area. It's a family-run park that houses a diverse range of birds of prey, including Britain's largest eagle, vultures, falcons, owls, hawks and other eagles. Visitors have been pleasantly surprised by the variety and care given to the birds. The bird show led by Martin and his daughters was described as brilliant and interactive.
My husband and I had an absolutely wonderful time, and this excursion has been a highlight of our trip so far! Kyle, who was extremely knowledgeable, energetic, and engaging, led our experience. He made us feel comfortable handling the birds and was a large reason why we had such a great time! Definitely come here if you get the chance!
Mariel D — Google review
This is an amazing place to visit. My wife and I have traveled the world, have visited many zoos and wildlife habitats. This was right up there with top places. We were on a cruise and took a cab to the Falconry center. Boy, was it worth it! Got very close to these magnificent birds. You can walk through their complex, and see these beautiful birds up close. Also had a great show while we sat in the stands. Worth double whatever we paid. This will be a must stop on our next British Isle cruise.
We had an absolutely brilliant day. Kyle was outstanding, friendly, knowledgeable, and incredibly attentive to everyone in the group, including my 83-year-old mother who has mobility challenges. He made sure everyone was included and comfortable throughout. His passion for the birds really comes through, and he was more than happy to answer any questions we had. The weather turned a bit towards the end, but it didn’t spoil what was a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience. Thank you!
I love this place, it's a family run park that is brilliant. It's very well kept, and the birds that you can view are beautiful. The bird displays are great (and funny when a mischievous barn owl called Ebony wanted to do her own thing) with a father and daughter who fly the birds. They are both incredibly knowledgeable about what they do, and it shows in the passionate way they both do their job. The audience interaction was great with questions being asked and replies on a one to one level and not forgetting the dad jokes!. The cafe was nice serving hot and cold drinks and sandwiches at reasonable prices. It's definitely worth the entrance fee and would go and visit again.
Incredible! I bought my partner an ultimate experience as a surprise for his birthday and it was absolutely brilliant. It was just the two of us (me as a spectator) with Kyle, our instructor, which meant we could ask all the questions we wanted. Kyle was extremely knowledgeable and passionate and made us feel relaxed and welcome. The birds are mesmerising, we were in awe of them! What an amazing experience. If you're on the fence about getting the full experience...DO IT. You won't regret it. Thank you Kyle for teaching us so much and for such a memorable day, we'll be singing your praises far and wide!
Have just come back from an AMAZING experience at Xtreme Falconry, where my 2x teenagers were allowed to fly multiple different types of bird, ranging from Owls, to Falcons, through to Vultures and ending holding a bald headed eagle. 2 of us were able to watch and film the amazing scenes. Each of the birds was clearly well looked after and cared for which made it even more enjoyable.
Kyle was brilliant, helping us understand about the birds and threats to their habitats.
An experience we’ll never forget!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
I was treated by my sister for my 50th to an owl flying experience. What an absolutely amazing time. Kyle was so knowledgeable about the birds and made sure I was happy with everything. The flying displays were brilliant. Martin is a really nice guy and amazing with his knowledge of the birds.
I can’t speak any more highly of this place and what they stand for and i love that it’s family run. Am really hoping to be able to do some voluntary work with them at some point in the future.
Highly recommended.
It's always bittersweet to see birds in captivity, but these birds are beautiful and well loved with regular exercise and freedom. The place is run by a lovely family who made us feel very welcome. The display was exceptional; very interactive and informative. The work that has been completed here to make it a safe haven for so much wildlife is inspiring, nature is well and truly embraced which is evident by the surveys that they complete on their land. A brilliant day out for all and we will definitely be returning.
Lewell Mill Lane Lewell, Dorchester, DT2 8AN, United Kingdom•
I'll never travel to Dorchester without this trip planner again
Where to eat
When you need a food break from visiting all the attractions today, these fan favorite restaurants are about a 5-minute drive away from Xtreme Falconry at Dorset Falconry Park.
The New Inn
4.7
(678)
4.5
(477)
English restaurant
Bed & breakfast
This english pub is located in a small village close to Corfe Castle. It serves traditional food like steak and ale pies with chips, but also has a good selection of Christmas menus. The staff is friendly and the restaurant is relaxed.
We really enjoyed our visit. It looked like a modern extension has been added onto the existing building, and it was very light and spacious, with nice views of the surrounding countryside.
There was so much choice on the menu, and the quality of the food was much higher than typical pub grub. The sardine with roasted beetroot and potato salad was a delicious starter, while the lemon and thyme roasted chicken with new potatoes and spring greens was equally good as my main.
We happened to go on an evening where there was some live music on, which was a nice bonus. All in all, highly recommended.
M B — Google review
We came for the carvery and were not disappointed.
The pub is charming and has a very inviting atmosphere, staff is lovely. Its beer garden looks out onto the fields, absolutely beautiful. The carvery was brilliant - great food with a generous spread. We also had dessert - the lemon meringue cheesecake (delicious) and the homemade choc mint and strawberry ice cream (also delicious). We're not local but when we come back to Dorset, we'll definitely pay the New Inn another visit.
Went for an evening meal having tried the sister pub in Broadmayne. Looking at the menu and prices was expecting something a bit special.
Lamb rump was more like a Sunday roast, very plain in flavour and cooked medium well. I should have requested pink.
Chicken wings likewise whilst moist lacked any flavour and could not be described as Korean or at all spicy. Prawns were dry. Sea bass special was good as was cod in pancetta. Pancake rolls were likewise nothing to wow.
Service was attentive and it was atmospheric.
Maybe we should have chosen traditional pub grub and it would have met expectations.
From one landlord to another, Jonathan and Ronnie, I wanted to say that you have such a lovely country pub, and it was the perfect venue for my aunt's wake. We enjoyed your wonderful buffet in the skittle alley, which was probably one of the best alley's I've ever seen here in the West Country. You are the best hosts, and we couldn't fault your hospitality. Your pub is massive and clearly very well looked after; you can tell your staff take pride in their work.
Thank you for a lovely afternoon. We will definitely return when next in the area ☺
A very dog friendly pub. A number of pleasant seating areas outside, with the garden having beautiful views of surrounding countryside. The food was well presented and of excellent quality and taste. The service was friendly and relaxed and fresh water was brought for our dog.
Overall a great place to eat with reasonable prices for good quality food.
Stayed here for our 14 year wedding anniversary for one night and was pleasantly surprised. Beautiful location, extremely clean and fresh facilities, and the room was perfect. Our only issue was the room was slightly warm however it was the beginning of August and out of the control of the owners! A fan may have helped but we didnt ask, so unsure if they would provide.
Food was exceptionally good, both our dinner and breakfast were faultless. This place is a hidden gem indeed and we would love to return.
A hidden gem 💎
Beautiful setting. Fantastic atmosphere. All staff were very friendly and provided very efficient and great service. The Sunday carvery was delicious and very generous. Desserts was divine. Highly recommend the Lemon meringue cheesecake.
Just enjoyed a delicious evening meal at the New Inn (which came recommended).
Beautiful setting with great countryside views from the garden, festoon lights and impressive hanging baskets make it picture perfect..warm and welcoming interior, very good selection of choices on the main and specials menu, plenty of parking and we are looking forward to returning to try the Carvery.
Would highly recommend.
Highgate Ln, West Knighton, Dorchester DT2 8PE, United Kingdom•
The Frampton Arms
4.4
(1239)
4.0
(367)
Pub
Bar
The Frampton Arms is a charming Victorian inn located in Moreton, Dorchester, Dorset. It offers cosy en suite rooms and candlelit dining for a delightful experience. The enclosed orchard garden features a play area with swings, slides, and an animal corner. Guests can enjoy delicious meals such as the famous Frampton Burger in the busy restaurant. The spotless and tastefully decorated rooms provide comfort and tranquility despite the proximity to Moreton station.
2 night weekend stay, a good choice for my visit to this area. Friendly attentive staff. Well presented tasty food, very good portions, the fish & chips were recommended and lived up to that recommendation. The Sunday roast was also a good choice for dinner, sadly no room for a dessert.
Martin F — Google review
We were looking forward to a much needed weekend away. Sadly we choose the wrong one and the wrong place. Rooms were clean but very small and cold, we felt like it was a glorified porta cabin. The pub was super busy with a wedding, which we would have appreciated the heads up on that so we had a long wait for food which could only be had in the bar as the restaurant was closed because of the wedding. When we returned to our room, we were disturbed by a woman sat outside our room talking very loudly and swearing alot. This was the early hours of the morning, we called reception and asked them to ask them to move away, we heard the staff member come over and then heard them laughing about it. Not impressed. Sadly what we thought was finally going to be quiet turned into a nightmare where a large group of people stayed outside our door making even more noise than before. This went on until gone 3am. So much for a relaxing weekend away!! When we came down for breakfast the next morning the only member of stuff around was one of the cleaners whom kindly asked us if we had slept well. Unfortunately not, sadly no manager was around to share our complaint with, had there been I would have asked for a full refund on our night. We certainly won't be back, not least because the pub was situated on an extremely busy road as well.
Four of us went last Sunday for lunch. Absolutely fantastic food and service. We were greeted and seated, given menus and water. Waitress took our drinks order and left us a short while before taking our food order. The servings are large, especially the trio of meats, and they did not disappoint. Food came out piping hot and presented very well. Have already recommended to work colleagues. We will be back.
Fantastic! We were delayed at Moreton Station (just across the road), and decided to pop in for lunch. Excellent size portions, quality ingredients and really tasty food. Service was also prompt. Choice of a courtyard or garden to sit it when the weather is nice. We'll worth a visit if you're nearby and hungry for a decent, wholesome meal.
I enjoyed my stay at The Frampton Arms. I chose it because it had air conditioning (a must for me in the summer). Check in was quick. We had to go up a small set of stairs to get to our room.
The room was clean and comfy. Breakfast was included, a selection of breads/pastries/cereal.
Parking was free.
I would recommend if you’re in the area.
This is a well kept inn, most likely built in the 1800's. It is modernly furnished, has a good restaurant and bar. Very close to the Moreton station and 10 minute drive to the Tank museum in Bovington. This is a wonderful, clean and quiet place to stay. The service staff are exceptional, especially Chad at the bar.
Absolutely terrible experience here! Sat at a table with filthy glasses on the table, should have known then not to order but we didn’t say anything as we weren’t drinking from them. Went ahead with the order, they got the order wrong but again didn’t make a fuss, they just removed the bacon from the burger (assume they just pulled it out as the plate came back just minus the bacon). Then noticed a hair stuck to the stick going through the burger- highlighted this to the waitress but reluctantly agreed to keep as it was just on the stick and didn’t want worse to come back out after highlighting it to the kitchen. The chips we did try were nice, but not consistently hot. Many were cold and some were warm, none of them hot, so hopefully these didn’t come from other plates! Took a bite of the burger, only to find ANOTHER hair! Both hairs appeared to be animal hair, possibly cat or dog hair. We were offered a replacement but at this point we were put off of our food for good for obvious reasons and asked to just leave quietly without making a fuss. We waited to ensure that the bill was not charged however the manager still wanted to charge for the drinks which we found disgusting- the manager didn’t even come out to speak to us, just told the waitress to charge us ! We were charged nearly £9 for a beer and a Pepsi max - even though the evening had been ruined and we left without eating (unless you count the hair!). Very poor management, would naturally have assumed that by way of an apology that the least would be not to charge for the drinks, but no these were still charged.
So, if you enjoy hair in your food and drinking from a glass with someone else lipstick on it, you’ll love it here. If you don’t, my advice would be try somewhere else. These things happen sometimes and we would have left quietly and not said another word- we did try and continue the meal after the first hair but the second was just a joke. To be asked to pay for the drinks having barely touched the food after finding 2 hairs (literally ate a few chips and took a bite of one burger) is disgraceful!
4.5 stars? Blimey people are easily pleased. Had a night here - room decent enough. First impression from staff ‘you’ll have to get dinner elsewhere, we’re full’. Problem is this place is in middle of nowhere. Not right attitude. Breakfast not worth it - cold croissants, stewed coffee but nowhere else to go. Rough roadside pub. Avoid.
Station Rd, Moreton, Dorchester DT2 8BB, United Kingdom•
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Travelers
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The Blue Vinny
4.3
(549)
4.5
(647)
affordable
Pub
Restaurant
Nestled in the picturesque Piddle Valley, surrounded by charming woodlands and rolling hills, The Blue Vinny is a delightful village pub and restaurant located in the historic village of Puddletown, just a short drive from Dorchester. This traditional pub offers a warm and friendly atmosphere along with a diverse selection of real ales, wines, and spirits. The menu features locally sourced dishes with a Mediterranean twist, showcasing the best of the region's produce.
Today we visited the Vinny and had a great experience! The food was exactly what you’d hope for in a proper pub—hearty, flavourful, and clearly made with care. I had the baked Camembert , friends had the burger and fish and chips and it was spot on. Portions were generous and everything was served piping hot and presented well … all very delicious and recommended !
What sets this place apart was the garden. It’s spacious , well-kept, and perfect for a relaxed afternoon or evening out. Whether you're grabbing a quiet pint or having a full meal outdoors, the garden area adds a lovely touch. Plenty of seating, children’s play area shaded spots, and a peaceful vibe—not something you find everywhere.
Penny L — Google review
We visited here whilst away on holiday. We reviewed the menu online but were disappointed when we arrived because a lot of the items on the menu online were not on offer on the day.
They had no rice, so no curry options were available, there was no macaroni and cheese, the lasagna had been crossed off the menu and the chicken wings and been crossed out and replaced with chicken strips.
The menus offered to us were crumpled-up pieces of paper with sections crossed out in pen. This was not appealing when you first sat down to eat.
We did consider leaving due to the largely restricted menu and very poor presentation of the menus, however, as we had already ordered drinks so we decided to give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt and stayed.
The food finally ordered was adequate, it was hot and tasted okay, but the portions were very large and by the time we had finished our starters, we were rather full.
They would probably be better off serving slightly smaller starters and saving the money on the amount of food served to buy the rice and pasta needed to be able to serve a full menu and then print menus that were appealing to look at when ordering.
The staff in the restaurant were very nice, but very young so they lacked experience in customer service. The failings of this pub appear to be down to a lack of management on site paying attention to the dinner details that will make customers want to return again.
Incredible food. Hats off to the chef for the menu, it was delicious and the servings were really good. We had a great time and the service from our host/barman/server was great. Friendly and cozy place.
Not a lot to complain about here. Stopped overnight in our motorhome on our way to Cornwall (Parked nearby) and came to the closest pub. But very friendly welcome from the staff and there were plenty of locals drinking here as well who were alos friendly - always a good sign. One retrieved our dog from the car park for us ! Food was very good pub food with decent sized portions. Only one ale on offer (Timothy Taylor) but good selection of lager and cider. Very dog friendly. Good sized garden and l am guessing this could be very busy on summer weekends. A very good local pub which we will no doubt visit on further trips.
Really nice late lunch, yummy food, nice atmosphere and company. Service could have been better the girl was trying so hard on her own (fair play to her!) I'll certainly be back.
Amazing food and service! Popped in today for the roast dinner and was not dissapointed, perfectly cooked beef and all the trimmings were amazing too! Wasn't waiting for drinks or anything as the waitress was very prompt and happy to help with anything. Will definitely be visiting again soon. 5* all round
We were looking for somewhere to stop for dinner on our way to Cornwall and found The Blue Vinny online.
We were welcomed when we arrived and the service was quick and friendly.
The food was really good - I had the veggie shepherds pie and it was really delicious and the veg was cooked perfectly.
Seemed like a lovely local pub - would definitely return.
Not very good despite reviews. Place had an unclean feel to it but we were tired and driving by and thought we could get some quick pub food. Steak too chewy to eat - left most of it. Were expecting healthy portions but kids left hungry. 2 staff serving were the best thing about the place......polite and helpful under stress and rushed off their feet. felt sorry for them hence didn't cause a fuss about the food at the end.
12 The Moor, Puddletown, Dorchester DT2 8TE, United Kingdom•
I'll never travel to Dorchester without this trip planner again
Day 4
South side of town
For day 4, we recommend exploring the south side side of town. Start the day off with Athelhampton House & Gardens, then wind down and take it easy by the time you get to The Old Tea House. All together, your day would be filled with about 7 hours of non-stop fun.
1•Donna S — Google reviewH S — Google reviewMichael S — Google reviewElisabeth C — Google reviewChristopher H — Google reviewJemD H — Google reviewDavid M — Google review
Athelhampton House & Gardens
4.6
(1221)
4.5
(953)
Nature & Parks
Gift shop
Restaurant
Historic Sites
Gardens
Athelhampton House & Gardens is a Tudor mansion from 1485 located near the historic town of Dorchester. The gardens feature formal architecture and picturesque woodland scenery, with the Great Court showcasing pyramid-shaped yew trees. The house itself dates back to Tudor times and offers tours featuring grand fireplaces, classic and modern art, and historical attire. It also serves as a unique wedding venue, accommodating guests in the river cottage.
Stopped off to break up our journey home and so glad that we did. Beautiful gardens and so well laid out. The gardens are a good walk round and plenty of places to stop, rest and enjoy. House visit costs extra but well worth viewing. Lots of 'oh wow' moments, amazing craftsmanship and a very free and relaxed feel to the house.
The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and they have a friendly house cat.
Food is nice with a lot of produce coming from their own garden, prices are usual for these type of places.
Overall one of the nicest house and gardens we've visited. Visiting the whole place can take anything from a quick half day to an easy three quarter day including lunch.
P A — Google review
Lovely gardens with beautiful flowers and water features. The tea room is light and airy with a tasty menu. Good clean facilities and plenty of car parking. Their is also an interesting house to visit on the grounds but on this occasion we didn't go in.
We recently visited Athelhampton House & Gardens for a family day out, but decided not to go inside the house itself, as we had newborns and a toddler with us. Instead, we enjoyed the beautiful outdoor spaces. We spent a relaxing time in the secluded picnic area before exploring the impressive grounds, which featured a lovely walled garden, several water features, and plenty of exotic plants to admire.
For lunch, we purchased food from the restaurant. Because we were sitting outside, the staff had to specially cater for us, as they normally only serve food indoors. This meant our meals came in takeaway containers, which wasn’t ideal, but understandable. My wife ordered two sandwiches (Cheese & Pickle, and Chicken Mayo) with side salads and drinks. The total came to nearly £30, and while the sandwiches were tasty, I felt they were a bit overpriced at £8-9 each.
That said, the staff were polite and very attentive, and we had a lovely afternoon overall. We’d definitely consider coming back in the future - especially when we’re not navigating the gardens with a double pushchair!
One of the best houses to visit. You are left alone to walk around at your own pace and time. Was greated just inside the house with a very nice lady who had a lovely bubbling personality. The gardens are very good and large. The food in the restaurant is very good and reasonably priced. Well worth a visit and we'll worth the entrance price.
The house has an amazinly preserved Tudor kitchen, rivalling Hampton Court's. The rest of the house is also gorgeous with lots of original Tudor elements, along with later additions and adaptations. The gardens are stunning, with lots of little nooks and almost secret little gardens all cobbled together; perfect for exploring one sunny afternoon.
The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Lovely little restaurant and gift shop too.
Spacious car park, with some electric charging points.
A very interesting house and gardens not too big or too small just right.
The house has 29 rooms to view and the gardens take about an hour to view.
You can take photos I. The house most unexpected.
The tea room is lovely and allows dogs, they are also allowed in the gardens but not in the house.
Plenty of parking including enough space for us to park our 6.36m long motorhome.
All the staff were very friendly and you are encouraged to ask questions of them.
I would really recommend his house and garden.
Lovely gardens even in the rain. The cafe is nice and has a decent size menu. The staff are lovely and the gardener is very knowledgeable
Lovely gardens with many quiet corners. River Piddle runs through. If you drive ev you can get one hour of free charging in the parking area.
Athelhampton Rd, Puddletown, Dorchester DT2 7LG, United Kingdom•
11 min · 5.8 mi
2•Mitul R — Google reviewCarlyn G — Google reviewS M — Google reviewChris B — Google reviewLiam — Google reviewTheo — Google reviewMark ( — Google review
Dorset Teddy Bear Museum
3.7
(271)
3.0
(230)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Step into the enchanting world of teddy bears at the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum. This family-friendly attraction showcases antique and life-size teddy bears, offering a unique take on the anthropomorphosis of inanimate objects. Housed in an Edwardian home, the museum traces the evolution of teddy bears from their christening to famous bear characters like Pooh, Rupert, and Paddington.
Excellent little museum. Lots of small stories behind and great range of well.. teddies:). Shame no family tickets.
Andrei S — Google review
While we had a discount code, we found the ticket prices to be relatively high given the museum’s size. Our visit lasted approximately 20-30 minutes, and even with a £5.00 discount, we paid £36.00 for two kids and two adults. It’s worth noting that the museum is not a registered charity; however, the fees contribute towards staff and maintenance costs. Once you get up the stairs, you notice the museum’s limited space, dustiness, and dim lighting. - It’s like a a small three bedroom house on one floor :(
We went in on a visit to Dorchester. Very old fashioned place and fairly small. A good collection of teddy bears, some very old. We weren't expecting the giant bears! Alittle creepy, but we did enjoy it, although didn't spend long there. The lady on the counter was very welcoming and friendly.
This place, at first look is fabulous. I loved how strange and fun it was, I would of considered going again, even with it being a little on the pricy side. The major downside was the placement of a golliwog doll, which is not just racist but also not a bear. Without outdated racist toy 5 stars would have been given.
Must place to visit for all arctophiles.Great collection of rare bears antique and modern (Steiff, Merrythought, Charlie, Deans, Gund etc) in fantastic settings.
a bit pricey for a fairly short experience but it was fun! got plenty of cute pictures and got to read up on the history of teddies. can buy tickets online or on the door (:
£25 entry for a family of four. Five very small rooms, two of which are the shop. It is amusingly weird though.
A bit smaller than I thought it would of been but the kids loved it. This is part a 4 attractions in the town, all linked together. Get your Golden Ticket to visit them all in a day.
Salisbury St, Dorchester, DT1 1JU, United Kingdom•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
6 min · 0.29 mi
3•Vicky H — Google reviewDave C — Google reviewGuerilla G — Google reviewChris D — Google reviewBea — Google reviewSteven G — Google reviewTerry G — Google review
Shire Hall Museum
4.6
(316)
4.5
(205)
Museum
Cafe
Historic Sites
History Museums
Shire Hall Museum, formerly Dorchester's Old Crown Court and Cells, holds a significant place in the town's history. It has been the site of famous trials such as that of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, who formed one of the first trade unions in 1832. The museum offers an immersive experience through events and exhibitions that bring to life over two centuries of justice and injustice.
Started with a visit to the museum cafe for coffee and tea cakes. The museum is very interesting taking you through the history of the court house and cells. Small museum so be sure to take your time and read about everything or use a free audio guide. The ticket is valid for unlimited return visits for one year.
Martin L — Google review
Amazing museum full of the rich history of the England court system. The staff/volunteers are welcoming and very informative. It is a great experience for anyone interested in the legal system how often do you get to stand in a holding cell/dock without being in trouble? how often can you dress up as a barrister/judge and hold court in a real court room. Amazing cafe with a good choice of food and friendly staff.
Nice depiction of life back then - plus the old court plus tollpuddle martyrs
A very interesting small museum, well worth your time. The audio guide is superb with lots of extra information, it does a great job of drawing parallels to the modern justice system. Fantastic cafe, with gluten free and vegan options. Cheese scone is highly recommended.
We loved our visit to Shire Hall, it's a beautiful building and a really interesting piece of social history, and the volunteers are lovely and very helpful. The cafe is very nice too.
We particularly enjoyed seeing the cells, and dressing up in the courtroom!
This is a fabulous place to visit, interesting atmospheric and lots to see. Losers a star though for selling books aimed at young children about a girl who addresses herself as ‘ they’. At the time of our recent visit, there was a fabulous photographic display of local people, but we are unsure why it included a woman with a Palestinian flag protesting?
Well worth a visit and also to learn about the conditions that prisoners were held very nice cafe would recommend a visit.
Excellent venue especially the old court house. Very informative and with very helpful staff
High W St, Dorchester, DT1 1UY, United Kingdom•
3 min · 0.13 mi
4•Annette P — Google reviewRR H — Google reviewMark D — Google reviewSUNNY D — Google reviewChun — Google reviewXand T — Google reviewSarah V — Google review
The Tutankhamun Exhibition
3.9
(562)
3.0
(398)
Museum
Specialty Museums
The Tutankhamun Exhibition offers a captivating experience, showcasing replicas of the famous boy-king's tomb, its treasures, and mummies. The exhibition delves into Howard Carter's painstaking process of discovering and gaining access to the tomb. Visitors can marvel at a 3D reconstruction of Tutankhamun's head, facsimiles of treasures, and a soundscape tableau depicting the moment when Carter first peered inside the tomb.
Well organised, disabled access available, friendly staff, the whole exhibition was great!
The VR experience was such a laugh & in our opinion the best part!
You DO NOT want to park in the excel London car park though, you’ll be charge £25 even if your not there the whole day.
Steph W — Google review
It really was a most amazing and very interesting Exhibition..There was a good shop selling lots of very interesting historical Egyptian works as well as historical works ..The actual experience of the exhibition the replica items were so good you would think you're looking the real things...my favourite section was the mummy's... There was actual books of time relating to Howard carter.. There was a recording of Howard carter speaking on what it was like to first enter the Tomb...you advised an hour to see it all. I personally feel you need 2 hours to absorb and learn the info on display....
Was great, very informative for a wide audience. Some of interactive fast moving activities aren't for the faint hearted but you don't have to take part in it all. Visually quite stunning
Anybody wanting to find out about the legend if tutankhamun this is a great place to visit. Reasonable entry fee in my view and found it very interesting. The exhibit was well worth seeing.
It was a fun immersive experience. We went on Tuesday afternoon so the queue was not so long to enjoy the activity. Good knowledge.
The overall experience was good. Upon entering you have to walk up some stairs then as you go inside you take a photo and There is quite a lot of reading to do but not too much. As you progress, there is an addition of a VR experience, which I found to be enjoyable. While there is still room for improvement in terms of graphics, it remains a worthwhile experience. It was not packed when we arrived. You need to wait a little for the VR experience at the end.
This is about a million times better than the VR tut exhibition going around at the moment. It’s the passion project of some extraordinary people and the replicas are amazing and the photos and signage tell the story very well
Good experience, really interesting & interactive. Not great value for money.
25 High W St, Dorchester, DT1 1UW, United Kingdom•
2 min · 500 ft
5•Ian B — Google reviewCarmen N — Google reviewKat T — Google reviewTania L — Google reviewMaurice W — Google reviewEthan B — Google reviewKim P — Google review
The Old Tea House
4.6
(280)
4.5
(315)
Tea house
Bed & breakfast
Breakfast restaurant
British restaurant
Restaurant
The Old Tea House is a quaint tea shop with a garden, low beams and inglenook fire. The staff are attentive and the tea is delicious. They have many sandwiches and cakes to choose from, which makes it perfect for a group event.
What a place 👏🏻👏🏻such history attached, so many stories to share. Debbie, the owner of this establishment has put her heart & soul into the place. Her family all play a part, her grandson is the chef, her son bakes the best scones.
She has a sign inside ‘enter as strangers & leave as friends’ it truly lives up to it! Such a delight, fine china used daily…I hope it remains as a tea house 🫖 for another 102 years. Highly recommend a visit & a meal….or just a cup of hot tea ☕️ best Dorset Apple cake ever & served with a dollop of clotted cream 👌🏻
Anita S — Google review
Such a lovely welcome from the lady who I assume is the owner. We chose to sit in a cosy little corner stacked with pillows and blankets.
The lady showed us the delicious fresh cakes, which my son and wife had. Then I chose some cream tea 😋
The tea was perfect, I managed 3 cups out of my pot. Then the fresh, warm and fluffy scone came out, with loads of cream, jam, and a side of beautiful strawberries.
There is a gin bar as well, if you fancy lunchtime tipple.
Overall we really loved our lunchtime stop here, just such a lovely feeling place, so warm and welcoming.
Went into the old tea house on Sunday had the most warmest of welcome by the amazing Debbie such a lovely lady. The tea room was spectacular with a B&B upstairs which I’m gonna book for my parents for their birthdays and anniversary. She welcome you like your family. She knows everyone by name and what they have ,
Can’t recommend this enough, amazing prices ,home cooked food Sunday lunch looked amazing ( going to have one next time )
Please please go
Thank you Debbie your amazing 💕
We stayed 2 nights at this lovely quaint venue. We stayed in the larger room which was very comfortable and cosy. We both got a great sleep in the 4 post bed . Debbie our host was fantastic , she told us all we need to know about the area. We had a lovely breakfast on both days which she also catered for. She made us feel super welcome! If you get a chance to have afternoon tea, you won't regret it ! Thanks so much Debs for making our mini break so special.
Kat & Luke x :)
I meant to review this amazing place as soon as I left! We went in the beginning of November, I’d just missed the Halloween decorations apparently.
It’s such a beautiful tea room, I hoped it was haunted and yes! Wasn’t disappointed, the lovely owner had lots of stories to share, such a sweet, wonderful lady who couldn’t have been any nicer.
I wish she would adopt me, even asked if she’d consider it!? xxx
Please visit and support the sweetest and most charming of places and please do pass on my love, from Tania from Bournemouth xxxxxxxxx
We booked a high tea for a party of 7 as it was for mothers 87th birthday surprise, she has a walker which was not a problem in the tea rooms. We booked for 7 but at the last minute one went into hospital and was taken by her daughter. We phone and it was not a problem at all to change it at the last minute. The high was more than you could ask for lots of cake, verities of sandwiches and a lovely scone with clotted cream and jam, we had 3 different pots of unlimited tea, green, earl grey and English tea. Don’t let old reviews put you off, as I did just that and was very apprehensive about going there, but the reality was very much different. Very friendly staff that didn’t hover only just asked if everything was ok and asked about more tea. All in all a very friendly staff that was above and beyond. Mum had a lovely birthday surprise, thank you all.
What a beautiful b&b with plenty of history. Owner was very informative about the old tea room and surrounding area. She was also the most amazing host, so friendly, kind and welcoming. Made us feel like we were at home. Breakfast was amazing with a great choice of cereals, pastries, yoghurt and then cooked breakfast. The cakes and scones are a must when visiting....tasty!
There is a plaque which says " come as guests leave as friends....we have definitely left as friends.
I don't like leaving anything negative but unfortunately this just was not good for me. We went for afternoon tea for my birthday but I was left disappointed. I was expecting a traditional afternoon tea. The menu mentioned an assortment of sandwiches , scones and cakes. Unfortunately not a single cake to be found, instead store bought macarons, eclair, meringue and panna cotta from Tesco! Unacceptable. In the front room they had delicious looking cakes but unfortunately we weren't offered any of them. The sandwiches were all meat, chicken and fish based. Not a single non meat or non fish option was offered. Nothing asked about dietary restrictions either, so I couldn't have any of those. When I think traditional afternoon tea, I think egg mayo, cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches, scones and cake. Service was friendly but seemed rushed.
44 High W St, Dorchester, DT1 1UT, United Kingdom•
I'll never travel to Dorchester without this trip planner again
Where to eat
Even the most seasoned adventurers need a break to chow down some food. Close to The Old Tea House, these restaurants are about a 1-minute walk away.
Rajpoot Restaurant
4.3
(399)
4.0
(687)
affordable
Indian restaurant
Restaurant
Rajpoot Restaurant offers a blend of classic and contemporary Indian cuisine in a charming black-and-white cottage with modern decor. The menu features both traditional and fusion dishes, allowing diners to customize their spice levels. While known for its top-notch takeaway service, the restaurant itself provides a simple yet lovely setting to enjoy the diverse menu offerings. Guests can expect friendly service, generous portion sizes, and freshly cooked, flavorful dishes such as the mixed meat and fish grilled platter.
Haven't been able to go to the Rajpoot for a few years as not in area but luckily had the opportunity yesterday and still is the best curry house in Dorset I have recommended to lots of friends and service and quality allways provides here. Presented and served so well allways nice and hot.
Kevin B — Google review
Friendly Indian restaurant visited on a quiet Sunday night, recommended by our hotel . Very helpful waiter. Eggplant and chickpea curry was very nice, prawns korma a bit sweet. I like the big papadams they served in the UK, a nice way to start.
My son bought us a very expensive takeaway tonight as a treat, but it was awful. The mixed seafood curry smelt so strongly of fish we didn’t eat it for fear it wasn’t fresh. The lemon rice was inedible lots of bitter things in it and too much lemon, onion bhajis stoggy & floury Prawn Jalfrezi which is supposed to be very spicy was mild With 6 overcooked prawns & masses of onions and peppers. The potato dish Pretty tasteless, Poppadoms were slight burnt, the dips to go with them bright pink and green! Such a waste of hard earned money. Thank goodness we are going back to Kent tomorrow and can order from our excellent regular Indian takeaway
We went here early in the evening and were seated straight away, a table for 2 in the window without reservations.
The service was okay but not outstanding.
The food was less than impressive, we were from out of town so maybe we are used to the Indian restaurants in the Midlands that are better value for money and have a far deeper flavour to them and seem to be fresher ingredients as our dishes seemed a little musty if that makes sense.
The reason for my previous comment is that as we sat eating a steady stream of people came in and some were greeted like friends .
I always say make your own minds up as everyone's tastes are different.
Had a wonderful meal there with our friends Brian & Jackie Hudson. Our food was absolutely delicious. The waiters were very friendly and talkative. We loved the experience and definitely would recommend it if you love Indian food.
A very Honest and Tasty well Cooked Curry!
Was recommended to here and looked at the reviews and can say very happy with Rajpoot.
The food is very nice and delicious and good food portions, and nice fresh ingredients, you can’t fault the food.
Couple of things that need improvement
Took a long time for the food to come out.
Staff could be friendlier.
And please pay with cash when you go , there card machines are set up that you have to leave them a tip and can’t continue forward until you have left a tip ( VERY CHEEKY ) 🤪 💰💰💰
Treated my partner to a birthday meal.
The food was excellent, really a cut above; and the service friendly.
The poppadoms were tasty and so were the sauces...none super spicy ( but all tasty) which was great.
Can recommend the chicken passanda and mango lassi!
I am not a vegetarian but the options looked tempting!
I liked the classical background music.
It was a BH Monday evening and by 9pm we were the only ones in the restaurant.
Called the restaurant to ask if they will allow a table for 2 at 9:45pm, they said yes. Once arrived at the restaurant the waiter seemed annoyed that we got there, even though it says they close at 11pm. Went to sit us down and told us we have to order immediately as they are closing. If that's the case why could they not just tell us over the phone not to come. So we ordered, and then a fight started in the kitchen between the staff, we could hear everything due to the silence as they turned the music off and their excuse was they didn't know how to turn it back on. After I got up to ask the waiter I don't want them to be upset because we are here so we will leave, which he then replied it was fine take a seat food is nearly ready. He finally gave us our drinks (mango lassi) which tasted sour and gone off. Then the fight started again and this time sounded like someone was chasing the chef around with tools ( lots of clanging and banging until the voices faded) so he must have been chased out the back. Just imagining the state of our food with all that spit from the screaming and if it would even be cooked right we got up and told the waiter we can't take this anymore. I highly do not recommend this place
43 High W St, Dorchester, DT1 1UT, United Kingdom•
Lee Garden
4.5
(191)
4.5
(148)
affordable
Chinese restaurant
Lee Garden is a popular Chinese restaurant and takeaway known for its delicious food and simple decor. It offers all the classic Chinese dishes, including crispy shredded chilli beef. Visitors praise the spotless environment, friendly service, and high-quality ingredients such as real chicken breast in their meals. The menu includes favorites like tempura prawns, chicken & sweetcorn soup, lemon chicken, and chicken chow mein. Customers appreciate the quick and pleasant service at this family-run establishment in Dorchester.
Enjoyed our first meal out here and will return for sure. Lovely flavours, fresh ingredients and good portions. The family tram there are delightful too!
Phil G — Google review
Lovely food and great service. The food was served hot and tasty, we both enjoyed. Than you 😊
Disappointed with the food we ordered. Both dishes were over £7 each which is about average. Except, Tasteless ribs, quite expensive for the quality received. Hopefully picture shows a good representation. house special fried rice was really just boiled rice with a small amount of egg and one or two small rubbery shrimps small amount of veg and three small slices of dubious looking chicken and pork. Maybe it is better if you eat in.
The food and service in here are perfect and you get really good size portions .We will visit again for sure.
Visited this Chinese for a takeaway while on holiday after seeing the good reviews. Would say it’s very average. Ribs were meatless. Prawn crackers were stale and oily. Sweet and sour chicken was packed with veg and hardly any meat. Fu yung was swimming in water.
Eaten there this evening can highly recommend the food. I had tempura prawns for starters and my partner had chicken & sweetcorn soup. All very tasty. We both had lemon chicken with chicken chow mein. It was lovely. Would go again when next in Dorchester.
We chose to go here for something to eat as we were walking past, I'm glad we stopped and went in. We got there just after it opened and the place was spacious and comfortable, very well presented and clean. The service was excellent and our order was spot on. We ordered the sweet and sour tofu with rice and I had house special and special fried rice, tiger beers for our drinks. The food was delicious and I'll go again. The atmosphere here was really nice as well :-)
Great decently priced food, and got a fortune cookie too!
45 High E St, Dorchester, DT1 1HU, United Kingdom•
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2
Travelers
2
Taste Brasserie
4.5
(163)
4.5
(466)
Permanently Closed
affordable
Cafe
Taste Brasserie is a European cafe with British and vegetarian friendly options. It features a full bar, outdoor seating, and highchairs available. The cafe also serves wine and beer. Taste Brasserie is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch.
We had a lovely lunch here (vegan and vegetarian options incl). Smoothies are great and they also have a great selection of sweet treats. Staff are very friendly and service is great.
Jennifer H — Google review
Great food, service and environment. Didn't think much of the avocado breakfast dpecial though!
A pleasant welcome to a tidy and warm place...a nice relaxed atmosphere to a popular cafe, there was the option of tea leaves which was nice but slightly pricey to other places around.
A nice atmosphere, very welcoming.
Staff are friendly and presentable and the aprons are a nice touch.
The restaurant does well to seat as many people as it does, seating is adequate and comfortable.
The food is presented well, tasty and priced well.
It’s always nice to see a local outlet producing their own food, the chocolate brownie was delicious and the lemon and lime cake was Devine.
We will be visiting again.
Horrible food I have ever eaten!
The worst steak I have ever had. Rubbery texture with hard gristle through it with a garlic butter that was so salty obviously to disguise the taste.
The children’s meals were missing things of their plates, sausages, cucumber!! Had to ask where their rest of their food was, they forgot to to it on the plate!
Chips were only just cooked, pasty white.
Staff were Not very apologetic about the issues.
I always used to love going to taste before covid. Will never go there again after the appalling food and expensive cost.
A really excellent find. Café/brasserie style food of high quality. Service was friendly and prompt even during a busy and full weekday lunch service. Very highly recommended and is the best of some close competition at the top end of the high street in Dorchester. We'll be sure to be back to sample more of the menu, particularly the breakfast offerings
Each time I passed the window I could see high end coffee machines and grinders with good brand coffee bags on the menu. Eventually when I got to go in the food was good but the coffee a let down. I was familiar with the coffee brand so I know they're good roasters capable of great flavours but the espresso I had (single, double isn't a standard size) tasted of charcoal and burnt toast. It's a good place for cakes and other foods, a welcome stop on a rainy day.
We have always had lovely food at Taste but I do have to wonder if they have changed their chef recently. In the past month we have visited twice for brunch and on the first occasion my partner ordered the English breakfast and I ordered a crostini. One side of the bacon, sausage, black pudding and bread were burnt to a crisp but the other side was fine so we have to assume the chef left the food unattended for some reason. The manager apologised and acknowledged that she shouldn't have served the breakfast and did not charge us for it. The 2nd visit was yesterday. I didn't want anything too large so ordered the handmade fish goujons with tartare sauce from the "tapas" menu and a side of sweet potato fries and my partner had the goats cheese crostini. Although I didn't want anything too large, I did think I'd get more than 3 very small skinny limp pieces of battered fish for £5.50!! I didn't say anything on this occasion but I left hungry and dissappointed again. I'd have given 1 star but the service there is excellent.
6 Trinity St, Dorchester, DT1 1UB, United Kingdom•
I'll never travel to Dorchester without this trip planner again
Best-of categories in Dorchester
Restaurants
Attractions
Cafes
Cheap eats
Breakfast and brunch
Family restaurants
Museums
Kid-friendly attractions
NeighborhoodsPopular road trips from Dorchester
What's the weather like in Dorchester?
It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Dorchester for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.
- Weather in Dorchester in January
- Weather in Dorchester in February
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- Dorchester to Venice drive
- Dorchester to Manchester drive
- Dorchester to Torquay drive
- Dorchester to Copenhagen drive
Explore nearby places
All related maps of Dorchester
- Map of Dorchester
- Map of Cerne Abbas
- Map of Weymouth
- Map of Abbotsbury
- Map of Bovington
- Map of West Lulworth
- Map of Burton Bradstock
- Map of Bridport
- Map of West Bay
- Map of Wareham
- Map of Blandford Forum
- Map of Sherborne
- Map of Corfe Castle
- Map of Yeovil
- Map of Poole
- Map of Charmouth
- Map of Montacute
- Map of Wimborne Minster
- Map of Lyme Regis
- Map of Studland
- Map of Swanage
- Map of Sparkford
- Map of Shaftesbury
- Map of Ilchester
- Map of Bournemouth
- Map of Axminster
- Map of Chard
- Map of Ilminster
- Map of Somerton
- Map of Verwood
- Map of Seaton
Dorchester throughout the year
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Dorchester?
Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:
Day itineraries for nearby cities
- 4-Day Bournemouth Itinerary
- 4-Day Poole Itinerary
- 4-Day Weymouth Itinerary
- 4-Day Bridport Itinerary
- 4-Day Swanage Itinerary
- 4-Day Wimborne Minster Itinerary
- 4-Day Lyme Regis Itinerary
- 4-Day Yeovil Itinerary
- 4-Day Seaton Itinerary
- 4-Day Wareham Itinerary
- 4-Day Blandford Forum Itinerary
- 4-Day Sherborne Itinerary
- 4-Day Shaftesbury Itinerary
- 4-Day Axminster Itinerary
- 4-Day Ilminster Itinerary
- 4-Day West Lulworth Itinerary
- 4-Day Chard Itinerary
- 4-Day Corfe Castle Itinerary
- 4-Day Somerton Itinerary
- 4-Day Cerne Abbas Itinerary
- 4-Day Verwood Itinerary
- 4-Day Montacute Itinerary
- 4-Day Sparkford Itinerary
- 4-Day Burton Bradstock Itinerary
- 4-Day Charmouth Itinerary
- 4-Day West Bay Itinerary
- 4-Day Studland Itinerary
- 4-Day Ilchester Itinerary
- 4-Day Bovington Itinerary
- 4-Day Abbotsbury Itinerary
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