The Casterbridge

49 High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1HU, United Kingdom – Excellent location - show map

<p><b>Excellent</b> location — rated 9.1/10! <small>(score from <b>404</b> reviews)</small></p> <p>Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions</p>
8.7
Scored 8.7
Fabulous
Rated fabulous
404 reviews

A delicious breakfast - the owner went to a great deal of trouble to get it right, The hotel is quirky and interesting with a lovely conservatory and guest lounge.

Catherine United Kingdom
a building with flowers on the side of it at The Casterbridge in Dorchester
a restaurant with tables and chairs in a room at The Casterbridge in Dorchester
a city street with a clock tower and a church at The Casterbridge in Dorchester
an aerial view of a stream of water with plants at The Casterbridge in Dorchester
a group of people sitting in a field near the water at The Casterbridge in Dorchester
+3 photos

The Casterbridge

Lock in a great price for The Casterbridge - rated 8.7 by recent guests.

to get started.

Lock in a great price for The Casterbridge - rated 8.7 by recent guests. to get started.

In the centre of Dorchester, The Casterbridge provides comfortable accommodation a 20-minute drive from Weymouth coast. Hardy’s Cottage, where Thomas Hardy was born, is less than 3 miles from the building. Rooms in the traditional Georgian building are spacious and airy, with TVs and tea and coffee-making facilities. There is free Wi-Fi available in public areas, and free private parking is possible nearby. Breakfast can be eaten in the dining room or the charming conservatory. Full English breakfast is available, and there are vegetarian options. Fresh fruits, yoghurts, and porridge are also served. Located just off the A35, The Casterbridge is a 10-minute walk from Dorchester West Rail Station.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.1 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

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Most popular facilities
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Fitness centre
  • Restaurant
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Bar
  • Private beach area

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.1)

Want a great night's sleep? This property was highly rated for its very comfy beds.

Breakfast info

Continental, Italian, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Asian, American

Free private parking available on-site

Saved to 385 lists

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

—
Room type
Number of guests
 
1 double bed
1 double bed
1 extra-large double bed
or
2 single beds
1 double bed
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Property practices

This property has told us they implemented certain practices across some or all of these categories: waste, water, energy and greenhouse gases, destination and community, and nature.
Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.6
Facilities
8.8
Cleanliness
9.4
Comfort
9.3
Value for money
8.7
Location
9.1
Free WiFi
9.6
Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Catherine
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “A delicious breakfast - the owner went to a great deal of trouble to get it right, The hotel is quirky and interesting with a lovely conservatory and guest lounge.”
  • John
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “The decor was absolutely lovely, especially the breakfast room. The hotel had real character, A nice communal library downstairs where you could relax. The host (I've forgotten her name) was welcoming and friendly and keen to advise about what I...”
  • Michael
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “Breakfast was all local produce and perfectly cooked. Location was perfect. Tastefully decorated rooms. The landlady was fabulous and so informative about the area and places to eat. Highly recommended and we will go back.”

Managed by The Casterbridge Guest House

Company review score: 9.6Based on 396 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Company information

As hosts, with over 30 years of experience in the industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure that every aspect of our guests' experience is nothing short of exceptional. We creat a welcoming atmosphere where guests feel like they're part of our extended family. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of our guests' stay is thoughtfully curated to exceed their expectations. We offer guests a home-cooked breakfast made from locally sourced farm produce. From bacon, sausage to eggs, milk, and butter, everything comes straight from nearby farms, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful start to the day. We eagerly share our knowledge and recommendations with our guests, helping them uncover hidden treasures and experiences that they'll cherish long after their stay. We approach every interaction with kindness, empathy, and a desire to make our guests feel valued and cared for. We aim to be trusted guides and friends on our guests' journey, ensuring that their time with us is nothing short of extraordinary.

Property information

Nestled in the heart of Dorchester, Casterbridge Hotel stands as a beacon of hospitality, boasting over three decades of experience in catering to guests from all walks of life. Our journey began with a simple yet profound vision: to offer not just a place to stay, but an unforgettable experience that resonates with warmth, authenticity, and personalised care. One of our standout features is our locally sourced breakfast, a culinary delight from the crispy bacon to the creamy butter, each ingredient is carefully selected from nearby farms, ensuring freshness and flavour that tantalise the taste buds of our guests. Moreover, our strategic location in Dorchester offers unparalleled convenience for travellers eager to explore the rich tapestry of attractions that the area has to offer. Whether it's strolling through the charming streets of Thomas Hardy Country, marvelling at the geological wonders of the Jurassic Coast, or delving into the history preserved within the walls of the town's 9 museums, there's something for everyone just a stone's throw away from our doorstep. What truly sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to providing an immersive experience that transcends th...

Neighbourhood information

Welcome to Dorchester, a historic market town brimming with character and charm. Nestled along the banks of the serene River Frome, our accommodation provides the perfect base for exploring the town's rich history. Discover eight captivating museums, meander through quaint shops on dialect trails, or marvel at Maiden Castle, Europe's largest Iron Age hillfort. Don't miss our vibrant Wednesday market, where locals gather for fresh produce and friendly chats. Weymouth's sandy shores 7miles drive.

Language spoken

English

Property surroundings

Restaurants
1 restaurant on site

  • Restaurant #1

    No additional info available

Facilities of The Casterbridge
Great facilities! Review score, 8.8

Most popular facilities
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Fitness centre
  • Restaurant
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Bar
  • Private beach area
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Towels/sheets (extra fee)
  • Private bathroom
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
Outdoors
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Sun terrace
  • Private beach area
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Kitchen
  • Cleaning products
Room Amenities
  • Clothes rack
Activities
  • Archery
  • Pub crawls
  • Beach
  • Tennis equipment
  • Evening entertainment
  • Water sport facilities on site
  • Mini golf
  • Snorkelling
    Off-site
  • Squash
  • Cycling
    Off-site
  • Hiking
    Off-site
  • Canoeing
    Off-site
  • Darts
  • Windsurfing
  • Karaoke
  • Table tennis
  • Fishing
    Off-site
  • Golf course (within 3 km)
  • Tennis court
Living Area
  • Desk
Media & Technology
  • Cable channels
  • Satellite channels
  • TV
Food & Drink
  • Coffee house on site
  • Kid meals
  • Snack bar
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Tea/Coffee maker
Internet
WiFi is available in the rooms and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
  • Valet parking
  • Parking garage
  • Accessible parking
Reception services
  • Lockers
  • Concierge service
  • Luggage storage
  • Express check-in/check-out
Entertainment and family services
  • Babysitting/child services
Cleaning services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ironing service
  • Dry cleaning
  • Laundry
Business facilities
  • Business centre
  • Meeting/banquet facilities
Safety & security
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
General
  • Pet bowls
  • Pet basket
  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Grocery deliveries
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Vending machine (snacks)
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Designated smoking area
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Chapel/shrine
  • Fan
  • Ironing facilities
  • Airport shuttle
    Additional charge
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Iron
  • Room service
Accessibility
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Wellness
  • Fitness
  • Sun umbrellas
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Hammam
  • Massage
  • Fitness centre
  • Sauna
Languages spoken
  • English

House rules

The Casterbridge takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in

From 15:00 to 19:00

Check-out

Until 10:30

 

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

Children and beds

Child policies

Children of any age are welcome.

Children 16 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

No age restriction

There is no age requirement for check-in

Mastercard Visa Cash The Casterbridge accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

The fine print
Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Limited overnight parking is available nearby on a first-come basis.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

FAQs about The Casterbridge

  • The Casterbridge is 400 yards from the centre of Dorchester. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • The prices at The Casterbridge may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

  • Guests staying at The Casterbridge can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 9.1).

    Breakfast option(s) include:

    • Continental
    • Italian
    • Full English/Irish
    • Vegetarian
    • Vegan
    • Asian
    • American
    • À la carte

  • Room options at The Casterbridge include:

    • Double

  • Check-in at The Casterbridge is from 15:00, and check-out is until 10:30.

  • The Casterbridge offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

    • Fitness centre
    • Sauna
    • Massage
    • Hammam
    • Cycling
    • Hiking
    • Snorkelling
    • Table tennis
    • Fishing
    • Tennis court
    • Canoeing
    • Karaoke
    • Mini golf
    • Darts
    • Windsurfing
    • Squash
    • Golf course (within 3 km)
    • Evening entertainment
    • Private beach area
    • Water sport facilities on site
    • Archery
    • Tennis equipment
    • Fitness
    • Pub crawls
    • Beach

  • The Casterbridge has 1 restaurant:

    • Restaurant #1