Castles and Hill Forts in Dorset
Dorset is a county incredibly rich in history and heritage, and there are many castles and hill forts in Dorset for visitors to explore. We’ve made a handy interactive map showing all the castles (in yellow), castle ruins (in red) and hill forts (in light blue), alongside our holiday parks (dark blue). As you can see, the county is covered in historical places to explore – read on below to find out more about some of our favourite castles and hill forts in Dorset.
Castles and ruins
There are many castles in Dorset, and some are in much better condition than others! Many have been carefully preserved, meaning you can explore inside and learn about antique furniture and ways of living, and these are a great option if you’re stuck for a rainy day out. However, over the centuries, many of Dorset’s castles have been damaged by wars or simply eroded by time, leaving behind crumbling ruins. Built usually either as points of defence against invaders or as large, statement homes for the wealthy, these castles have all become vital to Dorset’s heritage and many are important tourist attractions.
Brownsea Castle, Poole
Guarding the ferry entrance to Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, this castle was built between 1545-1547 as one of Henry VII’s coastal defence forts. It was later converted into a private residence and has had numerous extensions over the centuries. You can see Brownsea Castle, also known as Branksea Castle, from the sea on one of the many Poole Harbour cruises available, or you can take the ferry to the island itself and walk around (there is a fee for the ferry and an additional fee for non NT members if you wish to go inside the castle). The island is a fantastic place to spot wildlife – it is known for being one of the only places in England that red squirrels can be found and you might come across a peacock or two, not forgetting the thousands of migratory birds that make Poole Harbour their seasonal home.
Christchurch Castle
Christchurch Castle was built in the late 11th century to protect the town. Only a few sections of ruin remain in the center of the town, and these can be freely visited and walked through all year round. Norman House can be seen from the riverside walk, while part of the Castle sits on a mound just behind.
Corfe Castle, Wareham
One of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks, the ruins of Corfe Castle can be seen for miles around as they perch on top of the Purbeck Ridgeway. Over 1000 years old, this castle was mostly destroyed in 1646 during the English Civil War and only ruins remain of this once grand castle. It’s a wonderful place to explore, with many family activities and educational events organised throughout the year. The village of Corfe itself is a pretty village with cobbled streets and stone cottages. You can see the castle from the live webcam at the railway station.
Durlston Castle, Swanage
Despite looking very much like a castle, Durlston Castle is technically classed as a folly – a primarily decorative building that served no specific purpose. The Durlston Estate is made up of a collection of limestone quarries, and the owners wanted to give some wealth back to the local people, so Durlston Castle was developed as a tourist attraction that brought income to the area. Today, the castle acts as the visitor centre for the Country Park and Nature Reserve.
Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch
Highcliffe Castle is a large and very impressive castle built in the early 1800s, its own beach access and fantastic views across to the Isle Of Wight. It has important architectural significance and is Grade 1 listed. The large grounds and castle are open to the public and are well worth a visit if you are in the Bournemouth area.
Lulworth Castle, Wareham
This castle is often considered one of the most beautiful castles in the south of England, and it is easy to see why with its traditional symmetrical design. It was built in the 17th century as a hunting lodge for royalty and the wealthy, and is today open to visitors who enjoy the Lulworth Estate, which covers 12,000 acres of land between Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, two of Dorset’s most famous landmarks. Lulworth Castle also provides the backdrop to the fantastic Camp Bestival, a family-friendly music festival with over 10,000 visitors each year.
Nothe Fort, Weymouth
Built in the 1800s, the Nothe Fort was built to protect Portland Harbour. Today there is a museum which showcases a range of military technology from the time. Throughout the year, the Artillery still parade in full uniform and fire the cannons which is fantastic to watch. It has also become a location known for paranormal activity with many people believing the fort to be haunted – you can even book a ghost hunting tour!
Portland Castle
Another of Henry VIII’s coastal forts, Portland Castle, which looks back on Weymouth Harbour, was designed to protect against French and Spanish invasion in the 1500s and was used as a prison during the Civil War. Today the fort, made of course from Portland Stone, is open to the public, with an informative audio tour included in the entry price. You can enjoy great sea views from the gun platforms and see real cannons up close!
Rufus Castle, Portland
Overlooking Church Ope Cove, Portland, this castle takes its name from King William II, who’s nickname was Rufus and was who the original castle was built for. He reigned during 1087-1100, but the remains seen today are mostly not of that age as the castle has had to be rebuilt over the years due to wars and erosion. Today, the castle is privately owned so there is no public access, however the ruins can easily be seen from the footpaths nearby. The castle is also known as Bow and Arrow Castle due to the numerous “loop holes” that enabled archers to fire at enemies.
Sandsfoot Castle
Sandsfoot Castle was built at the same time at Portland Castle, which sits opposite it across Portland Harbour. The two were designed to work together to protect Weymouth and Portland. Unfortunately it is not in the same condition as its counterpart having been undermined by the sea and subsequently disused. In 1902, the remains of the castle were purchased for just £150! Today you can walk around the ruins as railings and sturdy floors have been added to make it safe.
Sherborne Castle
Sherborne in North Dorset is home to two castles, and both are worth visiting. The “new” castle was built in 1594, which still seems pretty old to us! The castle is set in a 1200 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens which are perfect for a walk or a picnic by the lake. Inside, the rooms have been preserved well, with interior styles spanning 4 centuries. There are lots of events held throughout the year including fairs and jousting tournaments.
Sherborne Old Castle
Just across the lake from the “new” castle, sits Sherborne Old Castle. Built in the 12th century and ruined in 1645 after seeing fierce fighting during the English Civil War, these ruins are quite the contrast to the other castle but just as spectacular in a different way. Why not try to visit both in a day.
Hill Forts
A hill fort is an earthwork where the sides of a hill have been modified to create smaller mounds or ramparts and trenches that follow the contours of the hill. They were created during the Bronze and Iron ages (approximately 2500BC-700BC and 750BC-43AD respectively) and designed to defend either domesticated animals or small settlements by deterring and tiring out invaders as they struggled to climb the ridges. Their locations were chosen as they provided excellent views, meaning that anyone trying to invade had a difficult job going unspotted. This also means that for today’s walkers, they are beautiful places to get panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. There are over 2000 hill forts in Britain and many in Dorset.
Abbotsbury Castle
This hill fort might be slightly eroded, with the ramparts and trenches less obvious than some, but it is definitely worth a visit for the fantastic views to be had. The site is located on the South Dorset Ridgeway path, with fantastic walks in either direction and incredible views of the Jurassic Coast including St Catherine’s Chapel, Chesil Beach and The Isle of Portland. A small road with layby parking for a few cars runs through the site, with most of the ramparts being visible on the Western side, and a beacon and the remains of a WWII gun emplacement, along with the best views, being found on the Eastern side.
Badbury Rings, Wimborne
Badbury Rings is a substantial iron age hillfort, constructed around a chalk knoll standing at 100 metres above sea level and dating back to around 800BC. Badbury Rings forms part of the Kingston Lacy estate and is owned by the National Trust. It is the only Dorset hill fort filled with ornamental trees and is a popular place for walkers, dog owners and a nice spot for a picnic and kite flying, with views across the Dorset countryside.
Bindon Hill, Lulworth
Bindon hill is an extensive hillfort above and to the East of Lulworth Cove. The total enclosed area is roughly 272 acres, making it much larger than Maiden Castle, which is usually referred to as the largest hill fort in the country. However, Bindon hill has no evidence of any settlement, meaning it was most likely used for pasture rather than defence purposes. The area is partly within the military training area so access can be limited at times.
Coney’s Castle, Marshwood Vale
The name for this hill fort comes from the Old English word for rabbit (which was cuniculus in Latin) which suggests it was used as a warren. Today, a lane cuts straight through the small fort, which is a sheltered spot great for picnics. It’s a great place to visit if you are on the hunt for bluebells in the spring. It’s easy to walk from here to nearby Lambert’s Castle.
Eggardon Hill, Bridport
Around 2,500 years old, Eggardon Hill towers over the surrounding landscape, having originally been used as a burial mound. In the 18th Century, Isaac Gulliver created a small plantation of trees on top of the hill to act as a landmark easily visible from the coast to guide his smuggling ships. The site is incredibly exposed and is often used for flying kites due to the high winds there and some of the roads and paths have incredible views.
Flowers Barrow, Lulworth
Like Bindon Hill, this hill fort is part of the military training zone, so access can be limited. The cliffs themselves were thought to be part of the defences here, but erosion has since eaten away at many of the ramparts. Flowers Barrow overlooks Worbarrow Bay and the village of Tyneham, which was abandoned during World War 2 and has remained empty ever since. Both are worth a visit if you are in the area.
Hambledon Hill, Blandford
This is one of Dorset’s most prominent hill forts, with steep sides rising 190 metres above the Blackmore Vale. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve, Hambledon Hill is one of the most well-preserved hill forts in Great Britain with huge archaeological and ecological value. Make sure to also explore neighbouring Hod Hill
Hengistbury Head, Christchurch
Guarding the entrance to Christchurch Harbour, sits Hengistbury Head. The headland here was separated from the mainland by two banks, with the cliffs providing the rest of the defences.
Hod Hill, Blandford
Just next door to Hambledon Hill sits Hod Hill, Dorset’s largest hill fort which is equally as well-preserved as its neighbour and renowned for its wildlife. Entering through one of the 5 entrances, if you look hard, you’ll see the remains of buildings and property boundaries.
Lambert’s Castle, Marshwood Vale
Lambert’s Castle sits North of neighbouring Coney’s Castle and the two are just over a mile apart. This hill fort has been used for multiple purposes over the centuries, being a tribal settlement, the site of village fairs, a horse racing track and a relay station used to pass signals along during war. The site today enjoys incredible views over the Marshwood Vale.
Lewesdon Hill, Marshwood Vale
Lewesdon is the tallest hill in Dorset at 279 metres above sea level and is the site of an Iron-age hill fort. Parts of the original bank and ditches are visible and more recently, the hill was used as a site for one of the Armada Beacons in 1588, to warn of an impending attack from Spain. In the spring, the hill is covered in bluebells and there are a number of rope swings made by the local children right up on top of the hill.
Maiden Castle, Dorchester
It may be clear by now that there are many different ways of defining hill forts, and in many places, Maiden Castle is often referred to as the largest hill fort in Britain, and one of the largest in Europe. These differences in classification can be explained by not fully knowing what they were used for, as forts not believed to have been human settlements are often not counted. There is archeological evidence of Maiden Castle being inhabited at least 6,000 years ago, and excavations over the years have produced a number of interesting finds, including a spear embedded in the spine of a skeleton! It’s certainly one of the most impressive forts around and definitely worth a visit.
Pilsdon Pen
Dorset’s second-highest point after neighbouring Lewesdon Hill, Pilsdon Pen has uninterrupted panoramic views of the countryside in all directions. It’s also close to Lambert’s and Coney’s Castle’s so there’s plenty of other hill forts in the area you can walk to.
Poundbury Camp
If you’re in the Dorchester area and visiting Maiden Castle, why not also visit nearby Poundbury Camp, a Bronze Age enclosure that is slowly being surrounded by the Poundbury development as it grows. There are also Roman earthworks that were designed to transport water to Durnovaria, the town which later became Dorchester.
Spetisbury Rings
Also known as Crawford Castle, there is evidence that this hill fort was destroyed by Roman advances in the 1st century AD. It it part of a chain of forts of a similar are in the area – Hambledon Hill, Hod Hill, Buzbury Rings, Badbury Rings, Dudsbury Camp and Hengistbury Head are all nearby.
What a list! It’s easy to see why some of these attractions are so popular with our visitors, either for the historic and educational experience or simply as an impressive backdrop for a picnic or a countryside walk. Have you visited any castles and hill forts in Dorset that aren’t on this list?
Don’t forget, if you’re a holidaymaker with us, you can enter your holiday snaps into our yearly photo competition to try and win £250 off your next holiday. Find out more here.
West Dorset Leisure Holidays
West Dorset Leisure Holidays are a family run group of holiday parks on or near the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. The parks offer excellent accommodation and facilities and each of them is unique, so you are bound to find one to suit you. Accommodation includes lodges, caravans, glamping and pitches for touring & camping.
Facilities include Martin’s Bar & Restaurant, Highlands End Leisure Club, the Little Fire Station Soft Play and park nature trails. The parks are family friendly, dog friendly and are situated in beautiful coastal and countryside locations with a great range of places to visit and things to do nearby. We also have caravan and lodge holiday homes for sale. Find out more here, or check availability and make a booking.
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