Our Curated Guide to Dorset's Castles, Ruins and Forts

When most people think of Dorset, it’s easy to picture the Jurassic Coast, golden beaches and spectacular sea views. After all, they’re among the reasons so many of us fell in love with this county in the first place.

But tucked away among the rolling hills, ancient woodlands, picturesque villages and dramatic coastline lies another side of Dorset that’s just as fascinating.

A county shaped by kings, invaders, bishops, pirates, civil wars and centuries of history.

From one of England’s greatest medieval castles to Tudor coastal forts built by Henry VIII, romantic country estates, Victorian sea defences, and one of Europe’s largest Iron Age hill forts, Dorset is packed with places where history is very much alive.

Long before Dorset became our home, it was somewhere we escaped to whenever we could. Back then, we came for weekends by the sea, long coastal walks and family adventures. Castles soon became part of those trips, too.

Since moving here, we’ve returned to them countless times.

We’ve climbed ruined towers with our children during the school holidays, explored hidden passageways in Victorian forts, watched outdoor cinema beneath castle walls on warm summer evenings, and wandered ancient earthworks with Smarty. Yet each visit reveals something new.

That’s exactly why we’ve put this guide together.

Rather than simply listing Dorset’s castles, we’ve shared the places we genuinely enjoy visiting, along with nearby walks, cafés, pubs and little local discoveries that help turn a couple of hours into a memorable day out.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or looking for somewhere new to explore during your stay, we hope you’ll discover somewhere you’ll want to return to as often as we do. And if you’re planning a break, our collection of Dorset Holiday Cottages makes a perfect base for discovering the castles, coastline, countryside and historic towns that make this county such a fascinating place to explore.

Our Favourite Castles in Dorset

There are around a dozen castles, forts and historic strongholds spread across Dorset. Some can easily fill an entire day, while others are perfect for combining with nearby beaches, coastal walks or exploring picturesque market towns.

Corfe Castle

Few places in Dorset are as instantly recognisable as Corfe Castle.

Rising dramatically above the pretty village below, its shattered towers dominate the Purbeck landscape and are visible from miles away. Even today, nearly 400 years after it was deliberately destroyed, it’s still one of the most spectacular castles in England.

Built shortly after the Norman Conquest, Corfe Castle became one of the country’s most important royal fortresses. It later played a dramatic role in the English Civil War, when Lady Mary Bankes famously defended it against Parliamentary forces. Eventually, the castle was deliberately blown apart in 1646 to prevent its ever being used again.

Those ruined walls are exactly what give Corfe Castle its unmistakable character today.

We’ve visited Corfe Castle more times than we can count.

When our children were younger, school holidays often meant a day spent climbing the ancient ruins, following activity trails and taking part in fantastic family events organised throughout the year. They always seemed to find another staircase, hidden corner or tower to explore.

These days, our visits often centre on the special events held within the castle grounds.

If you ever get the chance to book one of the outdoor concerts, theatre productions or evening performances beneath the illuminated castle walls, don’t hesitate. Watching music performed against one of England’s greatest castle ruins is something very special.

Another tip we’d always share is to keep an eye out for the falconry and birds of prey displays that regularly take place. Seeing magnificent birds soaring above the castle ruins makes for a memorable experience and some fantastic photographs.

Our Favourite Way to view the castle

One of our favourite ways to experience Corfe Castle is to see it before you even visit: from a steam train on the Swanage Railway!

Rather than boarding in Swanage, we’d always recommend starting at Norden Station.

The journey towards Corfe offers longer, uninterrupted views of the castle rising above the landscape and provides wonderful photography opportunities from the heritage steam train.

As the train journey unfolds, the castle suddenly appears ahead. It never fails to impress, no matter how often we’ve seen it.

If you’re interested in exploring further, don’t miss our dedicated guide to Corfe Castle, where we’ve shared even more local tips and ideas for making the most of your visit.

Don’t Miss The Greyhound Inn

Whenever we visit Corfe Castle, we almost always finish the same way.

A drink or something to eat at The Greyhound Inn.

It has become one of our favourite pubs anywhere in Dorset.

The food is excellent, the atmosphere is wonderfully welcoming, and on a sunny day it’s hard to beat sitting in the beer garden with uninterrupted views across to the castle itself.

Corfe Castle is also one of our favourite places to recommend to guests staying in our Luxury Holiday Cottages in Dorset, especially those looking to combine history with spectacular scenery. We’ve got all of the things you can do in Corfe and other places to eat or drink in our guide to Corfe Castle.

Maiden Castle

Despite its name, Maiden Castle isn’t a castle in the medieval sense at all. In fact, it’s much older.

More than two thousand years old.

Perched high above Dorchester, Maiden Castle is one of Europe’s largest and most complex Iron Age hill forts. Long before kings built stone castles, entire communities lived within these enormous defensive earthworks, protected by vast banks and ditches that remain incredibly impressive today.

It’s difficult to appreciate the scale of Maiden Castle until you’re standing on its enormous ramparts.

Only then do you realise just how vast this ancient settlement is.

We’ve walked here many times over the years, usually with Smarty leading the way along the grass paths.

It’s one of those places that changes every season.

On bright summer evenings, the views seem to stretch forever across the Dorset countryside. In autumn, the changing colours make it one of our favourite places for a peaceful walk, while crisp winter mornings often bring spectacular light for photographers.

Unlike many of Dorset’s historic attractions, there’s no admission fee, no visitor centre and no queues.

Just open countryside, remarkable history and some of the finest panoramic views in the county.

One Of Our Favourite Dog Walks

If you’re staying in one of our Dog Friendly Holiday Cottages in Dorset, we’d recommend visiting Maiden Castle.

The walks are ideal if you’re travelling with four-legged family members, and there’s plenty of open space to enjoy while soaking up the remarkable history beneath your feet. And if you’re looking for more dog-walking ideas, we’ve produced a guide to some of our other favourite dog walks in Dorset. 

One of the great advantages of Maiden Castle is its location just outside Dorchester.

After your walk, it’s easy to spend the rest of the day exploring the county town.

If you’re staying in one of our Dorchester Holiday Cottages, we often head into Poundbury for a late lunch or an early evening meal at the Duchess of Cornwall. It’s dog-friendly, as they allow dogs on the ground floor, and there’s plenty of room to sit outside too. But there’s also plenty more to explore in Dorchester, with many of the town’s restaurants and cafes featured in our places to eat and drink in Dorchester guide. 

Lulworth Castle

If Corfe Castle is Dorset’s most dramatic ruin, Lulworth Castle offers something entirely different.

Standing proudly in the heart of the Lulworth Estate, this elegant 17th-century hunting lodge feels more like a stately home than a medieval fortress. Built in the early 1600s, it has welcomed royalty throughout its history, including five English monarchs. It survived a devastating fire in 1929 and underwent an extraordinary restoration.

Today, it’s an attraction that seems to appeal to every generation.

We’ve been visiting Lulworth Castle for years.

Long before our children arrived, we’d often combine it with a walk around the beautiful parkland before heading to nearby Lulworth Cove. Once the children came along, it became somewhere we’d return to almost every school holiday.

The castle regularly puts on family events throughout the year, from trails and outdoor activities to seasonal celebrations, giving children plenty to enjoy while adults can appreciate the beautiful interiors and grounds.

These days, our visits have changed slightly.

One of our favourite reasons to return is the outdoor cinema evenings held in the castle grounds during the summer. Sitting beneath the stars, watching a classic film with the castle illuminated behind you, is a brilliant experience and something we’d highly recommend if you’re visiting Dorset during the summer. 

Although you can explore the castle itself in a couple of hours, we’d always recommend allowing at least half a day. The grounds are lovely to wander through, too, and there’s plenty of open space for children to enjoy. And if you’re staying in one of our dog-friendly cottages, the Castle is dog-friendly too

Our Favourite Way to Finish the Day

One of the great advantages of visiting Lulworth Castle is that you’re only a few minutes from one of Dorset’s most iconic coastal sites.

Whenever possible, we head straight to Lulworth Cove afterwards. We’ve produced a guide to exploring Lulworth, which features the beaches, things to do and some of the best places to eat.  

However, if we’re stopping for refreshments, we usually have one of two favourites.

For something more substantial, it’s difficult to beat The Lulworth Cove Inn, where you can sit with views towards the water while enjoying lunch or an early evening drink.

If we’re just after coffee and cake, we’ll almost always head to The Boat Shed Café.

In our opinion, it enjoys one of the finest waterfront settings anywhere in Dorset. Sitting outside with a coffee while watching boats gently bob in the cove is a simple pleasure we never seem to tire of.

Sherborne Old Castle

Sherborne may be a little further north than many visitors go, but it’s well worth the journey.

It’s one of Dorset’s most historic market towns and, unusually, it’s home to two castles.

The older of the two is Sherborne Old Castle.

Built in the 12th century as the Bishop of Salisbury’s fortified residence, it remained an important ecclesiastical palace for centuries before sustaining extensive damage during the English Civil War.

Today, its ivy-covered ruins sit peacefully beside a beautiful lake, creating one of the county’s most picturesque historic settings.

Unlike some of Dorset’s busier attractions, Sherborne Old Castle always feels special and quiet. 

We’ve visited several times over the years and never tire of the striking countryside views and the nearby lake. 

Sherborne Castle

Just a short distance from the Old Castle lies its younger, rather grander neighbour.

Sherborne Castle was built in 1594 by Sir Walter Raleigh, who wanted a more comfortable home than the ageing medieval ruins next door.

Surrounded by a beautiful landscaped lake and gardens, the castle remains privately owned by the Digby family and offers visitors a fantastic glimpse into centuries of English history.

It’s very different from most castles people expect to see in Dorset.

Rather than climbing battlements and ruined towers, you’ll discover elegant interiors, impressive collections of paintings and antiques, and beautifully maintained gardens that are every bit as impressive as the house itself.

For us, though, it’s the grounds that truly make Sherborne Castle special.

Some of Dorset’s Most Beautiful Grounds

Whenever we’ve visited, we’ve always ended up spending as much time outside as inside.

The lakeside walks are beautiful, particularly in spring and early summer, when everything is in full bloom. There are benches overlooking the water, quiet woodland paths and plenty of open lawns where families can relax for a while.

The reflections across the lake towards the castle make for some lovely photographs, particularly on still mornings or late afternoon when the light softens.

Make a Full Day of Sherborne

If you’re travelling from the south of the county, we’d definitely recommend making Sherborne a full-day destination. For guests staying in our Luxury Holiday Cottages in Dorset, it’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for a change of scenery away from the coast for a day.

Start with the castles, then explore the magnificent Sherborne Abbey. It’s one of the finest medieval churches anywhere in England. There are also plenty of independent shops to visit and many places to have something to eat. We personally like The Plume of Feathers.

It’s a 16th-century pub right opposite the Abbey and serves fantastic Italian pizzas and pasta dishes.

Portland Castle

When people think about castles in Dorset, Portland Castle is often overshadowed by places like Corfe Castle or Lulworth Castle.

For us, it’s one of the county’s hidden gems.

Built by King Henry VIII between 1539 and 1541, Portland Castle was part of a chain of coastal forts designed to defend England against possible invasion by France and the Holy Roman Empire. Remarkably, it’s one of the best-preserved Tudor forts in the country, allowing you to explore rooms, battlements and gun positions that have changed little over the centuries.

Its position couldn’t be any better.

Standing on the shores of Portland Harbour, the castle enjoys wonderful views across the water towards Weymouth and the Isle of Portland beyond. On a bright summer’s day, it’s hard to imagine a more picturesque setting for a historic fortress.

We’ve visited Portland Castle for many years, and when our children were younger, it was a regular highlight of our half-term adventures. They loved exploring the winding passageways or climbing the old staircases. There’s plenty to see, including the impressive gun platforms, the Tudor kitchen, the Great Hall and the Governor’s Garden. We also recommend picking up the free audio guide, which brings the castle’s fascinating history to life, before finishing your visit with coffee, cake or a traditional cream tea in the Captain’s Tearoom.

Combine It With Dorset’s D-Day Story

One of our top recommendations is to combine a visit to Portland Castle with a visit to the Castletown D-Day Museum, just a few minutes away.

It’s one of those attractions that many visitors overlook, yet it’s incredibly well done and provides a fascinating insight into Portland’s role in the D-Day landings.

Together, the two attractions make for a brilliant half-day exploring an important chapter in Dorset’s military history.

Where We’d Stop Afterwards

There are plenty of places nearby for coffee or lunch.

For years, we’ve often wandered around Castletown before heading elsewhere on Portland, but there are now some excellent independent cafés nearby as well.

One we’re looking forward to trying is Riptide Espresso, set back a little from Portland Marina.It’s only a few minutes away by car and an easy walk if you fancy stretching your legs.

We also recommend a personal favourite of ours, Salt in Portland Marina. On a bright, sunny day there, there’s plenty of outdoor seating to soak up the view. 

If you’re staying in one of our Weymouth Holiday Cottages, Portland Castle is one of those attractions that’s easy to combine with several other wonderful places in a single day. Our guide to exploring Portland provides you with lots of places to visit and things to do. 

Sandsfoot Castle

Although only a small part of Sandsfoot Castle remains today, its location makes it one of the loveliest places to visit on Dorset’s south coast.

Like Portland Castle, Sandsfoot was built in the 16th century on the orders of Henry VIII to help defend Portland Harbour from attack.

Centuries of coastal erosion eventually claimed much of the castle, leaving atmospheric ruins perched above the sea.

What remains today is beautifully maintained and set within peaceful public gardens that offer magnificent views across Portland Harbour towards the Isle of Portland.

We’ve probably visited Sandsfoot Castle more than any other place in this guide. Sometimes it’s simply for the views. Other times it’s the starting point for one of our coastal walks with Smarty.

Whatever the season, it never disappoints.

Combine It With A Coastal Walk

One of the things we love most about Sandsfoot Castle is how easily you can combine it with some of Weymouth’s quieter beaches.

From here, it’s only a short walk to Castle Cove Beach, a peaceful little beach tucked beneath the cliffs and often overlooked by visitors heading for Weymouth’s main beach.

Or continue a little further to Sandsfoot Beach, another lovely stretch of coastline, ideal if you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter.

They’re both wonderful places for a stroll, especially if you’re staying in one of our Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages in Dorset. Smarty certainly never complains when we suggest this walk.

Don’t Leave Without Visiting Sandsfoot Café

Almost every visit ends exactly the same way.

Coffee.

Cake.

And one of the best views in Dorset.

Just opposite the castle is Sandsfoot Café, and we’d happily recommend it to anyone.

Whether you’re stopping for breakfast, lunch or simply tea and cake, it’s hard to beat sitting outside, looking across Portland Harbour. 

Nothe Fort

If we had to choose one historic attraction our children never seemed to outgrow, it would probably be Nothe Fort.

Perched on the headland overlooking Weymouth Harbour and Portland Harbour, this enormous Victorian fortress was built in the 1860s to protect one of Britain’s most strategically important naval anchorages.

From the outside, it’s impressive enough.

Step inside, though, and you’ll discover a maze of underground tunnels, military displays, gun emplacements and hidden passageways that seem to spark everyone’s imagination, whatever their age.

We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve visited over the years.

When the children were younger, every school holiday seemed to bring another reason to return.

There were Easter trails, Halloween events, summer activities and interactive displays that somehow kept every visit feeling slightly different from the last.

It became one of those places that was requested rather than suggested.

Even now, we still enjoy visiting.

More Than Just History

One of the things we really admire about Nothe Fort is how well it continues to evolve.

Alongside its fascinating military history, the fort now hosts an excellent programme of seasonal events throughout the year.

One of our absolute favourites is the Silent Disco, usually held towards the end of August.

If you’ve never danced beneath Victorian ramparts overlooking the Jurassic Coast while wearing wireless headphones, we’d definitely recommend giving it a try.

It’s enormous fun and sells out quickly, so it’s well worth booking ahead. For something completely different, Nothe Fort also hosts occasional Pop-Up Pilates sessions, giving you the rather unusual opportunity to practise surrounded by the historic walls of a Victorian sea fort.

One Of Our Favourite Hidden Cafés

Whenever we’re at Nothe Fort, we nearly always continue our walk down towards Weymouth Harbour afterwards.

Our destination?

The Stone Pier Café.

It’s tucked away right at the far end of the harbour and many visitors simply don’t know it’s there.

That’s one of the reasons we love it.

The views back across the harbour are superb and they serve some excellent homemade food.

And if you’re wondering…

Yes, we genuinely think they make some of the best Dorset apple cake you’ll find.

If you’re staying in one of our Weymouth Holiday Cottages, Nothe Fort is just one of the many fantastic attractions within easy reach. For more ideas on making the most of your stay, see our Explore Weymouth guide.

Christchurch Castle

Christchurch Castle might not be as imposing as Corfe Castle, but it’s one of those places we’ve always enjoyed revisiting.

Before Dorset became our home, we lived closer to Christchurch, and it quickly became one of our favourite places for a weekend stroll. Even now, whenever we’re back in the area, we often find ourselves wandering through the castle grounds before exploring Christchurch Quay and the beautiful riverside gardens.

The castle itself dates back to Norman times, though only its atmospheric stone ruins remain today. Alongside it stands the remarkable Constable’s House, one of the oldest surviving domestic Norman buildings in England.

What makes Christchurch Castle so special isn’t only the history.

It’s the setting.

Nestled beside the River Avon and just a short walk from the magnificent Christchurch Priory, the setting feels wonderfully relaxed. It’s easy to spend an hour or two simply wandering between the castle, the priory, the gardens and the quay, watching boats drift gently along the river.

One of Our Favourite Lunch Stops

Whenever we’re in Christchurch, we almost always stop at The Boathouse.

Sitting right beside the water, the food is terrific, but it’s the setting that wins. Watching paddleboarders, rowing boats and wildlife along the river is part of the experience.

Highcliffe Castle

Although technically more of a grand Gothic mansion than a medieval castle, Highcliffe Castle still deserves its place on any Dorset castle itinerary.

Standing proudly above the coastline, it’s one of the county’s most elegant historic buildings.

We’ve been fortunate to attend several events and celebrations here over the years, so Highcliffe has always held a special place in our hearts.

The beautifully restored interiors are fascinating, but it’s the grounds that make every visit memorable.

The sweeping lawns gradually give way to woodland, then open onto one of Dorset’s most beautiful beaches.

Don’t Miss the Walk to Highcliffe Beach

If there is one thing we’d recommend above all else, it’s taking the path down to Highcliffe Beach.

The walk itself is lovely, winding gently down the zig-zag path opening out onto wide stretches of sand and spectacular coastal views.

Despite being so close to Bournemouth and Christchurch, the beach often feels surprisingly tranquil.

Over the years, we’ve enjoyed countless walks here with Smarty, usually followed by coffee or something to eat at the Cliffhanger Restaurant, which overlooks the sea, before making our way back to the castle car park.

The castle itself also has a lovely café, making it an ideal place to stop before or after your walk.

Durlston Castle

Perched on the cliffs just outside Swanage, Durlston Castle enjoys one of the most dramatic settings of any historic building in Dorset.

Built during the Victorian era, it’s now the gateway to Durlston Country Park, one of our favourite places on the Jurassic Coast.

We’ve walked here many times over the years.

Usually, we’ll park at the country park before following the South West Coast Path along the cliffs towards the castle.

The scenery is breathtaking.

Rolling green hills meet towering limestone cliffs, while the sea stretches endlessly towards the horizon. If you’re lucky, you may even spot dolphins or seals. 

Every visit feels slightly different depending on the season and the weather.

Don’t Miss the Great Globe

One of Durlston’s most famous landmarks is the Great Globe, an enormous carved stone globe that overlooks the sea.

It has become something of an icon of the area and is well worth seeking out during your visit.

The views from here are among the very best in Dorset.

After a long coastal walk, we almost always find ourselves in the castle café.

Rufus Castle

If someone asked us which Dorset castle is most overlooked, we would probably say Rufus Castle.

Perched high above Portland’s spectacular cliffs, the ruins of this medieval fortress occupy one of the most extraordinary settings anywhere in the county.

Also known as Bow and Arrow Castle, Rufus Castle dates back to the 15th century and stands guard over the breathtaking Church Ope Cove.

Although the castle itself isn’t open to visitors, the views alone make it well worth seeking out.

We’ve returned here countless times, often while walking with Smarty across Portland.

Every time we’re reminded, we realise just how rugged and beautiful this part of Dorset is.

Discover Church Ope Cove

One of the biggest reasons we love visiting Rufus Castle is what lies beneath it.

Church Ope Cove remains one of Dorset’s best-kept secrets.

Sheltered by dramatic cliffs, this secluded pebble beach feels markedly different from the county’s larger beaches.

The walk down through the trees only adds to the sense of adventure.

It’s peaceful, photogenic, and one of those places we always recommend to guests seeking somewhere a little different.

A Family Favourite Afterwards

Whenever we’ve spent time exploring this side of Portland, there’s one place our daughter always wants to visit.

The Jailhouse Diner.

Set beside the island’s former prison, it has a wonderfully quirky American diner feel unlike anywhere else in Dorset.

Its unusual location only adds to its character, making it a memorable place to finish your day on Portland.

Stay Close To The Castles

Whether you’re planning to explore the towering ruins of Corfe Castle, wander the ancient ramparts of Maiden Castle, or discover hidden gems such as Rufus Castle and Portland Castle, we hope this guide inspires you to experience another side of Dorset. Whether you’re looking for a family escape, a romantic getaway, or somewhere to bring your four-legged companion, our collection of Dorset Holiday Cottages includes everything from elegant Luxury Holiday Cottages in Dorset to welcoming Dog Friendly Holiday Cottages, all perfectly placed for discovering the county’s remarkable castles, coastline and countryside. We hope you enjoy exploring them as much as we still do.