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What to do and see in Dorset, England: The Best Castles
Discover the best top things to do in Dorset, United Kingdom including Sherborne Castle & Gardens, Corfe Castle, Sherborne Old Castle, Highcliffe Castle, Lulworth Castle & Park, Portland Castle, Rufus Castle, Christchurch Castle.
Restaurants in Dorset
1. Sherborne Castle & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 538 reviews
Sherborne Castle & Gardens is a wonderful day out. Visit our historic castle and walk through 400 years of history, explore 42 acres of “capability” Brown landscape gardens and take time to enjoy a delicious cream tea in our tea room. Why not browse in the gift shop & pick up a bottle of our very own Sherborne Castle Wine to take home to drink with your supper!
Reviewed By GrahamP1518
We visited this amazing castle that was built for Sir Walter Raleigh, what a treat beautiful castle and gardens by Capability Brown. Lots of history here and great views over the gardens and old castle. Very much enjoyed our day!
2. Corfe Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,838 reviews
Corfe Castle is open for those who have booked a timed slot only. Uncover the secrets of Dorset's iconic medieval castle. A favourite haunt for adults and children alike, you can't fail to be captivated by these romantic castle ruins with breathtaking views.Castle - Discover 1000 years of the castle's history as a royal palace and fortress. With fallen walls and secret places, there are tales of treachery and treason around every corner. Spot the 'murder holes' and count the arrow loops. Feel history come to life and see the wildlife which has set up home in these facinating castle ruins.Shop - In the village square, our shop offers a range of products from pocket money treats to luxury locally made gifts.Tea Rooms - Indulge in a homemade Dorset cream tea in our delightful 18th centry tea rooms. Enjoy the summer garden with unrivalled castle views or the glowing open log fire in winter.
Reviewed By E7915GUianc - Basingstoke, United Kingdom
We were attending a nearby wedding and stayed over night and decided to incorporate a trip to Corfe castle in the visit, and it added a great deal to the weekend, Lots of history from the civil war era and beyond, a lovely fresh air national trust site, a steam railway runs about 1/2 mile away, which sometimes can give great views. Whilst relatively expensive, it makes taking out the Nat Trust membership even more worthwhile. Generally a great learning experience for bith adults and kids can also have great fun. Worth a trip to be fair
3. Sherborne Old Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 191 reviews
Originally a 12th century fortified bishop's palace which was leased to Sir Walter Raleigh and later became a powerful Civil War Royalist base. It fell to Parliament after a fierce 11 day siege. Now a romantic ruin and home to a great range of wildlife, birds and plants. A perfect picnic spot. Child friendly and dog friendly.
Reviewed By moonlightlin - Cheltenham, United Kingdom
I am in love with the place, the history behind it and the atmosphere. There is a parking and entry fee but for English Heritage members is free of charge. When yo are there please take your time ad read all the information boards to savour and picture what it looked like and how people lived like. It really does transport you back to the 12th century. If I had a tardis I would have gone back to see the castle in all of its splendour. The gift shop sells chalice based on the ones they found in th castle. Do not miss this monument!
4. Highcliffe Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 661 reviews
The Castle is closed until further notice. Whilst we are closed please visit our website and explore the Castle from the comfort of your own home. Every castle has a history, but ours is as colourful as the Jesse stained glass window in the Great Hall. In the 1830s, a rather extravagant (some say egotistic) lord envisioned his dream home. Throughout the years the Castle has changed ownership and has been ravaged by two fires, but it still remains standing. Today, our Grade 1 listed Castle is magnificent and charming in its own unique way. And while it doesn’t possess all the grandeur and opulence it had in 1836, it has inherited something equally as impressive along the way – fascinating stories that will be brought to life on your visit.
Reviewed By marionvmfr - Sudbury, United Kingdom
We were looking for a property to visit while staying in the New Forest. So lucky to find it. Friendly staff with a wealth of knowledge and a pride in the castle that they were working in. Need to return when more is refurbished. Wonderful view of the Solent and Isle of Wight fromthe gardens overlooking the beach.
5. Lulworth Castle & Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 424 reviews
Lulworth Castle stands majestically in extensive parkland at the heart of the Lulworth Estate, close to Lulworth Cove. Built in 1608 as a hunting lodge to entertain royalty,it was purchased together with an estate of 20 square miles, by Humphrey Weld in 1641. Today the Estate still remains in the ownership of the Weld Family. All but destroyed by fire in 1929 the Castle exterior has been restored by English Heritage while the interior has been consolidated providing a magnificent open plan space. Within its displays and exhibits, cellars and memorabilia discover the fascinating story of its past.Climb the tower for spectacular panoramic views of the Purbeck countryside and towards the Jurassic Coast - an experience not to be missed. St Mary's Chapel, in the Castle grounds, is historically significant being the first stand-alone Roman Catholic place of worship to be built after the Reformation. Inside soak up the atmosphere and tranquility of this special place. Please note that jousting no longer takes place at Lulworth Castle.
Reviewed By siddella - High Wycombe, United Kingdom
We visited Lulworth Castle on a rainy November day, uncertain what to expect. From the outside the castle looks pretty much as you would expect a castle to look, despite having been built only in the later sixteenth/early seventeenth century: once inside, we discovered that most of the interior had been destroyed by fire in 1929, leaving the shell of the building open to the elements until a restoration project was started about 50+ years later. Very wisely, the restorers have not tried to recreate the stately home that it once was but have left the bare bones of the building to describe its history. We were greeted warmly by Philip, whose encyclopaedic knowledge greatly enhanced our enjoyment of our visit, and the various exhibitions and audio-visual aids dotted around the route were also extremely useful. The climb to the top of the tower was well worth the effort, and we also enjoyed visiting the Roman Catholic chapel and the church.
6. Portland Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 459 reviews
Overlooking Portland Harbour in Dorset stands one of Henry VIII's finest coastal forts, built in the early 1540s to protect against French and Spanish invasion. Today it provides a great day out for visitors and its audio tour, included in the admission price, tells of the castle's 450 year history and the part it played in the First and Second World Wars. Portland Castle offers lots to do for families and couples alike, and only four miles from Weymouth, this historic adventure can easily be combined with some more contemporary seaside fun.
Reviewed By Yorkterrier01 - York, United Kingdom
Whilst this is a castle, it is more technically classed as a for and had a sister fort across the bay at Sandsfoot. They were built by Henry VIII to protect the harbour against foreign incursion. As it is been used as private accommodation, not too much of the original features survive but there are plenty of exhibitions and the views from the castle across Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay are lovely including seeing the Osmington Horse and a Mulberry Harbour. The parking is free if you are an English Heritage member (they now run the property) otherwise there is a charge
7. Rufus Castle
8. Christchurch Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By malc1005 - Kettering, United Kingdom
Not a lot left of the castle, but still worth taking a look, and seeing the views below. Well worth a visit.
