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The oldest town in Dorset, Dorchester has been attracting day-trippers and holidaymakers for centuries thanks to a vibrant market town atmosphere and being packed with interesting cafés, shops and restaurants. The author Thomas Hardy was born nearby and went to school in the town – reflected as Casterbridge in his books – and there are countless landmarks and buildings which tell the story of his work. Nestling in some unforgettable countryside, Dorchester is the perfect base to explore Dorset.
Dorchester Travel Links
Dorchester has its own train station called Dorchester South, which is well-connected to major cities like London, Bournemouth, and Weymouth. The journey from London takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the train service.
At Dorchester South station there are plenty of options for onward travel with a taxi rank, bus and coach stops directly outside. Dorchester West station is a 5 minute walk away and is where you’ll catch trains to Yeovil and destinations in the West of England.
The Dinosaur Museum is in the middle of Dorchester – gateway to Dorset’s World Heritage Jurassic Coast – which positively encourages children to touch a Tyrannosaurus Rex thanks to its commitment to hands-on learning and entertainment.
The charming Teddy Bear Museum, with over 100 years of teddy bears from all over the world, delights all ages. Get a Gold Saver Pass and you can take in both the dinosaurs and teddy bears, and visit three other small museums for no extra charge:
But no visit to Dorchester would be complete without Thomas Hardy. The Dorset County Museum offers a recreation of his study, an intriguing story of his life and work and the world’s biggest Hardy archive. But you can still book yourself on a Hardy walking tour taking in the famous ‘Casterbridge’ landmarks, or visit the properties maintained by The National Trust. Max Gate is the atmospheric Victorian home designed by Hardy and, a few miles away, Hardy’s Cottage preserves the celebrated author’s birthplace.
Dorchester’s always bustling and vibrant, with a good mix of national chains and independent stores. It’s also worth heading out to Poundbury village, the famous brainchild of Prince Charles just a mile outside the town centre. It’s now home to a number of really interesting shops, including slow-living lifestyle store Cherryade, clothing accessories and gift store Yard, and a gorgeous garden centre with café.
Eating out in Dorchester
Dorchester has a number of traditional British pubs where you can enjoy classic pub fare, such as fish and chips, pies, and hearty roast dinners. Some popular pubs include The Royal Oak, The Tom Brown's, and The New Inn. Dorchester has several charming cafes and tearooms where you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea or a coffee and cake. The Antelope Walk area is home to many of these quaint spots.
Furthermore, the innovative Brewery Square project redefined the centre of Dorchester with a range of high-end chains including Carluccio’s and Cote Brasserie.
Hotels in Dorchester
A classical Georgian building with a real sense of grandeur, both historical and contemporary, The Wessex Royale Hotel is just a short stroll from the station and boasts an award-winning restaurant.
For those after a traditional taste of Thomas Hardy country, The Casterbridge takes some beating – a wisteria-clad townhouse with 4-poster beds and characterful rooms. And a couple of miles into the rolling Dorset countryside is the rural treat that is Yalbury Cottage, an award-winning restaurant with lovely cosy rooms.
Travelling by train from Dorchester South to Bournemouth costs as little as £11.00 if you get an evening out ticket. Prices may differ based on the time of day, class, and route. Bear in mind booking on the day of travel is usually more expensive.
What time does the first direct train from London to Dorchester depart?
The average travel-time is around 2 hours and 40 minutes. However, keep in mind that travel times on weekends and holidays may be longer. To find out the exact travel time for a specific date, please visit our Train Times page.
What’s the cheapest way to get to Dorchester by train?
You can save money by buying off-peak tickets. Search our ticket types to find cheap train tickets, and see if you can save even more with a Railcard . If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave. And don’t forget to check out SWR Rewards hub for exclusive discounts on dining deals, theatre tickets, hotel stays, days out and much more.
How much is a train ticket from Dorchester to London?
Travelling by train from Dorchester South to Bournemouth costs as little as £11.00 if you get an evening out ticket. Prices may differ based on the time of day, class, and route. Bear in mind booking on the day of travel is usually more expensive.
What time does the last direct train from London to Dorchester depart?
