Local places of interest

Dorset is one of the most beautiful counties in England and has been the inspiration for generations of writers, poets and artists with its rolling hills and spectacular Jurassic coastline.

The pictures rotating at the top of the page show (in order): St Catherine's Chapel Abbotsbury, West Bay Bridport, Sandsfoot Bay Weymouth looking towards Portland, Weymouth beach and harbour and Portland's Victorian coastal quarries.

All are within a 40 minute drive from Dorchester and this is just a selection of popular locations on the coast! Add to that inland attractions such as the Cerne Abbas Giant and Maiden Castle just outside Dorchester and there are plenty of places for walks and days out.

Don't forget Dorchester itself, famous for its Wednesday market and long history. Dorchester is one of the few towns to still have its own Town Crier - hear him by the Town Pump (Corn Exchange end of South Street) most mornings. Visit Thomas Hardy's birthplace and town house both just outside Dorchester and see a recreation of his study in the town museum. Visit locations mentioned in TH novels including The Mayor of Casterbridge's house (Barclay's Bank!) and Maumbury Rings.

You can also see the courtroom where the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried, the infamous Judge Jeffreys quarters and The Roman Town House as well as the Tutankhamun, Dinosaurs and Terracotta Warriors Museums and The Keep Military Museum all in the middle of town. For more information on any of these please phone Dorchester Tourist Information Centre on 01305 267992 or call in at Antelope Walk.

If you need a break from sightseeing, pop into our Walnut Grove Coffee Shop and Restaurant in Durngate Street (just off the Town Pump end of the pedestrianised part of South Street) where as a guest of Bay Tree House you will enjoy a 15% discount on all food and drinks.