Dorchester Library

Just off the high street in this Georgian county town sits a proper Victorian library building that's still doing exactly what it was designed for more than a century ago. Dorchester Library occupies a handsome red-brick building with tall windows that flood the reading rooms with natural light, making it a genuinely pleasant spot to spend an hour or two browsing local history collections and Dorset-themed books.

Families staying at nearby holiday parks like Haven Weymouth Bay or Parkdean Warmwell might find this a welcome rainy-day refuge, especially with kids who've burned through their holiday reading. The local history section is particularly strong on Thomas Hardy - this is his hometown after all - and there's a decent children's section that could keep younger ones occupied while parents catch up on emails using the free Wi-Fi.

It's hardly a destination in itself, but the building has character and the staff know their local area well. Pop in if you're already exploring Dorchester's Roman walls or visiting the Dinosaur Museum nearby. The town sits roughly halfway between the coast at Weymouth and the interior charms of Hardy's Wessex, making it a logical stopping point during a Dorset touring holiday.