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Sherborne Castle

Sherborne Castle

Castles & Forts

Dorset has a fantastic collection of castles and forts for you to explore. There are castles with dramatic ruins to marvel and historical forts on the Jurassic Coast to discover.

Corfe Castle is one of the iconic landmarks in Dorset’s countryside. The unmistakeable ruins show 1000 years of history. The village of Corfe makes for a great outing and why not try something different and travel to Corfe by steam engine on the Swanage Railway?

Portland Castle is a great day out where you can discover the 450 year history and enjoy the sea views from the cannons. Nothe Fort in Weymouth was built in 1860 to protect Portland Harbour. The fort is now open to visitors where you can wander through the passage ways and take in the outstanding views over the 2012 Olympic sailing venue set against the back drop of the world famous Jurassic Coast.

Visit Christchurch and you’ll find it is full of amazing history! Set in the cliff top grounds at Highcliffe is the picturesque and romantic Highcliffe Castle. Highcliffe Castle is Grade I listed and was built around 1835.

You could also take a trip to Dorset’s historic abbeys and churches or visit beautiful country houses and gardens – all offer a fascinating day out and many offer events and activities that are sure to make you want to come back again and again! Check the Trips and Tours pages for more ideas on historic days out in Dorset.

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  1. None

    Add The Norman House, Castle Keep & Motte to your Itinerary

    The Norman House, Castle Keep & Motte

    Type

    Historic Site

    Christchurch, CHRISTCHURCH

    Christchurch Castle was built in the late 11th Century to protect the town's and river access to the interior of Wessex. It was built inside the Saxon fort whose walls were probably used to build the castle mound or motte.
    The once luxurious Constable's House, now in ruins, has the oldest Norman...

  2. Hambledon & Hod Hills

    Add Hambledon & Hod Hills to your Itinerary

    Hambledon & Hod Hills

    Type

    Historic Site

    Blandford Forum

    Hambledon Hill is Dorset's most impressive Iron Age hillfort with mulitple ramparts. The hilltop is encircled by an Iron Age earthwork and there are extensive and complex Neolithic features, making it a site of major archaeological importance. Situated in the Blackmore Vale five miles north of...

  3. Historic Portland Castle, from the harbour

    Add Portland Castle to your Itinerary

    Portland Castle

    Type

    Castle/Fort

    Portland

    Overlooking Portland Harbour in Dorset stands one of Henry VIII's finest coastal forts, built in the early 1540s to protect against French and Spanish invasion. Today it provides a great day out for visitors and its audio tour, included in the admission price tells of the castle's 450 year history...

  4. Badbury Rings

    Add Badbury Rings to your Itinerary

    Badbury Rings

    Type

    Historic Site

    East Dorset

    Badbury Rings is an Iron Age hillfort in east Dorset. The site dates from around 800 BC and was in use until the Roman occupation of 43 AD. Now forming part of the Kingston Lacy estate, and under the guardianship of The National Trust, the site has been restored to light grazing land as this has...

  5. Sherborne Old Castle - Aerial view

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    Sherborne Old Castle

    Type

    Castle/Fort

    SHERBORNE

    Families and history lovers alike will all enjoy a day out to Sherborne Old Castle; bring a picnic and take in the serene countryside views, then browse the small shop for unique English Heritage gift ideas and souvenirs of your visit. Light refreshments are also available.

  6. Hod Hill

    Hod Hill

    Type

    Historic Site

    Blandford Forum

    Hod Hill is an extensive Iron Age hillfort set in the Blackmore Vale, 3 miles north-west of Blandford Forum. It is managed by the National Trust and is the largest example of a hillfort in Dorset.

  7. Sherborne Castle, Autumn view

    Add Sherborne Castle to your Itinerary

    Sherborne Castle

    Type

    Historic House/Palace

    SHERBORNE

    Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and stately home of the Digby family since 1617, Sherborne Castle is a Historic House which reflects a glorious variety of decorative styles from over 400 years of English history. Come and experience the Castle's rich interiors with splendid collections of art,...

  8. Corfe Castle

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    Corfe Castle

    Type

    Castle/Fort

    Corfe Castle

    A 1000 years of history provides 1000 reasons to visit one of Britain's most important and dramatic ruins, dominating the skyline of Purbeck. Whether it is for spectacular scenery, to learn about the fascinating history of this medieval castle or just to enjoy a leisurely day out, Corfe Castle has...

  9. Lulworth Castle in Winter

    Add Lulworth Castle & Park to your Itinerary

    Lulworth Castle & Park

    Type

    Castle/Fort

    Wareham

    Walk in the footsteps of Kings and Queens as you enjoy wide open spaces, historic buildings and stunning landscapes. Built as a Hunting Lodge in 1608, this Castle has been owned by the same family for over 365 years. Inside the Castle is a wealth of fascinating history, follow their fortunes, fate...

  10. None

    Add Christchurch Castle Ruins to your Itinerary

    Christchurch Castle Ruins

    Type

    Castle/Fort

    Christchurch, CHRISTCHURCH

    Christchurch Castle was built in the late 11thC to protect the town's and river access to the interior of Wessex. It was built inside the Saxon fort whose walls were probably used to build the castle mound or motte. The luxurious Contable's Hall was built around 1150. The stone keep, (slighted...