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You are here: Things To Do > Heritage & Culture > Castles & Forts
In Dorset, there are fascinating stories of bygone times to be discovered everywhere!
Have you ever wondered how certain places became ruins or who once lived in the grand castle on top of the hill?
Or perhaps you’re intrigued by how your favourite place looked hundreds of years ago or how a town defended itself against Viking invasions.
Unearth your inner historian on a visit to Dorset...
The unmistakeable ruins of Corfe Castle tower dramatically over its picturesque village at the very heart of Purbeck. The castle was built in 1086 and was one of the county’s great strongholds until betrayal from within led to its downfall.
The village of Corfe Castle itself makes for a great outing. Why not try something different and travel to Corfe by steam engine on the Swanage Railway? Or visit the castle in miniature at the Corfe Castle Model Village and Gardens. You can buy a combined ticket for the Railway and Model Village to save some pennies.
Overlooking Portland harbour, Portland Castle was built in the early 1540s to protect against French and Spanish invasion.
Portland Castle offers lots to do for families and couples alike, and being only four miles from Weymouth, this historic adventure can easily be combined with some more contemporary seaside fun.
Highcliffe Castle is a Grade I Listed, romantic fantasy castle and was built mainly between 1831 and 1836 by Lord Stuart de Rothesay. It has been described as arguably the most important surviving house of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture.
The team of knowledgeable room hosts bring to life the detailed history of the building and its residents, amongst whom was Harry Gordon Selfridge (of the Selfridge's Department Store fame). Mr Selfridge lived in the Castle between 1916 and 1922, and is buried with his wife and mother at St Mark’s churchyard just across the road from the Castle.
Behind the scenes guided tours last approximately one hour and provide access to the unrestored parts of the Castle, as well as the heritage rooms.
The beautiful grounds are perfect for a relaxing stroll or a family picnic on the lawns and there is direct access to both the wonderful sandy beach and unspoilt nature reserve of nearby Steamer Point. You can also enjoy a traditional Edwardian High Tea at The Castle Kitchen tearooms and if the weather is nice, sit out to admire views of the Castle.
Among the largest and most complex of Iron Age hillforts in Europe, Maiden Castle’s huge multiple ramparts enclose an area the size of 50 football pitches. The fort once protected hundreds of residents before the Romans came and established the town of ‘Durnovaria’ on Dorchester’s current site.
Today the castle offers wide open spaces to frolic, fling frisbees, picnic and get a taste of history.
Lulworth Castle was built in the early 17th Century as a hunting lodge to entertain aristocracy and royalty. Unfortunately the castle was gutted by a disastrous fire in 1929, however the owners, along with English Heritage, have returned the exterior to its original glory. Some of the internal rooms have also been restored to show what life was like hundreds of years ago.
You can climb the castle tower for spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coast. You can also visit the grounds and parkland with its 18th Century Roman Catholic Chapel and 15th Century Church of St Andrew.
The town of Sherborne, located in the northern part of Dorset boasts not one, but two castles.
Discover the historic Digby stately home of Sherborne Castle, built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594. See magnificent state rooms; Raleigh’s kitchen; relics from the Civil War and a museum. Explore acres of impressive lakeside gardens in a stunning setting.
Sherborne Old Castle is a 12th century ruin built as a fortified palace and is set in beautiful grounds next to Sherborne Castle. Initially owned by the church, it withstood two sieges during the Civil War and is now a romantic ruin and home to great wildlife.
After learning so much about the monarchs that shaped Dorset’s past, you’ll be in need of a fine place to stay and rest your head.
You’re in luck, as Dorset offers a grand selection of hotels, guest houses, cottages, campsites and in some cases, something a little more quirky!
Number of results: 15
National Trust Property
CORFE CASTLE
Adults and children alike will be captivated by the romantic Corfe Castle ruins and the breath-taking views across Purbeck.
Castle/Fort
Highcliffe, CHRISTCHURCH
A family-friendly, magnificent Grade I Listed 1830's mansion, built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay, surrounded by beautiful wooded grounds. There is direct access to the nearby sandy beach and Steamer Point nature reserve.
Castle/Fort
WEYMOUTH
Nothe Fort is now open to visitors with new measures in place to ensure the safety of visitors, staff, and volunteers. More information on what has changed can be found on the Covid-19 Nothe Fort webpage.
With an annual pass into Nothe Fort, you can gain access for free whenever you wish until the end of 2021.
More offers like this - Attraction Offers
Castle/Fort
EAST LULWORTH, Wareham
Welcome to Lulworth Castle and Park, situated at the heart of the privately owned Lulworth Estate. Follow the fascinating story of the castle and the inspiring past of its dedicated owners. Discover breathtaking views over the Dorset countryside…
Country Park/Nature Reserve
SWANAGE
Durlston Castle and Country Park, situated 1 mile from Swanage in Dorset, is a fabulous 320 acre countryside paradise and National Nature Reserve, consisting of sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, haymeadows, hedgerows and woodland.
With…
Historic House/Palace
SHERBORNE
Public open season from 1st April 2021
Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and the stately home of the Digby family since 1617. Walk in the footsteps of SIR WALTER RALEIGH in the home he built more than 400 years ago. Take a leisurely stroll around…
Historic Site
CHRISTCHURCH
Christchurch Castle was built in the late 11th Century to protect the town. The once luxurious Constable's House, now in ruins, has the oldest Norman chimney in Britain and was built around 1150. The Castle saw action in the Anarchy about 1147 and…
Castle/Fort
PORTLAND
A well preserved coastal fort built by Henry VIII to defend Weymouth harbour against possible French and Spanish attack. Exhibition: 400 years of the castle's history.
Historic Site
Dorchester
The finest and one of the largest Iron Age hill forts in Europe.
Castle/Fort
SHERBORNE
Sherborne Old Castle has now re-opened. Visitors today can delight in the great gatehouse, stroll in the castle grounds and enjoy a picnic where Sir Walter Raleigh once entertained when the castle acted as his country home.
National Trust Property
WIMBORNE
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…
National Trust Property
BRIDPORT
Eggardon Hill is an iron-age hillfort which, arguably, has one of the finest views of any hill-fort in the county.
Castle/Fort
Christchurch, CHRISTCHURCH
Christchurch Castle was built in the late 11th Century to protect the town's and river access to the interior of Wessex.
National Trust Property
BLANDFORD FORUM
Hambledon Hill is a National Nature Reserve and one of Dorset's most impressive Iron Age hillfort with multiple ramparts. The hilltop is encircled by an Iron Age earthwork and there are extensive Neolithic features, making it a major archaeological…
Castle/Fort
Weymouth
Halfway along the Rodwell Trail you'll find Sandsfoot Castle, built by Henry VIII in 1539 to protect his kingdom from foreign invasion. Abondoned by the military in 1665 it's become an iconic ruin overlooking Portland Harbour for the past 350 years…
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