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  1. Highcliffe Castle was once owned by Mr Harry Selfridge
    Highcliffe Castle was once owned by Mr Harry Selfridge
  2. Explore the historic ruins of Corfe Castle
    Explore the historic ruins of Corfe Castle
  3. Explore the historic Lulworth Castle and Park
    Explore the historic Lulworth Castle and Park

You are here: Things To Do > Heritage & Culture > Castles & Forts

Castles & Forts in Dorset

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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...

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!

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Number of results: 15

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  1. Corfe Castle in spring

    Add Corfe Castle to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 2833 reviews2833 reviews

    Corfe Castle

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Price £5.00 to £25.00 Per Ticket
  2. Aerial view of Highcliffe Castle

    Add Highcliffe Castle to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 659 reviews659 reviews

    Highcliffe Castle

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Price Free to £24.00 Per Ticket
  3. Nothe Fort

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    Nothe Fort

    Type

    Type:

    Castle/Fort

    WEYMOUTH

    Awards

    • Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020We're Good to Go

    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.

    Special Offers

    • 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

    Price £2.00 to £18.00 Per Ticket
  4. Lulworth Castle, Dorset

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    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 424 reviews424 reviews

    Lulworth Castle & Park

    Type

    Type:

    Castle/Fort

    EAST LULWORTH, Wareham

    Awards

    • Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020We're Good to Go

    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…

    Price Free to £6.00 Per Ticket
  5. Durlston Country Park

    Add Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1143 reviews1143 reviews

    Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Country Park/Nature Reserve

    SWANAGE

    Awards

    • Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020We're Good to Go

    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…

    Free
  6. Autumn colours at Sherborne Castle and Gardens, Dorset

    Add Sherborne Castle and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 536 reviews536 reviews

    Sherborne Castle and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House/Palace

    SHERBORNE

    Awards

    • Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020We're Good to Go

    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…

    Price Free to £9.00 Per Ticket
  7. The Norman House, Castle Keep & Motte

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    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
  8. Portland Castle, Dorset

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    Portland Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Castle/Fort

    PORTLAND

    Awards

    • Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020We're Good to Go

    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.

    Free
  9. Maiden Castle, an Iron age hill-fort near Dorchseter, Dorset

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    Maiden Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Dorchester

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

    Free
  10. Sherborne Old Castle - Aerial view

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    Sherborne Old Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Castle/Fort

    SHERBORNE

    Awards

    • Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020We're Good to Go

    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
  11. Badbury Rings (photo credit National Trust Images/John Millar)

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    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
  12. Eggardon Hillfort (photo credit National Trust)

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    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
  13. Christchurch Castle ruins, Dorset

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    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
  14. Hambledon Hill

    Add Hambledon & Hod Hills to your Itinerary

    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
  15. Sandsfoot Castle and the Rodwell Trail

    Add Sandsfoot Castle and the Rodwell Trail to your Itinerary

    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

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