Dorchester is a historic market town with a diverse and rich heritage.
Many of the museums in Dorset are based here and Dorchester also has an interesting military history.
From old forts to castles and many activities it is a unique place to visit.
Based in the heart of Dorset, Dorchester is only a stones throw away from Bournemouth which has a great selection of nightlife and many of Dorset's attractions, such as Monkey World and the Tank Museum and nearby Dorset's famous Jurassic coast.
Dorchester has a cosmopolitan feel to its nightlife which is surprising for a small town.
There are three well established nightclubs and some bars which are set over different levels each playing a different type of music.
From Indie to Club classics.
It hasn't got the greatest selection of nightlife, however, there is more than enough to keep any visitors amused.
Rather friendly locals do make it a pleasant and peaceful evening out.
The restaurants here are fairly varied and there is a promise in the location for a more secluded meal than in many towns in Dorset.
Pound for pound, there are some good restaurants here which are reasonably priced and to suit any budget.
If it is a specific type of cuisine you are after in Dorchester and it is not available, there is every type of restaurant you can imagine from African to Vegetarian within half an hours drive of the town center.
If it is attractions you are after, Dorchester is at the epicenter of most of Dorset's big attractions and many of its smaller ones.
Weymouth town being nearby with its prime spot on the Dorset coastline, as well as Bournemouth and Poole, all approximately half an hours drive away.
Most of the castles in Dorset are within easy reach, pretty much all of the museums are in Dorchester and it has a vast array of other historic buildings.
All in all good value for money.
Again like the attractions, Dorchester is right in the center of many of Dorset's finest activities.
From fine country houses and gardens to beauty spots and hill zorbing, one of the zaniest activities to reach these shores from New Zealand.
So if you fancy flying down a hill in a massive ball or a spot of paragliding Dorchester is the place to be.