Dorchester

[Teabaglady]

Any thoughts on Dorchester ? It's come up as another possible location for our move out of the city. Schools appear good, seems to have a community, leisure facilities, cinema etc and it's not too small. Thoughts on how it will suit our DCs aged 7-12?

I grew up near Dorchester and as a younger child it was great, especially being so near the sea we had lovely family days out at the beach, Maiden Castle, the fleapit of a cinema.

However as an young teen it was incredibly dull and boring. I'm not sure that has changed, but perhaps teens have these days, do they go out much or just skype each other and join online games? He has school clubs, but doesnt generally go out much, but perhaps thats just my 13 year old...

As an older teen/young 20s, again it was pretty good, lots of pubs and only a short train hop to Bournemouth which was was 'lively'...

They've got a new TravelInn if you book ahead you can get rooms for £29, I'd spend a few days down there and see how it feels.

I live in a village near to Dorchester. I love it. It has had a few new renovations - for example Brewery square, lots of new restaurants and shops. There is also a new library and I think a whole new shopping street is on the plans. The schools are great and it has a new leisure centre. Good for cafe culture and few wine bars/pubs but most of the youngsters go out either into Weymouth (15 mins) or Poole/Bournemouth (25-30 mins). There is a skate park in the centre of the town. It is a lovely looking old town with lots of history, trees and nice river running through it. New areas for new builds include Poundbury which is Prince Charles project. Lots of big houses with posh coffee shops and deli's sprinkled around! There is also Charlton down a ten min drive away which is a new 'village' and converted old Victorian Mad house! Of course there are lots of beautiful old villages on the outskirts with good schools that feed into Thomas Hardy secondary which has a very good name.

Oh didn't answer the question of how it would suit your 7 and 12 year old! There are various clubs, football, gymnastics, ruby the lot. Also 'pop' club and a good arts centre. As I mentioned the skate park and also the main old park in the centre with tennis courts etc. there are quite a few farm/children play centres etc. plus Puddletown or Thorncombe woods for walks and groups that offer woodland based actibvities for youngsters.