Things to do in Dorchester
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Dorchester
Durdle Door
Durdle Door, also known as "Durdle Elephant Trunk Hill", is part of the Jurassic Coast of Lulworth Bay and is also a famous attraction in the bay. This massive Portland limestone arch is 150 million years old, formed by intense crustal action and erosion. Near the stone arch is the sparkling beach, walk down the steps to the sea and stroll the beautiful coastline. Many tourists come here for vacation in summer, but there are few shaded places on the beach, try to avoid midday and pay attention to sun protection.Wareham · 15.3 km from Dorchester
Weymouth Beach
A beautiful British seaside town with donkey rides, sand sculptures, doggie beach, deckchairs and a great view. Overall aclassic English beach with plenty of space for sports and activities.Weymouth · 11.2 km from Dorchester
Nothe Fort
Weymouth · 11.5 km from Dorchester
London Eye
Take a ride on the incredible 135-metre London Eye and enjoy a panoramic view of London's stunning skyline, packed with iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and more. Ride during the day, at night, at sunset, or at dusk—which will you choose? The London Eye has a total of 32 air-conditioned, fully enclosed cabins, each of which can accommodate approximately 25 people. It takes about half an hour to complete a full rotation. The cabins are equipped with explanations of various sights in London, which play when they rotate to the corresponding angle. In addition, touch-sensitive information panels are also available.United Kingdom · London
The British Museum
The British Museum is one of the largest and most renowned museums in the world. The British Museum houses over 8 million cultural relics and treasures from around the globe, with its vast quantity and diversity of collections being rare among museums worldwide. Rich collection of treasures Due to its vast collection, The British Museum can nearly showcase the entire course of world civilization. Despite spatial limitations, it still displays approx. 50,000 items simultaneously. The main collections date from the medieval period, with particular renown for ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman artifacts, alongside a wealth of precious cultural relics from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Many cultural treasures from around the world can only be seen in their authentic form here. Ancient Greek-style main building The main building emulates ancient Greek architecture, featuring a grand entrance with a tall colonnade flanked by eight thick and towering Roman-style columns on each side, topped by a pediment roof adorned with reliefs. Entering through the main door leads to the great court, which is connected to over 100 galleries of various sizes surrounding it. Inspired by the Louvre Pyramid, the great court is bright, spacious, and elegantly minimalist. Bright central atrium The great court was originally part of the British Library. After the library moved out, it was transformed into a covered square with a white color scheme. The square's massive semi-transparent roof is composed of many uniquely shaped glass panels, combined with white stone, ensuring excellent lighting even on gloomy days in London. The sculptures displayed in the court are genuine treasures, such as the marble lion and Easter Island statues. Additionally, artists from around the world occasionally perform here, adding a relaxed atmosphere to the solemn museum. At the center of the grand atrium is the reading room, displaying art literature and books open to the public, where travelers can admire the dome and quaint circular bookshelves up close. The entrance of the reading room is marked with the names of notable figures to commemorate their time spent reading here. Cafés and restaurants are located on both sides and above the grand atrium, offering dining options with a view overlooking the entire space. Along the outer edge of the reading room lies the museum shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs after their tour. Three iconic treasures The Rosetta Stone: Originally from Egypt, this stone bears three different script versions of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh's decree. Through comparing these scripts, archaeologists gradually unlocked the key to deciphering ancient Egyptian civilization. However, the Rosetta Stone displayed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a replica. Admonitions scroll: The scroll consists of 12 paintings in total, with The British Museum housing 9 Tang dynasty replica versions. The Admonitions scroll ranks 39th in BBC's "A History of the World in 100 Objects," highlighting its immense cultural and historical value. Throughout history, the scroll has been collected by numerous emperors and high-ranking officials. The Elgin Marbles: These are sculptural fragments from the Parthenon, with a history of over 2,500 years. They have been housed in the museum for over 200 years since the British royal family purchased them at great expense. Specialty exhibition halls Asian pavilions: Halls 33 and 95. Hall 33 features artifacts from China, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, including collections from countries like India. Hall 33B is dedicated to Chinese jade artifacts, while Hall 95 showcases Chinese ceramics. The British Museum is one of the museums with the largest collections of lost Chinese artifacts, housing over 25,000 pieces, with approx. 2,000 on long-term display. The exhibition is meticulously designed, organizing Shang and Zhou dynasty bronzes along a chronological sequence, displaying artifacts from the Shang and Zhou, Qin and Han, to the Republican era. The major kilns of porcelain are divided into different curated sections by Ru, Ge, Jun, Ding, and Guan styles, presented professionally and systematically. Recommended artifacts to admire include large Tang tri-color ceramics, the Song Cizhou kiln "circus pillow," the Yuan blue-and-white fish and algae pattern large plate, Ming Xuande cloisonné, and Dunhuang mural Buddha statues. Ancient Egypt exhibition hall: halls 4, 61-66. One of the popular spots in the museum. The exhibits include mummies. The ancient Egypt hall is also one of the most visited exhibition halls, and almost all visitors to The British Museum make it a must-see. Ancient Greek and Roman galleries: rooms 11-23, 69-73, 77, 78, 82-85. The entire Parthenon is truly awe-inspiring, along with numerous ancient Greek marble sculptures and exquisite artifacts like vases. Don't miss the Portland Vase in room 70. Some exhibits are not suitable for long-term display and are only open during specific periods each year (including the mentioned Admonitions scroll). If you plan to visit, check the schedule on the official website in advance.United Kingdom · London
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Weymouth · 13.6 km from Dorchester
The Walled Garden, Moreton
Dorchester · 11.4 km from downtown
Windsor Castle
• Stroll through Windsor Castle, the royal family's ancestral home • Admire exquisite treasures in the national suites • Enjoy audio guides and savor the beauty of the castle Windsor Castle has been the family residence of the British royal House of Windsor, situated on a hill overlooking the River Thames. Originally built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the castle's design has evolved over time due to its long history, changing royal tastes, and financial circumstances, blending classical and modern elements. Windsor Castle can be divided into the Upper Ward, Middle Ward, and Lower Ward. The Upper Ward mainly features royal furnishings like the Waterloo Chamber (banquet hall) and art galleries. The Middle Ward has the Round Tower surrounded by the Rose Garden, while the Lower Ward includes Gothic-style St. George's Chapel among other attractions. The upper section primarily consists of state suites and royal private suites, renowned for their collection of royal paintings and treasures. With furniture and decorations dating back to the Middle Ages, each room here can be considered a small art gallery. The central area here is dominated by the round tower surrounded by rose gardens, originally built of wood and later reconstructed in stone. The round tower once served as a prison for royal political enemies but now primarily houses the royal archives and photography collections. St. George's Chapel in the Lower Ward is a fine example of English Gothic architecture, renowned for its magnificent stone fan-vaulted ceiling and exquisite stained glass windows. It has also hosted numerous royal weddings.United Kingdom · Windsor
Southside Funfair
Weymouth · 8.4 km from Dorchester
Bowleaze Cove
Weymouth · 8.4 km from Dorchester
Experiences you can't miss in Dorchester
Featured Cultural experiences in Dorchester
View all Cultural experiences
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 10.08CAD 12.61
FromCAD 50.93
FromCAD 167.14
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 8.19CAD 10.24
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
FromCAD 15.78
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 28.54CAD 30.05
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 8.19CAD 10.24
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 10.08CAD 12.61
Featured Day tours in Dorchester
View all Day tours
4.5/5
· 64 reviews· 413 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
34 consecutive positive reviews
FromCAD 115.96
4.5/5
· 83 reviews· 186 bookedFree cancellation
90.4% of travelers recommend
FromCAD 228.17
4.8/5
· 37 reviews· 258 bookedFree cancellation
97.3% of travelers recommend
FromCAD 162.76
![Half-day tour to Stonehenge from London, UK [Single traveler booking available + includes admission ticket and snacks + English guide]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0100g120008iev4vj03A9_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
FromCAD 137.38
4.9/5
· 159 reviewsFree cancellation
86 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromCAD 69.35CAD 73
![1-day tour to Cotswolds AONB + Bath from London [Round-trip English-speaking group | Optional tickets included]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0355e12000tn4daru4E6F_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
FromCAD 166.13
5.0/5
· 2 reviewsBook now for tomorrow
FromCAD 901.39
More ways to travel from Dorchester
Group Tours in Dorchester
View More Group Tours in Dorchester
Free things to do in Dorchester
Durdle Door
Wareham · 15.3 km from DorchesterWeymouth Beach
Weymouth · 11.2 km from DorchesterNothe Fort
Weymouth · 11.5 km from DorchesterLondon Eye
United Kingdom · LondonImmediate access, Book now for todayThe British Museum
United Kingdom · LondonAbbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Weymouth · 13.6 km from DorchesterThe Walled Garden, Moreton
Dorchester · 11.4 km from downtownWindsor Castle
United Kingdom · WindsorBook now for tomorrowSouthside Funfair
Weymouth · 8.4 km from DorchesterBowleaze Cove
Weymouth · 8.4 km from Dorchester
What travellers say about Dorchester
long_distance_adventuresOctober 11, 2026
5.0
Durdle Door, what an absolute must-see! Spending an afternoon on this beautiful part of the Jurassic Coast is truly unforgettable. I began my trip by parking the car and, although it does cost, let me tell you, it's totally worth it! Just knowing your car is safe and you’re within easy reach of the main event makes all the difference for a stress-free experience. I can definitely recommend taking the coastal hike around the top of the cliffs, just look at the photo, isn't it marvellous? The breathtaking view that unfolded before me was simply stunning – the vast expanse of the turquoise blue water meeting the white cliffs was magical. Looking down, I could see people enjoying the sunny day on the lovely pebble beach below. I decided to head down too. The steep steps leading down to the cove made it an engaging walk. It's a nice little exercise. Finally reaching the bottom and lying on the beach feeling the sunshine is just pure bliss!
Durdle Door
Paul. UKSeptember 8, 2019
5.0
A beautiful beach in all weather in particular in the summer. Half of the beach is sand and half is shingle/pebbles. A walk from end to end would take an hour and is well worth the effort. the beach is very clean and the depth of the sea isshsllow for a great distance so bathing and swinming is safe. The sandy end if the beach has many adjacent take aways, hotels, cafes, the main town shops and amusements. king George 3rd lived the resirt and his summer residence is still yhere and used as a hotel/ restaurant cafe bar. A sublime place for a holiday in the sunmer.
Weymouth Beach
Quah8October 19, 2026
5.0
Super fast and convenient!No need to book days in advance. I just bought my ticket on Trip.com right when I arrived, and it was issued within seconds. Highly recommend!
London Eye
Chelsea小星October 10, 2026
5.0
I visited the British Columbia University 10 years ago and found it quite challenging. This time, I decided to opt for a guided tour, and the experience was immediately different. The guide was very knowledgeable, providing excellent depth and breadth in their explanations, and answered my questions very well.
The British Museum
Elaine328August 22, 2026
5.0
Getting from London to Windsor by bus (702 green line) is very convenient, even without taking the train. Photography is prohibited inside the church and castle. Seeing Queen Mary's Toy House reminded me of the inspiration for many miniature landscape designs in China. I personally think it's well worth a visit. Buying tickets is also very convenient. If you want to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony, enter the castle around 1 PM to find a good spot.
Windsor Castle
