Dorchester is the county town of beautiful Dorset, and the perfect base for a cottage holiday. Set on the banks of the River Frome, and only 7 miles from the coast at Weymouth, Dorchester offers museums, shops, river walks, gardens, and plenty of attractions for history buffs, including the finest Roman townhouse in Britain, and the more gruesome ‘Hangman’s Cottage’ – a reminder of the town’s famous Hanging Judge.

Dorchester found literary fame as the town of ‘Casterbridge’ in Thomas Hardy’s novels – if you’re looking to make a literary pilgrimage, a holiday cottage in Dorchester offers a wealth of Thomas Hardy attractions, including his birthplace and townhouse home, both now National Trust properties. Complete your cultural experience with a visit to the diverse selection of Museums – dedicated to the Teddy Bear, Dinosaur, or Terracotta Army!

With the Jurassic coast just a short hop away, classic Dorset fossil hunting or beach fun are within easy reach too – so choose your Dorchester holiday cottage today and start planning that itinerary.