Places to stay in Dorchester, Dorset

We currently have 30 accommodations in and around Dorchester. There are also other regional listings available for Caravan parks, Self Catering, B&B's, Hotels and other properties. You can filter these listings by the available types.

The beautiful market town of Dorchester is the county town of Dorset. It is steeped in history and culture and boasts great places to visit, shop and eat. No holiday in Dorset would be complete without a visit to this fascinating town and its 6000 years of history. Places to eat in the region include Napper's Mite Restaurant, Cote Brasserie, Wagamama, and Brewhouse and Kitchen.

Dorchester was an important town in Roman times then became a thriving Saxon mint during the 10th century, before becoming a Roundhead stronghold during the English Civil War. Much of the town was destroyed by fire in the 17th and 18th centuries and most of the buildings visible today date from Georgian times.

Maiden Castle, one of the largest and most impressive Iron Age hill forts in Europe, is located just 2km to the south west of Dorchester. The first settlement here was some time around 4000 BC and over the following 3000 years the settlement grew, and with it came a succession of larger and grander earthworks. The fort defences that are visible today date from around 800 BC when the Iron Age Celtic tribe, the Durotriges, were at the height of their power. Maiden Castle was almost certainly their capital until the Roman conquest of around 60 AD.

The center of Dorchester ( which is at is longitude -2°26'2.4395 and latitude 50°42'38.52 ) is located 2 miles away from Charminster, 2 miles away from West Stafford, 4 miles away from Sutton Poyntz and 4 miles away from Upwey.

Other useful links:

• Visit Dorchester - Home
• Dorchester, Dorset on Wikipedia

Things to see and do, places to eat in Dorchester

Trumpet Major ( Dining / Pubs / Bars ). A family-friendly pub serving a great range of meals every day of the week! Spacious, welcoming, and perfect for both good weather and bad. www.trumpetmajorpubdorset.co.uk

La Caverna ( Dining / Italian ). Located at 57 Icen Way. For over 20 years we have been serving delicious, freshly made Italian food in the historical town of Dorchester. www.lacaverna.co.uk

The Poet Laureate ( Dining / Pubs / Bars ). Located at 5 Pummery Square. The Poet Laureate is a welcoming family run pub and restaurant serving guest ales and a delicious menu made with locally sourced produce wherever possible. poetlaureate.co.uk

Sienna ( / Modern European ). Located at 36 High West Street. Modern British food, fresh seasonal ingredients, fine wines & friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere. www.siennarestaurant.co.uk

Pizza Express ( Dining / Pizza ). Located at 25 Weymouth Avenue. Join us in the historic market town of Dorchester, not far from the thriving Brewery Square shopping centre. Whether you’ve been hitting the shops, exploring the ancient Roman ruins moments from the high street, or come straight from the seaside (a mere 15 minutes away), our friendly staff, cosy booth seating, lively open kitchen and delicious menu will be waiting to welcome you. There’s also outdoor seating if you prefer. You’ll find Dorchester South and West stations within 5 minutes’ walk, a local bus stop just down the road and ample parking opposite the restaurant. www.pizzaexpress.com

Lee Garden ( Dining / Chinese ). Located at 45 High East Street. We are a Chinese Restaurant & Takeaway located in Dorchester specialising in Sechuan & Peking dishes.

Closed or unlisted properties

• Lantern House B&B closed or delisted.
• Duck House closed or delisted.
• Tarkaville closed or delisted.
• Best Western Kings Arms Hotel closed or delisted.
• Victoria Hotel closed or delisted.
• The Royal Yeoman closed or delisted.

Renamed properties

• Best Western Wessex Royale Hotel at 32 High West Street may have been previously known as Wessex Royale Hotel
• Sandy Holme Holiday Park at Moreton Road may have been previously known as Sandyholme Holiday Park