Castles are grand, beautiful buildings that are packed with history and folklore. Dorset is home to some of the most spectacular castles in Britain, and some have played an important part in history.
From kings, lords, wars and fires, these castles have seen it all.
Visiting a castle is an educational trip that can be fun for all the family; adults will love learning about historical events that took place, whilst children can ignite their imaginations exploring the grounds.
Here are the beautiful castles of Dorset, where to find them and what to expect.
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Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle sits proudly on a hilltop overlooking the village of Corfe. It was founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, and this ancient fortress has witnessed many historical events.
These events include the murder of King Edward the Martyr and significant battles during the English Civil War.
Visitors can explore the dramatic ruins and enjoy stunning views across the Purbeck Hills.
The castle’s history comes alive through its fallen walls, hidden passages, and fascinating features like “murder holes” and arrow loops.
The castle is open all year round, and there are plenty of facilities to enhance the visit, including a shop, tea room, and bookshop.
Dogs on short leads are welcome, making it an excellent spot for family outings.
📌 Good to Know:
- Owned by the National Trust
- Dogs are welcome
- Not wheelchair friendly
📍 The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Christchurch Castle
Christchurch Castle showcases Norman military architecture.
The castle once dominated the town, demonstrating its strategic importance.
Nearby stands the Norman House, a rare riverside chamber block from the 12th century. This stone structure provided luxurious living quarters for the lords, complete with a unique circular chimney.
Built around 1100 by Richard de Redvers, the castle initially featured a timber tower on an earthen mound.
The de Redvers family maintained control for 150 years, even amid political turmoil, before rebuilding parts in stone during the mid-12th century.
Visitors can enjoy free entry during daylight hours.
You can read about Christchurch Castle and Norman House in our article here.
📌 Good to Know:
- Free entry
- Dogs on leads are welcome
- Dirt path suitable for buggies and wheelchairs to the bottom of castle, but short stairs to get to up to the castle
📍 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AS
Highcliffe Castle
Highcliffe Castle offers visitors a stunning example of Romantic and Picturesque style architecture. It was built between 1831 and 1836 and showcased Gothic Revival design.
Despite suffering damage from fires in the 1960s, the castle is slowly being beautifully restored.
Visitors can explore the lovely castle grounds, enjoy a meal at the tearooms, or take a walk to the nearby sandy beach and nature reserve at Steamer Point.
📌 Good to Know:
- Owned by the BCP council
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Wheelchair accessible
📍 Rothesay Dr, Highcliffe, Christchurch BH23 4LE
Lulworth Castle
Lulworth Castle, located in East Lulworth, is an early 17th-century hunting lodge turned family estate. It was built to entertain royalty and aristocracy, and it boasts a rich history and architectural brilliance.
The castle, now partially restored after a devastating fire in 1929, offers a unique experience with its extensive parklands, woodland walks, and playgrounds.
The Castle Tearoom serves light refreshments, and dogs are welcome on leads.
📌 Good to Know:
- Dogs welcome on leads
- Wheelchair accessible
- Children’s play park
- Entry fee
📍 East Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5QS
Sherborne Old Castle
Sherborne Old Castle, originally a bishop’s palace, later became Sir Walter Raleigh’s home. This historical gem is located in Castleton, Sherborne.
The castle played a key role during the Civil War and fell in 1645 after an intense siege led by Oliver Cromwell.
Today, the grounds offer a haven for wildlife with picturesque views. Visitors can see the great gatehouse and decorative chapels and take a stroll along the moat walk.
📌 Good to Know:
- Dogs are welcome on leads
- Shop
- Entry fee
- Not wheelchair friendly
📍 Sherborne Castle, Sherborne DT9 3SA
Sherborne Castle
Sherborne Castle has been a family home since 1617. Originally built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, the castle showcases over 400 years of decorative styles and history.
Visitors can explore its magnificent collections of furniture, paintings, and porcelain. The castle is surrounded by landscaped gardens designed by the famous Capability Brown.
The castle was later expanded by Sir John Digby, who added wings and hexagonal turrets, giving it an H-shape.
Throughout its history, the castle has been visited by royalty and played a significant role during the Civil War.
📌 Good to Know:
- Dogs are welcome in the gardens on a lead
- Disabled access (limited in areas)
📍 Sherborne DT9 5NR
Sandsfoot Castle
Sandsfoot Castle, also known as Weymouth Castle, is an artillery fort constructed in 1539 by Henry VIII.
This historic site was part of a defence system alongside Portland Castle to guard against possible invasions.
The castle was built with two storeys and a basement, housing heavy cannons, powder magazines, and quarters for fifty men.
A ditch and earth rampart surrounded it, parts of which still shape the current landscape.
By the 18th century, the castle had fallen into disrepair, but it remained a significant landmark.
Today, due to safety reasons, visitors aren’t permitted to walk within the ruins. However, Sandsfoot Gardens around the ruins offer beautiful views of Portland Harbour.
📌 Good to Know:
- On-site cafe
- Dogs are welcome on a lead
- Wheelchair accessible
📍 39 Old Castle Road, Weymouth DT4 8QG
Brownsea Castle
Brownsea Castle, also known as Branksea Castle, is nestled on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour.
Originally built by Henry VIII between 1545 and 1547, it served as a fort to ward off French attacks. The stone structure featured a hexagonal gun platform and housed eight artillery pieces.
The castle saw action during the English Civil War before falling into disrepair. In 1726, William Benson transformed it into a private residence, adding beautiful gardens and lakes.
Later, various owners extended and renovated the castle, including a significant restoration after a fire in 1896.
Today, the John Lewis Partnership uses it as a corporate hotel. While general public access is limited, guided walks are available on select dates.
📌 Good to Know:
- Guided walks available
📍 National Trust – Brownsea Island, Poole BH13 7EE
Portland Castle
Portland Castle in Dorset is a stunning coastal fort built in the early 1540s by Henry VIII to guard against French and Spanish invasions.
It provides a rich historical experience with a detailed audio tour covering its 450-year history, including roles in both World Wars.
Enjoy the impressive sea views from the gun platforms and the tranquil Contemporary Heritage Garden.
Kids can have fun with activities like the ‘herb garden’ discovery pack and dressing up in period costumes.
The Captain’s Tearoom offers light lunches, cakes, and traditional cream teas.
📌 Good to Know:
- Dogs are welcome on a lead
- Tearooms
- Gift shop
- Entry fee
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Wheelchair access
📍 Liberty Road, Castletown, Dorset, DT5 1AZ
Rufus Castle
Rufus Castle, also called Bow and Arrow Castle, sits dramatically above Church Ope Cove in Portland.
Named after King William II, known as William Rufus, this castle dates back to the late 15th century, though it has foundations from the 12th century.
Built on a rocky promontory, the castle’s thick walls are marked by loopholes designed for archers. Its unique pentagonal tower and round-arched bridge add to its medieval charm.
Though privately owned, visitors can admire the castle’s exterior from public footpaths. It’s known for its historical significance and breathtaking views.
📌 Good to Know:
- Not open to the public
📍 Portland DT5 1JA
