Shopping in Dorchester

With over 400 shops and businesses in the centre of Dorchester there is something to satisfy everyone's interest. As well as a great selection of high street regulars, Dorchester has its own speciality shops that attract people from all over the south west of England.

There are family owned department stores, a wide range of specialist gift shops and for those who like to explore away from the main high streets, some hidden treasures up side streets and around corners! If you are considering a visit to Dorset why not spend a few hours shopping in Dorchester.

Although it has been sad to see a number of high profile shops disappear from Dorchester during this recession, the town centre appears to be thriving. With Wellworths leading the way in the media spotlight who could have predicted the amazing amount of coverage this event would get for the town. In recent months over twenty new businesses have opened. Prime location retail units in the town centre are now starting to fill once again as the word is out that Dorchester means business and looks like good place to have a shop or open a new business.

Historically, Dorchester has always been known for its eclectic range of specialist independent shops and refreshingly, a lot of these new businesses are bringing more variety and colour back to town. The new Brewery Square development is revitalising an area to the south of town which will no doubt bring many more new visitors to Dorchester and hopefully this too will have a positive effect for the whole of town.

The bustling market, which is held every Wednesday, is a focal point for many of the communities that surround the town. The main shopping area of South Street has now been pedestrianised and this is where you will find a mixture of local businesses rubbing shoulders with national chains. Throughout the year the town comes alive with French Markets, street singers and entertainment making it a great place to while away a few hours whilst browsing the shops.

If you decide to stay longer in Dorset, you will find a good number of quality hotels, bed and breakfasts and guest houses along with a selection of self catering holiday cottages. Just out of town along the famous Jurassic Coast you will find plenty of rural camping and caravan sites and holiday parks featuring luxury mobile homes and lodges.

Dorchester is a beautiful English market town with a rich and varied history. The Casterbridge of Thomas Hardy novels is based on the town, with the author growing up in a small village no more than five miles away. There are also many places of interest to visit, including the Dorset County Museum which has fine displays of local history; The Dinosaur Museum; Teddy Bear House and The Tutankhamun Exhibition.

Stroll around the Town Walks, take in Maumbury Rings and the town's Roman Ampitheatre and you will get a real flavour of the Roman history that is deeply rooted in the town. If you fancy a bracing afternoon stroll take in a visit to Maiden Castle, the famous Iron Age Hill Fort just outside Dorchester. Wander around the hill top and see the town spread out beneath you.

With its fascinating history and location in one of the finest parts of Dorset, Dorchester has a blend of modern and old with shopping outlets to suit most tastes and pockets, it's well worth a visit.