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.














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