Maiden Castle
One of the largest Iron Age hillforts in Europe, with massive earthen ramparts encircling the hill in impressive layers.
Maiden Castle lies about 3 km southwest of Dorchester and covers around 19 hectares. Iron Age people built multiple earthen ramparts and ditches here, and the entrance was winding and twisted to defend against attackers. Legend says the Romans once took the fort, and remains of a Roman-period temple foundation survive on the summit. It is managed by English Heritage and is free to enter. A walk around the ramparts takes about an hour and offers views over Dorchester and the surrounding hills.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Weymouth
- Chesil Beach
- Cerne Abbas Giant
- Abbotsbury Swannery
- Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
- Portland Bill Lighthouse
- Durdle Door
- The Tank Museum