Dorchester

Dorchester has many reminders of the Roman presence in the area. The Romans laid out the town about AD 70, and a stroll along Bowling Alley Walk, West Walk, and Colliton Walk follows the approximate line of the original Roman town walls. On the north side of Colliton Park lies an excavated Roman villa with a marvelously preserved mosaic floor. High Street was tranquil in Hardy's day, but today it is usually busy with vehicle traffic. To appreciate the town's contemporary character, pick up a walking itinerary from the tourist office, which will take you past the main points of interest along quieter routes.