The Top 18 Castles in Dorset
A visit to a castle — whether you stumble over one during a hike outdoors or walk your way around the grounds with a guide — is always something special, and you’ve got 18
beautiful castles to choose from in Dorset. Just browse our list to find your top castle , and add some history to your next adventure!
beautiful castles to choose from in Dorset. Just browse our list to find your top castle , and add some history to your next adventure!
Last updated: December 2, 2025
Corfe Castle
Highlight • Viewpoint
Arguably the UK's most beautiful medieval castle ruins, Corfe Castle's history goes back over a millennia and it has long benefitted from its dominant position on the steep-sided chalk hill. …
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Durlston Castle
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Near Durlston Castle there is a hiking trail high above the sea. There are wonderful views of the rocky cliffs.
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Sandsfoot Castle and Gardens
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Sandsfoot Castle and Gardens is just minutes from two beaches and the Rodwell Trail.
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Highcliffe Castle
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Highcliffe Castle has been described as arguably the most important surviving house of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture, which flourished at the end of the 18th century and …
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Rufus Castle
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Rufus Castle was reportedly built for William II, although the structure seen standing in ruins today is not of that date. In 1142, Robert, Earl of Gloucester, had captured the …
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Dorchester (Casterbridge in Thomas Hardy's Novels)
Highlight • Historical Site
One of the best preserved towns in the UK, Dorchester (AKA Casterbridge if you're Thomas Hardy) is beautiful.
There's historic buildings on either side of you, narrow streets and some …
There's historic buildings on either side of you, narrow streets and some …
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Forde Abbey and Gardens
Highlight • Monument
This Grade I-listed building is an exceptionally grand residence complete with sprawling gardens and a giant fountain. The priory was built in the 1100s and takes its name from the …
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Ruins of Christchurch Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
Christchurch Castle is a Norman motte and bailey castle in Christchurch, Dorset, England. The earliest stonework has been dated to 1160. The castle's site is inside the old Saxon burh …
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Constable's House (Norman House)
Highlight • Historical Site
The Norman House is a rare example of Norman domestic architecture in England. Whereas most ordinary domestic buildings of this date were built of timber, the house was built of …
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Woodsford Castle
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This is the surviving part of a 14th-century castle, a rambling wing of great interest and charm, deep in Hardy country just outside Dorchester. Its roof has one of the …
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CornwallDevonWiltshireSomersetPilning And Severn BeachGloucestershireAlmondsburyHanhamWellowShoscombeOlvestonSt. KewSt. EndellionStoke Lodge And The CommonWinterbourneBradley StokePatchwayStoke GiffordLimpley StokeWinsleyFreshfordMonkton CombeHinton CharterhouseLong AshtonAbbots LeighPill & Easton-In-GordanoCity of BristolFiltonDownend and Bromley HeathHanham AbbotsBittonKeynshamCompton DandoSt. TeathHoltDavidstowSt. JuliotCamelfordMichaelstowForrabury And MinsterTrevalgaTintagelAdventSt GennysLesnewthRadstockAustSaltashSt Martin'SSt Mary'sBryherSt AgnesTrescoWest KnoyleMereBathamptonClavertonBathfordNorth BradleyHillOldbury-Upon-SevernSouthwickWingfieldBradford-On-AvonTrowbridgeWestwoodDundryPortburyWraxall And FailandFlax BourtonConstantineStithiansMylorPerranarworthalKeaPonsanoothMabeWick And AbsonMelksham WithoutSemingtonAtworthSouth WraxallBoxStavertonSt. BrewardDilton MarshChapmansladeCombe HaySt. JohnTorpointMillbrookAntonyMaker-With-RameBroad ChalkeWesterleighLandulphTytheringtonTortworthCromhallCharfieldWickwarFalfieldGwinear-GwithianCrowan
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