Dorchester – Dorset’s County Town

dorsetcountrylife
Sep 13
3 min read

If you’ve ever found yourself wandering through Dorset, chances are you’ll have stumbled across Dorchester – our county town and a place that has a lot more going for it than first meets the eye. It’s not huge, it’s not flashy, but I think that’s exactly what makes it such a lovely spot to live in (and to visit).

A town steeped in history (with Romans still lurking about)

You can’t walk far here without bumping into a piece of history. From Roman town walls to the amphitheatre at Maumbury Rings, Dorchester wears its past quite proudly. I still get a little buzz walking past the Roman Town House tucked away near the council offices – it’s free, open-air, and somehow manages to feel like a hidden gem despite being right in the middle of town.

We’ve also got Thomas Hardy woven into the place. He lived just outside Dorchester in Higher Bockhampton, and you’ll spot nods to him everywhere, whether in street names or at Max Gate, the house he designed and lived in. For literature lovers, it’s like walking through pages of a book.

Market town vibes – but with a modern twist

Dorchester has always been a market town at heart, and that still shows on Wednesdays with the market down at Weymouth Avenue. There’s something comforting about picking up local veg, plants, and the odd bargain while catching up with familiar faces.

That said, it’s not all traditional. Brewery Square has completely changed the feel of one end of town. The old Eldridge Pope brewery buildings have been transformed into a buzzing hub of restaurants, shops, a cinema, and even fountains that kids (and occasionally grown-ups!) run through in the summer. It’s where you go if you fancy a cheeky cocktail, a meal out, or just a bit of people-watching.

Green spaces and countryside on your doorstep

One of the best bits about Dorchester is how quickly you can swap town life for open skies. The walk up to Poundbury Hillfort gives you cracking views across town, while the water meadows by the River Frome are perfect for a quiet stroll (or a picnic if you’re lucky with the weather). And if you fancy stretching your legs further, you’re never more than a short drive from the Dorset countryside or the Jurassic Coast.

Poundbury – love it or hate it

I can’t talk about Dorchester without mentioning Poundbury. It's the quirky development masterminded by King Charles when he was Prince of Wales, designed as a model town extension. Some locals adore its mix of traditional architecture and community feel, others find it a bit like stepping onto a film set. Either way, it’s unique – and it has some fantastic bakeries and cafés that are well worth the walk up the hill.

A town with a friendly heartbeat

What I really love about Dorchester, though, isn’t just the history or the scenery – it’s the atmosphere. People know each other here. You’ll bump into neighbours in south street, stop for a natter in one of the independent coffee shops, or share a nod with the same dog walkers you pass most mornings. It’s small enough to feel cosy, but big enough that there’s always something going on – from festivals and live music to exhibitions at the Dorset Museum.

Dorchester might not shout the loudest, but it has a quiet charm that sneaks up on you. It’s a place where the past and present sit side by side, where you can grab a latte in Brewery Square before heading off to explore Roman ruins, and where community spirit still runs deep.

So, whether you’re visiting for a day, settling in for a while, or – like me – lucky enough to call it home, Dorchester has a way of making you slow down, breathe, and appreciate the simple things.