Dorchester

The historic market town of Dorchester lies on the banks of the River Frome just south of the Dorset Downs and only 8 miles north of the seaside town of Weymouth.

Dorchester was the home and inspiration of the author Thomas Hardy, whose novel The Mayor of Casterbridge was based on the town. Dorchester is also the County Town and home to the County Council offices as well as the Dorset County Museum (recommended), the Dinosaur Museum, the Tutankhamun Exhibition, the Terracotta Warriors Museum and the Teddy Bear Museum. 

Dorchester County Museum
View up the High Street. The church on the left is All Saint’s Church.

Dorchester Town Centre Car Parks

Acland Road Car Park Dorchester

Sat Nav postcode DT1 1EE (Google map). This is the largest town centre car park with a capacity of 284 spaces (10 disabled). The car park is open 24 hrs. Maximum stay is 4 hours. Payment can be made using cash, phone or using an online app (JustPark location 6404). More information can be found at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/parking/

Acland Road Car Park Charges
up to 30 mins£0.50
up to 1 hour£1
up to 2 hours£1.50
up to 3 hours£2.20
up to 4 hours£3.50
Charges apply 8am – 6pm, 7 days. Car park open 24 hrs. No height restriction. Information last updated 05 March 2024.
Hight Street (East). The building on the right with the clock tower is the Corn Exchange & Town Hall (municipal buildings) which date back to the mid-nineteenth century. Just beyond that is St. Peter’s Church.
St. Peter’s Church in the Hight Street (West). Next door is the Dorset County Museum
Facing the Corn Exchange on the High Street is a pedestrianised road lined with shops known as the Cornhill. Market day is Wednesday when there are additional stalls set up along the centre of the Cornhill.
The Dinosaur Museum https://www.thedinosaurmuseum.com
The Teddy Bear Museum https://www.teddybearmuseum.co.uk
The Teddy Bear Museum

Related Pages: Dorset County Museum / Hardy’s Cottage / Maiden Castle / Thomas Hardy / Kingston Maurward / Athelhampton House / Hardy Monument