Explore Historic Sites Across Dorset
Explore Historic Sites Across Dorset
Known for the dramatic cliffs and fossils of the prehistoric UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, Dorset is a county steeped in fascinating history.
From majestic castles to Iron Age hill forts, there’s plenty of historical destinations that are well worth a visit.
Allow us to take you on a journey back in time by sharing some top recommendations…
Maiden Castle
Maiden Castle is a well-preserved Iron Age hill fort in Dorchester, deriving from the Celtic words ‘Mai’ and ‘Dun’ meaning ‘Great Hill’. And great it certainly was!
Built around 600BC as a small settlement, it quickly grew to the size of 50 football pitches and became heavily populated. The imposing and complex fort would have posed an immense challenge to invaders.
Surrounded by Dorset’s beautiful rural landscape, marvel at Maiden Castle’s massive earthworks stretching over the hilltop.
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle may just be ruins now but they look stunning when the sun sets and glows through them. Sitting on top of a natural ‘motte’, many of the castle’s original features are still preserved.
Legend has it that when the site had a Saxon hall, Edward the Martyr was murdered there in 978 during a plot to position his half-brother Ethelred ‘the Unready’ as monarch. The castle was eventually destroyed by Parliamentarians during the English Civil War.
Explore the towering 12th century keep and the gatehouses whilst taking in breath-taking panoramic views of Dorset countryside.
There are plenty of scenic walks to enjoy in the area with a few lovely pubs in the village to pop into.
Tyneham Village
Frozen in time, this ghost village was evacuated in 1943, so that the army could prepare for D-Day and use the site as firing ranges for training. All 225 residents were given 30 days to leave and believed they would one day return but sadly that wasn’t the case.
As it’s still an active Ministry of Defence site, visiting times are restricted to around 150 days per year. Wander the abandoned buildings and learn more about the lives of the villagers from exhibitions in the church and school.
Kingston Lacy, Wimborne
Set in 250 acres of spacious parkland which is now roamed by a herd of Red Devon Cattle, Kingston Lacy is one of the earliest surviving Classical style houses after the Restoration of 1660.
Inside the impressive building, admire the magnificent Renaissance interior and the extravagant marble staircase. The Spanish Room showcases works of art collected by William John Bankes during the Peninsular War and there’s a collection of Egyptian artefacts from 3000BC.
Enjoy a stroll in the gardens to see the four pink obelisks bought back from a temple on the River Nile by Bankes. Lime Avenue leads to the Nursery Wood arboretum and there’s a cedar walk with trees planted by notable visitors, including the Duke of Wellington.
Sherborne Abbey
Dating mainly from the 15th century and built of creamy Ham stone, Sherborne Abbey’s interior has a beautiful evocative feel. The Abbey’s magnificent fan vaulting, Purbeck marble columns, Saxon doorways, Norman arcading and intricate woodcarving are a sight not to be missed.
A Benedictine monastery was established in the 10th century but full abbey status wasn’t granted until the early 12th century. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, the community banded together to purchase the stunning building back.
Sherborne Castle & Gardens
When Sir Walter Raleigh passed through Sherborne, he fell in love with the ruin of a 12th century castle on the Sherborne estate. When he acquired it from Elizabeth I in 1592, he decided to build a new four-storey lodge on the site. It was completed in 1594 and six years later the beast-topped turrets were added to each corner of the house.
When Raleigh was executed in 1616, the estate was granted to Sir John Digby and his family still live at the castle today. The Digby family added four long wings to the castle and more towers.
Visitors to the castle will be treated to collections of fine Georgian furniture, porcelain, family portraits and fascinating works of art.
The stunning gardens, including the 50-acre lake, herbaceous borders, vast lawns and flower beds were designed by Capability Brown, largely believed to be Britain’s best landscape gardener.
Enjoy travelling back in time through Dorset’s rich heritage, learning more about how life was lived in a different era and discovering intriguing tales and legends.
Interested in moving to Dorset? With over 30 years’ experience in the local property industry, we have extensive knowledge of the area. Contact our friendly, expert team or pop into one of our Dorset offices to have a chat.
Added: 1st September 2022
