Places To Visit near Dorchester

Athelhampton House and Gardens
The beautifully preserved 15th Century manor house has stunning interiors resplendent with antique furnishings. The famous formal gardens incorporate a series of tranquil, sophisticated spaces, including the great court with its giant pyramids, simple plantings of roses, clematis and tulips, fountains and pools laden with water lillies, a canal and the River Piddle. The 15th Century dovecote still houses white doves. Stop off for some home-cooked refreshment at the Topiary Restaurant. Open March to October.
www.athelhampton.co.uk

Kingston Maurward Gardens
Formal gardens in the ‘Arts and Crafts’ style of the Edwardian era in the grounds of Kingston Maurward House. Thomas Hardy was a frequent visitor to the house as a boy, and it features as 'Knapwater House' in his novel Desperate Remedies. Children can meet Button and Pebbles the donkeys in the animal park, as well as miniature Shetland ponies, goats, pigs, rabbits, ducks, emus and peacocks. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the large picnic area. There is also a refreshment kiosk, visitor centre and shop.
www.kmc.ac.uk/gardens

Hardy Monument
Not to be confused with perhaps Dorset's most famous son, Thomas Hardy, this monument was erected in memory of Vice Admiral Hardy of the HMS Victory (of "Kiss me Hardy" fame). Situated on Black Down near Portesham, it offers glorious views across the Dorset countryside to the sea, and is within a mile of the inland route of the South West coastal path (which avoids Chesil beach). National Trust owned.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-hardymonument

Hardy's Cottage
A classic cottage with real romance; close your eyes and imagine the characters of Far from the Madding Crowd coming to life here.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Hardy's Dorchester Home, Max Gate
Take a step back into literary history at Thomas Hardy's Dorchester home, where classics such as Tess of the d'Ubervilles, Jude the Obscure and The Mayor of Casterbridge were written. Now a National Trust property, the house was originally designed by Hardy, who lived there for 43 years until his death in 1928. For a literary day out, combine it with a visit to Hardy's Cottage in nearby Higher Brockham.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-maxgate

Maiden Castle
Covering an area of more than 50 football pitches, this is Britain's largest and most complex Iron Age hillfort. The castle was built in 600 BC, over the remains of a Neolithic settlement. Over the centuries that followed, the hillfort was extended and additional defences thrown up around it. Today you can wander the old ramparts and enjoy beautiful views of the Dorset countryside.
www.maidencastle.com

Plaza Cinema

www.reeltime-cinemas.co.uk

The Dinosaur Museum
An enduring favourite with kids everywhere.
www.thedinosaurmuseum.com

The Dorset County Museum
Recounting the rich social, geological and archaeological history of the county. Kids will love the Jurassic Coast exhibition.
www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

The Tutankhamun Exhibition
The story of this Egyptian king is as fascinating as ever.
www.tutankhamun-exhibition.co.uk