Nestled in the pretty county of Dorset, you will find its county town Dorchester, also known as “the Heart of Dorset”.
This historic little town, nicely sandwiched between Poole and Bridport, would make an ideal location for anyone considering a move to Dorset.
From its Roman origins to its welcoming cultural scene, the town offers buyers the perfect mix of the old and the new.
Dorchester’s picturesque landscapes, strong community spirit, and convenient location are just a few of the amazing reasons to pack up your bags and move here – but don’t worry, we’ll explore them in greater detail below!
Relocating to a new area can cause a great deal of disruption, so after all the effort, you want to be sure the new area offers everything you want in a place to call home.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking a friendly community, living in Dorchester has something unique to offer to everyone.
Here are 11 fantastic reasons to seriously consider Dorchester as your new home!
1. Rich Historical Heritage
Dorchester is a town steeped in history dating back as far as the Roman times.
The remains of the Roman walls and the amphitheatre at Maiden Castle are testaments to this ancient past and offer a great glimpse into how much the area has changed.
The Dorset County Museum is home to a vast collection of artefacts, offering a deep dive into the area’s archaeological and cultural history.
Moving to the area means immersing yourself in a place where every corner has a story to tell.
2. Dorchester’s Cultural Scene
The town boasts a lively cultural atmosphere with numerous festivals and events throughout the year.
The Dorchester Arts Centre hosts performances ranging from theatre to live music.
While annual events like the Dorchester Literary Festival celebrate the town’s literary connections, notably with author Thomas Hardy.
Hardy was born in the parish of Stinsford, just east of Dorchester and educated at Mr Last’s Academy for Young Gentlemen in Dorchester.
Christmas time in Dorchester is marked by a lively calendar of festive events and markets that bring the town to life.
This welcoming culture ensures there’s always something engaging happening in the community.
3. Excellent Educational Facilities
Newcomers to Dorchester with children will find a variety of educational options catering to all age groups.
The town is home to several well-regarded primary schools, including Prince of Wales School and Manor Park CE First School, both known for their supportive learning environments.
For secondary education, the Thomas Hardye School stands out for its strong academic reputation and wide range of extracurricular activities.
Dorchester also has the Dorchester Middle School, bridging the gap between primary and secondary education.
For further education, Weymouth College is nearby (7 miles away), offering a range of vocational courses and A-levels.
The local education system is welcoming to new families, with resources to assist in school enrolment and integration.
Access to quality education for every age group makes Dorchester an ideal place for raising a family.
4. Beautiful Natural Surroundings
Surrounded by the stunning Dorset countryside, Dorchester offers easy access to the county’s incredible natural beauty.
The Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides ample opportunities for leisurely strolls, hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching.
The nearby Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is perfect for coastal walks and fossil hunting, bringing the great outdoors to your doorstep.
There are a plethora of places near Dorchester to discover if you enjoy being close to nature!
5. Strong Community Spirit
Dorchester is known for its welcoming and tight-knit community.
Local markets, such as the Dorchester Market, and community events foster a sense of belonging.
Dorchester Family Hub is an excellent source of information for those new to the area.
It offers details of local groups, activities, and support for residents.
The Health & Kindness website is another source of valuable insights regarding clubs and societies in the area.
Volunteering opportunities and active local groups make it easy for newcomers to integrate and make lasting connections, and there are plenty to choose from when living in Dorchester.
6. Convenient Transport Links
When you move to a new area, you want to know that you are not far from good transport links.
You won’t be disappointed in Dorchester.
The town’s location provides excellent transport connections.
Dorchester has two railway stations, Dorchester South and Dorchester West, which jointly provide regular services to London, Bristol, and other major cities.
In addition, the proximity to the A35 and A37 roads ensures easy access by car, making commuting straightforward.
7. The Dorchester Shopping Experience
Dorchester’s town centre is a hub for those seeking access to retail and culinary amenities.
Shopping in Dorchester is a delightful experience that blends the town’s historic charm with modern conveniences.
The town centre is home to a variety of independent boutiques, artisan shops, and big-name retailers, ensuring a diverse shopping experience for all.
Brewery Square stands out, offering a mix of high-street brands, eateries, and entertainment venues like a cinema.
For a more traditional experience, the Dorchester Market, held every Wednesday, provides fresh local produce, antiques, and handcrafted goods, capturing the essence of the community spirit you can expect in the town.
Just a short walk away, Poundbury offers a unique shopping experience.
Its selection of specialist stores and charming cafés is set within a thoughtfully designed urban area.
Overall, shopping in Dorchester combines the pleasure of exploring quaint streets with the excitement of discovering new and unique offerings.
8. Best Places to Eat in Dorchester
Food enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of restaurants in the town, which range from traditional pubs to international cuisine and cater to all tastes and occasions.
For a touch of class, Yalbury Cottage in nearby Lower Bockhampton provides exceptional British cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients in a charming, rustic setting.
The King’s Arms combines history with modern gastronomy, offering classic dishes with a contemporary twist in a beautifully restored inn.
For casual dining, Brewery Square houses popular chain restaurants like Zizzi and Wagamama.
Don’t miss The Potting Shed Café for its delightful homemade treats and exceptional customer service!
With its mix of traditional pubs, stylish restaurants, and quaint cafés, Dorchester’s dining options are both diverse and satisfying.
For more great ideas about where to eat when living in Dorchester, along with diners’ ratings, visit OpenTable.
9. High-Quality Healthcare Facilities
Access to quality healthcare is a significant advantage of living in Dorchester, and it is something everyone should consider when relocating.
The Dorset County Hospital provides comprehensive medical services and has a reputation for excellence.
Numerous clinics and specialist services in the area ensure residents have access to the care they need.
Registering at your local NHS doctor’s surgery is simple.
Visit the NHS website and type in your postcode.
It’s as easy as that!
The site also provides lists of pharmacies, dentists, NHS sight testing centres, pregnancy services and more.
10. Recreational Activities
Whether you’re into sports, arts, or leisure, Dorchester has plenty to offer for those looking for something to do.
Facilities like the family-friendly Dorchester Sports Centre are exceptional.
It features a fully equipped gym, a 25-meter swimming pool, and a variety of fitness classes, such as yoga, spinning, and aerobics.
Alternatively, Anytime Fitness Dorchester gives you 24/7 access to state-of-the-art equipment and personal training services.
For an altogether more laid-back experience, parks such as Borough Gardens and other local green spaces are ideal for long leisurely walks and community events, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
11. Affordable Housing Options
Last but not least, can you afford to start living in Dorchester?
While the average sold price for a property in Dorchester in the last 12 months is £331,112, you can buy a three-bedroom terraced home for as little as £275,000.
What’s more, property prices in Dorchester are much more affordable than in larger nearby locations like Bournemouth or Poole, making it an attractive option for both first-time buyers and those looking to relocate.
A range of styles are available throughout the town.
Everything from quaint Georgian and Victorian houses to contemporary apartments are for sale here in Dorchester.
Notably, several new-build developments in the town provide modern homes built in traditional architectural styles, fostering a strong sense of community.
Overall, Dorchester offers a balanced and welcoming environment for anyone looking to find their next home.
Need Help Moving to Dorchester?
Moving into a new home is an exciting adventure filled with possibilities, but it can also bring a mix of challenges.
By embracing these eleven top tips, you can turn your relocation into a joyful and rewarding experience.
Staying organised, informed, and proactive will help you overcome any moving worries and approach this life change with confidence.
When it comes to relocating to the picturesque county of Dorset, R.H. Pardy Moving & Storage LTD is here to make your transition seamless.
With many years of experience helping individuals and families move across the UK, our expert team is equipped to assist with every aspect of your move.
We understand that every journey is unique, and we’re committed to providing personalised service that meets your specific needs.
As proud members of the British Association of Removers, we offer the assurance that you’re partnering with trusted professionals dedicated to high standards of care.
From carefully packing your belongings to navigating the logistics of your move, we’ll handle the details so you can focus on settling into your new community.
Ready to make your move stress-free?
Call us today at 01202 152 120 or fill out our quick and easy contact form here.
A friendly member of our team will be delighted to answer your questions and help you get started.
Let R.H. Pardy Moving & Storage Limited turn your moving experience into a positive and effortless journey.
