Dorchester Area Guide

Part of the Local Community in Dorchester

Symonds & Sampson are proud to be part of the local community. We host fundraising events in Dorchester for our nominated charities, and sponsor many local events, including the town’s Beerfest, the Literary Festival, Kite Festival, Dorset County Show, local and village fetes, open gardens, school events, art exhibitions and many more social and community events. We are keen followers and supporters of local sporting events. Our volleyball team enjoy taking part in the summer beach season in Weymouth, and we are proud sponsors at Weymouth Hockey Club and the Meercats Volleyball team. Head to our Events Page to see what's coming up.

Out & About - Sport, Leisure and Culture in Dorchester

Dorchester is the historic county town of Dorset, rich in Roman and literary heritage. Once a Roman settlement called Durnovaria, it boasts ancient ruins, including a Roman townhouse and amphitheatre. The town is closely associated with author Thomas Hardy, who based many of his novels on the towns, villages and timeless countryside in the area.

The countryside surrounding Dorchester is full of natural beauty and history, interspersed with pretty villages. Rolling hills, ancient earthworks, and open farmland characterise the landscape, with the South Dorset Ridgeway and the Dorset National Landscape (formerly AONB) offering scenic walks and panoramic views. To the south lies the dramatic Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cliffs, beaches, and fossil-rich terrain.

There’s plenty to keep you active in and around Dorchester with golf at Came Down and Wolfedale, thriving rugby, tennis and squash clubs, bowls, and football, and a well-equipped 1610 leisure centre amongst many other activities. At the heart of the town’s culture are the renowned Dorset County Museum, the library, the Corn Exchange, and historic churches and venues, which host a diary of Art Society talks, concerts, and events, attracting a regular following. There are two cinemas within the town.

Within the town, enjoy walks along the original town wall, take in the beautiful Borough Gardens and Salisbury Fields, or walk along the River Frome. Further afield, Maiden Castle, Hardy’s Cottage, and Max Gate are great for exploring, as are the many miles of footpaths and bridleways in the surrounding countryside and along the Jurassic Coastline, just a short drive to the south.