The Casterbridge

Location is good; host is friendly and had good advice on restaurants.

Parking is hit and miss - 3 places for 8 rooms.

Die Zimmer sind liebevoll und gemütlich eingerichtet; die ganze Unterkunft macht einen sauberen und gepflegten Eindruck. Als es mir nicht gut ging hat mich Toni noch am späten Abend ins Krankenhaus gefahren und sich rührend um mich gekümmert. Vielen Dank dafür !

Die Zimmer im oberen Stockwerk sind für ältere oder gehbehinderte Menschen nicht gut geeignet. Die Treppe ist recht steil und die Stufen recht schmal.

Comfortable bed, very clean. Nice room

No breakfast Parking at both long stay and allotted free parking very difficult No hot water most of the time

Friendly hostess Centrally located in Dorchester Helpful directions to local attractions Excellent breakfast

Room unbearably hot despite fan provided. Should not have been sold without air conditioning. Stairs to room on top floor difficult to navigate with cases No one to greet you on arrival and confused about whether you paid for breakfast- had to show Booking.com App

Lovely hosts, great recommendations for food and walks locally. Bedroom was bigger than expected. Lovely meal at Himalaya restaurant.

The town was more rundown than expected, some lovely areas but lots of empty shops/ restaurants.

Clean old fashioned but quaint.

Needs moderation but don’t lose the charm. Bathroom neeed upgrade

Very nice stay welcomed by Noorani WIlliamson, took her time to inform us about the hidden highlights in and near Dorchester ! Very familiar sphere, we felt like home, nice rooms with everything we needed and the breakfast was healthy and fresh ! A very nice memory for us !

I stayed here recently for work and had the most amazing and peaceful experience. I ended up having to check in late, and the wonderful host Noorani left the front door open and keys available for my room for a seamless check-in. The room was impeccably clean and well kept, and I slept like a log. My enjoyment of my short stay was only made better by the greeting from our host at breakfast in the morning. Warm, welcoming and passionate about the place and food Noorani was the perfect host.

Lovely small hotel in High Street Dorchester. Parking nearby. Spotlessly clean and nicely decorated room. Residents’ lounge available if you want somewhere quiet and comfortable to sit and read. Good breakfast. Host very helpful with lots of tips on things to do in the area and places to eat nearby.

L'atmosfera e l'accoglienza really British.

Letto matrimoniale un po' piccolo (una piazza e mezza, alla francese)

A good home away from home

Nothing

So much rubbish left around the out side and the room was very small. Would never go back

The cleanliness is not upto standard in rooms. Dusty, hairs on bed and also the sink area was poorly cleaned on arrival. The dining area for breakfast also not upto standards. I asked to recook an egg as I wasn't happy with it. Again, it took many bs and forth between owner and myself for a simple fresh egg to be made. This really should not happen. Found the owner very stubborn and not taking on board our feelings when trying to discuss. It's not the type of place I ordered my husband would wish to stay in the future. Definitely, owner gave off the vibe that her way is the only right answer! Very upsetting and off putting! Wish we had booked another place but you live and learn.

The owner was friendly. The area was nice and safe.

The bedroom was on the main room so it was quite noisy.

Lovely characterful old property

Bathroom was quite bijou and ventilation lacking

Breakfast was excellent Relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Service first class

We thought The Casterbridge was absolutely charming and would like to stay there again. The decor was lovely and we received a very warm welcome on our arrival. Our room had .everything we wanted and was beautifully clean. Breakfast was excellent and couldn't have been in prettier and more ambient surroundings.

The breakfast was good and the lady who cooked it was nice.

The room was like an oven. Don't like self check in. We had conflicting messages from the owners about check in and breakfast. We were told by text to go elsewhere for breakfast even though we had paid for it. Only when we were on site did the gentleman make the effort to get our breakfast order. The stairs at the property are very steep and narrow and people with poor mobility should be warned. I don't like that no one lives on site because you have no idea who else might be staying there. Leaving the key inside the porch is very insecure in my view. There's also a lot of traffic noise.

What a lovely hotel situated in the high street in Dorchester , friendly, clean , well presented and a lovely breakfast

Sehr schönes, gemütliches Zimmer. Nettes Personal.

Duschen in der Badewanne. Das Selbsbedienungsbuffet zum Frühstück könnte etwas ausführlicher sein.

Very comfortable room

Breakfast a bit slow Car parking could have been a problem

Good breakfast if you want cooked. More choice could be provided such as pastries as an alternative. Facilities good and well located.

Not much

Central to places we wished to visit - within easy walking distance to Roman Town House, Tutkenkhamun and Mummies museum. Although Terracotta Warriors Museum was closed during out stay, it was only 2 minutes away.

Parking was a minor blip. Property on main street with no direct parking, however, ample free parking just 2 minute walk away. Left car there for 2 full days with no issues.

convenient location in easy reach of town / museums etc Quirky inside but lived it

A little noisy due to being on the main road. Would benefit from new double glazing

The room was well appointed, the bed very comfortable and the breakfasts were great

Working out how to use the sash windows was a bit awkward, mostly because of the internal screen - it is a 18th century Georgian house!

Good location, very friendly manager and staff. Good breakfast.

Our room was on second floor and the stairs were a struggle with the baggage. We did arrive early and we were allowed in even though the manager was not there. I'm sure we would have been helped if I couldn't manage them.

It was a pleasure to find this little guest house in Dorchester. A spectacular Georgian building with well appointed cozy and comfortable rooms. The operator was very friendly and helpful and served a delicious breakfast. The building was beautifully clean and welcoming and there is a gorgeous conservatory at the back of the property in which we had breakfast. Would strongly recommend to those exploring this part of the country.

I was on a driving trip along the south coast, needing a place to stay each night and stumbled across this Georgian boutique style hotel in the center of Dorcheser. The proprietor, Noorani, was very welcoming, extremely friendly and a terrific host. I only stayed one night, but would not hesitate to go back, when next in the area. I had the best nights sleep all week in this hotel, so would highly recommended it, if you are requiring a night or two in Dorchester. Thank you from the 2CV guys.

Location and furnishings

Stairs

The warmest of welcomes from Noorani. Such a kind host and her recoomendations for our first trip to Dorchester made our trip so memorable and enjoyable

Nothing

Good location and very friendly staff, especially Noorani who also helped us with advice on local restaurants and places to visit.

Wir hatten ein wunderschönes Zimmer nicht zur Strasse mit viel Platz und allem was es braucht. Auch das Frühstück war sehr lecker, kostete extra aber wurde frisch zubereitet. Unsere Gastgeberin war ein Schatz und gab uns unzählige Tips. Danke dafür ;-)

Nichts

A cosy, friendly place right in the heart of Dorchester. Perfectly located and made even better by a warm, welcoming hostess. Would happily stay again. Spotless clean very comfortable bed. Well the money.

Unable to go to The Casterbridge as no a lift or accessible rooms ,

Delicious breakfast freshly cooked to order

All great

We were welcomed by Tony who was lovely, he was helpful and very knowledgeable on things to do and see in Dorchester. He also recommended the Italian restaurant and we weren’t disappointed so thankyou.

The room could do with updating and headboard grubby.

Homely made me very welcome I'll be back

Was nothing didn't like

Very nice and well prepared room. Arrive etc was attentive and everyone is friendly. I have tried a few places in Dorchester and this is the best one.

It was beautiful and so quiet and peaceful. Perfectly situated for a mooch around Dorchester. The bed was so comfortable

We loved it. There were no areas that I didn’t like xxxxx

Excellent place to stay very clean bed so comfortable so friendly nothing to much bother so helpful breakfast excellent would deliver recommend to family and friends. Plenty of history to look at and nice restaurants.

Beautiful building , great welcoming staff , everything has been thought of .

A small criticism, the water flow in the shower was very slow, we were on the top floor , very little water flowing out .

I stayed over night on a trip to meet mates from the military. The hotel is easy to find and car parking nearby. Check in / out was easy. Service was friendly and helpful and breakfast was very good. My only observations would be it needs a bit of loving care in places and breakfast has a fast deadline 8.30 to 9.30 only. But overall it’s great

Nothing

Room was awful hadn't been cleaned in months. Hotel was musty and damp. No check in. Saw lady who run hotel but she didn't say where car park was, so we had to park elsewhere. Hotel had strange disco music playing downstairs and a machine blowing smoke in the hallway. Bed was very hard and very high. Room had extension leads everywhere which are dangerous.

Room not as clean when you look closer ..bathroom shower dirty n toilet . Breakfast was tasty but later had mad belly .wouldn't go back

Good central location can walk to restaurants & shopping

Parking-only 3 spots if available. Got a ticket…

Lovely Georgian building with lovely architectural features. The room was lovely and clean with excellent facilities. Very welcoming and accommodating staff/owners.

Noorani was very welcoming and helpful as to places to visit as well as restaurants nearby. Freshly cooked breakfast. We were offered an upgraded room which was very comfortable.

Would have preferred an earlier breakfast.

Location and staff were great. Bed was comfortable.

Tired and in need of an update. The bathroom was very dated and the taps in the sink were tricky to use, especially with soapy hands. Appreciating it is a listed and old building, it would still benefit from an update. The stairs to the upper rooms are very precarious and narrow.

Utmärkt och riklig

-

The hotel is beautiful & in a great location & the bonus of free parking made it a great choice for our stay in Dorchester. The real star of the show was Noorami, she went above & beyond to make our stay enjoyable. We used the lovely lounge & she even brought us some snacks to have with our own wine. We used her recommendations for restaurants & even got some discount when we mentioned her name.

le petit déjeuner anglais et les conseils de visite à pied de Dorchester et alentour : village d'Abbotsbury et ses subtropical gardens à ne pas rater

Friendly. It's a nicely located, 'accommodating ' B&B. The room was very comfy, well presented. Nice en-suite. The extra bits I liked were 1) the offer that take-aways could be brought in and catered for in the dining area AND 2) that you could bring, say, a bottle of beer/wine, and relax in the sitting room equipped with corkscrews, bottle openers etc., so you could relax outside of the 'Bed' bit of B&B

Nada😊👍

A two night stay was enjoyable, hosts provided early access and free nearby parking. Noorani was very welcoming and provided good breakfasts and plenty of local knowledge, including directions to a delightful riverside walk just a short distance from this centrally located hotel in Dorchester.

Accoglienza gentile ma un po' confusionaria specialmente per il parcheggio che è un po' distante.

Colazione non ricca, programmata accuratamente all'arrivo per le 8.30 è stata poi servita con modifiche sostanziali alle 9.00. Materassi da sostituire. La camera affacciata sulla strada principale non era protetta adeguatamente dai rumori.

Central location and I felt very safe as a solo traveler

A step into a bygone era of English elegance combined with a peaceful spiritual element. Noorani and Tony are perfect hosts with a great knowledge of Dorchester. My room was stunning and breakfast in the conservatory a delight, would love to revisit in the future.

Very pleased with all aspects of our stay.

We had a lovely stay at the Casterbridge after our hike from Lulworth Cove. The room was excellent and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful!

Very poor decor full of cheap plastic flowers and nick nacks, rooms small and 1980 s in style, cluttered cheap items in breakfast room.

Tacky faded and bad plastic plastic environment. Way way overpriced paid Over £150 for one night !!!!!

I don’t normally feel the need to leave a review but this was a shocking experience. Please avoid staying here and choose somewhere else. Cleanliness and the host were both poor and value for money was non existent.

Good location and well appointed guest rooms.

Relatively high rate did not include breakfast.

Location

Room had a bathroom radiator which came on scorching in the evenings and at night. I couldn't turn it down or off and then found it very difficultbto sleep on a hor night anyway. I told the manageress about it on my first morning...At the end of my 3-night stay she told me she was getting it repaired. She then told me that had I asked for a change of room she would have provided one..in my opinion if she'd had an alternativevroom she should have offered it when I first raised the problem

Very friendly

Mooie kamers, schoon en lekker bed

Oneven vloer op de bovenste verdieping, lage deurpost en best laag hangende douchekop. Kamer aan de kant van de weg heeft best wat geluidsoverlast.

The Casterbridge is an exceptional B&B strategically and centrally well positioned in Dorchester. The interior design, decor, cleanliness and attention to detail with items as Wedgewood breakfast crockery, the quality of the bedroom furnishings and the breakfast were all excellent. The owner manager was exceptional and could not do enough to share her enthusiasm for Dorchester and the surrounding area and her knowledge and experience of the town. Discounts provided by local restaurants for those staying at Casterbridge were equally welcome.

I stayed here for a week and honestly loved my stay. The rooms have a wonderful historical vibe with their decor and the entire place is cozy and welcoming. The hosts are both absolutely lovely people, genuinely kind and I loved my stay with them. I couldn’t have asked for more or better. And as for the location, they are close to the heart of Dorchester meaning you can get around very easily to enjoy the museums and the town, and there is a lovely section of the River Frome right by the hotel which made for excellent walking. 10/10. Loved my stay and would LOVE to stay again!

I have stayed at the Casterbridge before but this was the first time under the new owners. To be fair Noorani has been their 5 years so not really new! A very friendly welcome including pointing out the local restaurants and other attractions. Well located in the centre of town. Noorani happy to open your bottle so no corkage. Room nice and comfortable. I made breakfast two days out of three (the other due to attending a wedding I was just not up to). The English breakfast was nice. Noorani made another couple a Sri Lankan omelette which looked very nice so maybe I might try next time.

I really liked this mini hotel. The owners were lovely, the place was charming, I had to leave early so can’t comment on breakfast….. however, the bed was lousy. Tired old mattresses with collapsed springs on one side - if there’d been two of us it would have been a disaster for one of us! Pillows were rock hard. It’s a real shame. But the room itself was lovely.

Absolutely charming place. Very handily located. Beautiful surround. Lovely rooms. Great staff. Overall just a wonderful place. 10/10 would visit again

The only complaint I could muster would be water pressure in the shower 🤣 but even that’s not that bad. Simply a lovely place to stay.

A fabulous hotel,clean, welcoming, good food and exceedingly friendly and helpful staff/owner. Don't listen to rogue negative unscrupulous reports. I've just been and I recommend it.

3 day stay from 5- 7 august 2025 . Outstanding hostess who couldn’t have have been helpful . I hadn’t mentioned that I was a vegetarian yet she made me an excellent full English vegetarian breakfast inc sausages & fried sweet potatoes! Perfect room with a glorious 4 poster bed .

She loved the old touches and it was nice cozy homely

Lovely big comfortable bed. Breakfast prepared on request. room was convenient with everything to hand. Noorani is a lovely kindly sensitive person and I felt very at home

Nothing, the experience was just what I needed it to be.

We had such a lovely stay at the Casterbridge. Noorani was so helpful, thoughtful and knowledgeable about Dorchester and Dorset generally. We had an excellent room high up at the back of the hotel (away from the road) with distant views of the Dorsetshire hills. As pointed out by Noorani, we were within a few steps of accessing a walk along the river Frome to a wonderfully preserved and displayed Roman Villa.

The Casterbridge is a gem of a B&B, with close access to both the town centre, and the beautiful River Frome with its clear and clean water derived from chalk springs. The ducks love it and so do I. Noorani is a marvellous hostess and cooks a lovely breakfast on demand. I stayed 5 nights and had not finished all the research I had gone there to accomplish on the ancient water meadows of the Frome valley, so I shall go back in the autumn.....

This building is perfectly refurbished and every detail has been taken care of-amazing and close to perfection- all the English way! The host was terrific - she provided a great breakfast - looked very well after her guests and gave us a lot of hints and tips on where to go to , what to visit etc. The room was spacious and luxurious- though I have travelled a lot - privately as well business wise- I have not often envisioned such high standards with a personal touch

Nothing

The room was well-furnished and comfortable - the four-poster bed was an added treat! the breakfast was great.

Parking arrangements rather strange but nevertheless adequate

Fantastic stay lovely hostess really went the extra mile to make our short break very special. Excellent breakfast and the surrondings were all in keeping. The room was very comfortable and quiet. Central location in Dorchester with all its history & museums and some really nice restaurants in easy walking distance Also a good base if you're exploring the surrounding area. You have Corfe Castle & Swanage within an hours drive.

Central location and easily accessible. Our room was bright, spacious, well furnished with a super cosy bed with crisp, clean bedding. Bathroom, bright, very clean and plentiful towels & toiletries included. Tea, coffee & fresh water plentiful. Good TV and extras included tissues, hairdryer and room fan. Breakfast is available (chargeable on request)

Excellent breakfast in conservatory

Air conditioning would have helped keep the bedroom more comfortable although we accept the temperatures were abnormally high