Historic and modern – the best of both
To the west of Bournemouth and Poole is Dorchester, the charming county town of Dorset. It has much to offer for a day trip, including a large range of restaurants, cafes, bars and bistros, museums, attractions, glorious gardens, river walks, and a Roman town house. Literary references abound to world-famous author and poet Thomas Hardy, whose ‘Casterbridge’ was, in fact, Dorchester.
Eating out and shopping – spoilt for choice!
Wander around the historical streets, and you'll find a wide range of shops, both chains and independents. From the pedestrianised high street, it’s a short walk to Brewery Square, a recent conversion of the old brewery into a cosmopolitan hub of restaurants, bars, and shops, with a cinema and light-up fountain that’s popular with children.
Museums a-plenty
Dorchester offers a fascinating selection of museums. Don’t miss the enchanting Teddy Bear Museum, the Tutankhamun Exhibition , the Dinosaur Museum, the Mummies Exhibition, and the Terracotta Warriors Museum too.