Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Dorchester has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Dorchester.
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Sights in Dorchester
Dorchester is a historic town in Dorset, southern England. The town is situated on the River Frome about midway between Poole and Bridport. It lies on the borders of the Dorset Downs, an area of chalk downland, and Wessex, the historic region that includes Sussex, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire.
Dorchester was one of the first Roman settlements in Britain and was known as Durnovaria. The Roman town walls, which can still be seen in parts, enclosed an area of around 100 acres (40 hectares). The town has a number of notable buildings from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, including the Town Hall, Grand Twostorey House, Georgian Mansion and the Old Crown Courts.
Dorchester’s beautiful natural setting makes it a popular tourist destination. The town has a number of parks and gardens, including Borough Gardens, Huish Park and Maumbury Rings. There are also several National Trust properties in the vicinity, such as Maiden Castle, Kingston Lacy and Athelhampton House.
Dorchester is wellconnected by road and rail. London is just over two hours away by train and Bournemouth International Airport is just a short drive. The town is also home to a number of hotels, restaurants and shops.
History of Dorchester
Dorchester is a historic market town located in south west England, within the county of Dorset. It’s situated on the River Frome and just east of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The town has a long and varied history, dating back to the Roman era when it was known as Durnovaria.
Dorchester was an important centre for the Wessex kingdom during the Early Middle Ages and became the county town of Dorset in the 10th century. It was also the site of a major Benedictine monastery, founded in the early 8th century. The town grew steadily during the medieval period and by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086 it was recorded as having a population of around 1,000.
During the English Civil War Dorchester changed hands several times and was even briefly captured by Parliamentary forces in 1644. However, it ultimately reverted back to Royalist control and was the last town in Dorset to fall to the Roundheads in 1645.
The town’s fortunes improved during the 18th century as it became a popular destination for tourists and spagoers. This growth continued into the Victorian era and by the early 20th century Dorchester had become a thriving market town with a population of over 12,000.
Sadly, much of the town was destroyed during Allied bombing raids in the Second World War. However, regeneration efforts have seen Dorchester bounce back and today it remains a thriving and popular place to live, work and visit.
Vacation in Dorchester
Dorchester is a small town located in the south west of England, in the county of Dorset. It is situated on the River Frome and has a population of around 19,000 people. The town is twinned with the town of Bienville in Louisiana, USA. The history of the town can be traced back to the Roman times when it was known as Durnovaria. The name Dorchester comes from the Old English word for ‘town’, which was ‘ceaster’.
The town has a variety of tourist attractions, including Roman remains, a 16thcentury market, an 18thcentury prison, and a 12thcentury Abbey. The town is also home to the Dorset County Museum, which has a collection of artefacts from the county’s history.
There are a number of accommodation options available in Dorchester, from bed and breakfasts to hotels. There are also a number of selfcatering cottages and apartments which can be rented for your stay.
Dorchester is an ideal base for exploring the south west of England. The town is within easy reach of a number of attractions, including the Jurassic Coast, Stonehenge, and Salisbury Cathedral. There are also a number of country parks and gardens which are worth a visit.
When it comes to dining out, Dorchester offers a variety of options, from pubs and cafes to restaurants. There is something to suit all tastes and budgets.
So, whether you’re looking for a historical town to explore, somewhere to enjoy the great outdoors, or somewhere to just relax and enjoy the good food and drink on offer, Dorchester is the perfect place for you.
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