A hillfort is a bronze age or iron age raised elevation which was used in defence to protect people from enemy tribes. There are hillforts in Dorset to discover if you enjoy countryside walks with some elevation.
Let’s take a journey through the hillforts of Dorset and discover what story each location has to share. There are plenty of mysteries and legacies to be discovered.
The spelling of hillforts can also be referred to as a hill fort or even a hill-fort but the spelling of hillfort is the preferred way.
Badbury Rings
Location: Blandford Road, Shpawick, Dorset, DT11 9JL
hen arriving at Badbury Rings between Wimborne and Blandford, you’ll find a National Trust car park. This is FREE for National trust members and payable for non members.
Dogs are welcome at Badbury Rings, but are to be kept on leads when animals are grazing. It’s useful to know in advance that there are no toilet facilities at Badbury Rings and the ground is uneven and almost steep in some places too.
Badbury Rings is an Iron Age hillfort dating from around 800 BC. There was also evidence of Roman occupancy as Roman artifacts have been found on the site.
The history books dictate that Badbury Rings was used as a centre for trading and social gatherings as well as for its defences.
Maiden Castle
Location: Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9PP
Maiden Castle in Dorset is one of the largest Iron Age hillforts in Europe. It’s around the size of 50 football pitches with multiple ramparts.
The land is managed by English Heritage and access is FREE at all times. There is a small car park and dogs are welcome but on leads due to grazing cattle.
It’s believed that Maiden Castle existed from around 3500 BC. It’s also believed to have a Roman temple build in the 4th Century as well according to historical evacuations.
Abbotsbury Castle
Location: Weymouth, DT3 4JZ
You’ll find Abbotsbury Castle near Weymouth in Dorset. The site is a historic hillfort offering panoramic views of the countryside and the Jurassic Coast.
Abbotsbury Castle dates back to the Iron Age and is worth a visit for the stunning views across Dorset. There is limited parking in laybyes along the B3157.
Lewesdon Hill
Location: near Broadwindsor village off the B3164
If you choose to visit the National Trust owned Lewesdon Hill, you’ll be treated to views across Devon and Somerset from the top. This is one of the highest points in Dorset.
When visiting, you can spot sights of the original Iron Age bank and ditches that once dominated the site.
Whilst there is no dedicated parking at Lewesdon Hill, you can park in the village. Why not also visit during the Spring to spot the bluebells.
Flower’s Barrow
Location: East Lulworth, Wareham, BH20 5PF
Overlooking the stunning Worbarrow Bay in Dorset is Flower’s Barrow iron age hill fort. Perhaps tie a visit in to Flower’s Barrow with a visit to Tyneham Village when the ranges are open.
You can walk to Flower’s Barrow from Tyneham if you’re parking there. This is a steep incline. Alternatively you can park at Whiteway Hill and walk from there.
Bindon Hill
Location: near Lulworth Cove
Parts of Bindon Hill are only open when access is granted from the Lulworth ranges. A good place to park is at Lulworth Cove car park, and walk around the cove to access Bindon Hill.
If you’ve ever visited Lulworth Cove and wondered what the hill is behind, then this is Bindon Hill.
Coney’s Castle
Location: Bridport
Coney’s Castle hill fort and also Lambert’s Castle hill fort are quire close together in distance so you can visit both at the same time.
Coney’s Castle is unusual in size as it’s made of two separate areas. This suggests it may have once been reduced in size, or an extension of a smaller hill fort.
There is a National Trust car park near Lambert’s Castle, with directions here.
Hambledon Hill
Location: Nr Blandford, Dorset
You can’t miss Hambledon Hill which sits at 190 meters above the Blackmore Vale in Dorset. This ancient hillfort offers amazing views just like the one above.
If you planning on visiting Hambledon Hill, then it’s worth knowing that parking is found in limited laybys along the side of the road. Nature lovers will appreciate the amazing display of butterflies and birds in the area.