Castles & Forts in Dorset

Have you ever wondered how certain places became ruins or who once lived in the grand castle on top of the hill?

Perhaps you’re intrigued by how your favourite place looked during different periods of history or how a settlement defended itself against invasion.

If so, Dorset will be sure to satiate your appetite as there are fascinating stories of bygone times to be discovered everywhere!

Visit a thousand-year-old royal castle shaped by warfare

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.

Explore one of Henry VIII's finest coastal forts

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.

Experience the life of the extraordinary Mr. Selfridge at Highcliffe Castle

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.

Climb one of the biggest Iron Age hillforts in Europe!

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.

Visit a Royal hunting lodge

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.

A town of two castles

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.

Accommodation fit for a King

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!

Self Catering Agencies

Caravan & Camping

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Number of results: 15

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
645 reviews
Highcliffe Castle

Type

Type:

Castle/Fort

Highcliffe, CHRISTCHURCH

*LATEST UPDATE* The grounds of Highcliffe Castle and the car park are open, however the Castle remains closed. A family-friendly, magnificent Grade I Listed 1830's mansion, built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay. Enjoy the surrounding grounds or perhaps…

Price Free to £15.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2771 reviews
Corfe Castle

Type

Type:

National Trust Property

CORFE CASTLE

Corfe Castle, the National Trust car park and toilets are now open. You will need to book your tickets in advance of your arrival. National Trust members will be able to book for free, while non-members will need to pay in advance for their tickets.…

Price £5.00 to £25.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
523 reviews
Sherborne Castle

Type

Type:

Historic House/Palace

Sherborne
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
The Castle Gardens are open every day from 10am – 5pm, last admission 4pm. The Tea Room and Gift Shop are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am – 4pm. Unfortunately the Castle will not be open during 2020. Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in…
Special Offers
- Buy tickets on-line at www.sherbornecastle.com to receive your 10% admission discount.
  Up to four children under age 16 go free accompanied by an adult Castle & Gardens or Gardens only ticket.
  More offers like this - Attraction Offers
Price Free to £12.50 Per Ticket
Nothe Fort

Type

Type:

Castle/Fort

Weymouth
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
We Are Open! We Are Safe!
Nothe Fort is now reopen 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 web page.
Price £1.00 to £17.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
410 reviews
Lulworth Castle & Park

Type

Type:

Castle/Fort

EAST LULWORTH, Wareham
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
The Castle and Parklands are now open. The Castle car park is also open at £3 per day.
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…
Price Free to £6.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1119 reviews
Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

SWANAGE
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Durlston Country Park and Castle is now open. The toilets at the Learning Centre are open. The Kiosk is open for takeaway 11am - 4.30pm every day. The cafe is open for dining Tuesday-Sunday 10am - 4pm (call 01929 421111 for bookings).
Free
Maiden Castle

Type

Type:

Historic Site

Dorchester

The finest and one of the largest Iron Age hill forts in Europe.

Free
Christchurch Castle Ruins

Type

Type:

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.

Free
Eggardon Hillfort

Type

Type:

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.

Free
Portland Castle

Type

Type:

Castle/Fort

Portland
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Portland Castle has now re-opened. 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.
Price £2.90 to £12.70 Per Ticket
Hambledon & Hod Hills

Type

Type:

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…

Free
Sandsfoot Castle and the Rodwell Trail

Type

Type:

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…

Free
Sherborne Old Castle

Type

Type:

Castle/Fort

SHERBORNE
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
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.
Price £2.80 to £12.20 Per Ticket
The Norman House, Castle Keep & Motte

Type

Type:

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…

Free
Badbury Rings

Type

Type:

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…

Free

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Visit a thousand-year-old royal castle shaped by warfare

Explore one of Henry VIII's finest coastal forts

Experience the life of the extraordinary Mr. Selfridge at Highcliffe Castle

Climb one of the biggest Iron Age hillforts in Europe!

Visit a Royal hunting lodge

A town of two castles

Accommodation fit for a King

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