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The best castles in Dorset and more to see
Discover the rich history and fascinating tales of the past during your next trip to Dorset. You’ll find some of the best castles in Dorset, alongside many historic houses and gardens to visit. It’s time to unearth your inner historian by visiting these top historic sites.
Corfe Castle
There’s Corfe Castle, with its dramatic ruins towers over the picturesque village of Purbeck, Athelhampton House & Gardens, which is one of England’s finest Tudor Manor Houses, and Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, which is one of the most loved gardens in Britain. All of this and more is what you should be looking forward to during your next Dorset holiday. What makes these places even better is that they’re close to the best Dorset holiday parks, where you can retreat after a long day of explorations!
The top castles in Dorset
There are 10 castles in Dorset, but here are our top five that will have you wanting to revisit – trust us, they will leave you in awe…
Lulworth Castle and Park
1. Corfe Castle
Amidst the rolling hills of the Isle of Purbeck, the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle are one of the best castles in Dorset. This attraction provides some of the most iconic sights and has free entry for National Trust members and under-fives. Over a thousand years old, the castle was largely destroyed in 1646 during the English Civil War, making the ruins a striking testament to this pivotal moment in history, and a large reason as to why it’s so famous. Overlooking the picturesque village of Corfe Castle, the area is photogenic and rich in history, with plenty more to host the perfect day out! You can even head on some of the best walks within the surrounding Purbeck hills with great castle views, under a 20-minute drive from Swanage Bay View Holiday Park.
Location: The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
2. Sandsfoot Castle
The romantic ruins of Sandsfoot Castle, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, have been a popular tourist attraction since Weymouth became a resort in the 18th century. Built in 1539 on Henry VIII's orders, it was part of the defence system against continental attacks following his break with the Roman Catholic Church. Purchased by Weymouth Corporation in 1902, Tudor-style gardens were added in 1931, and a café and toilet were established in 2006. With further work done on it throughout the years, external views reveal Tudor construction and remnants of carved stone from an earlier ecclesiastical building. So why not come and see for yourself?
Location: Old Castle Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8QE
3. Lulworth Castle and Park
Lulworth Castle, with its symmetrical stone design and four crenellated turrets, epitomises a classic castle and is considered one of Dorset's most beautiful. Built in the 17th century as a hunting lodge in the style of a fortified castle, it stands on the vast 12,000-acre Lulworth Estate, which includes Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. With a rich history, witnessing the English Civil War, and surviving a devastating fire, you can explore its storied past, enjoy walks in the surrounding parkland, and attend numerous events, including the famous Camp Bestival.
Location: East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS
4. Highcliffe Castle
This stunning seaside castle, Highcliffe Castle, in Christchurch, near Bournemouth, provides amazing views of the Isle of Wight. This Grade-I-listed property, built for Lord Stuart de Rothesay between 1831 and 1836, is a prime example of romantic and picturesque architecture – perfect for a couple’s day out then! Open to the public, it offers numerous events and exhibitions throughout the year, and its 14-acre grounds are popular for walks and picnics.
Location: Rothesay Drive, Lymington Road, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4LE
5. Sherborne Old Castle
Why not visit Sherborne Old Castle? It was a 12th-century Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War. When Sir Walter Raleigh leased the estate, he built the New Castle to replace it. The Old Castle was captured by Parliamentarians, recaptured by Royalists, and heavily bombed, leaving it in ruins. Today, it stands amidst beautiful grounds, a haven for local wildlife and birds – one of the best castles in Dorset to take in the beautiful views!
Location: Castleton, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3SA
The best stately homes in Dorset
Now if you love your fancy, historical homes, you’re in for a treat with some of the best stately homes in Dorset…
Kingston Lacy
6. Kingston Lacy
Kingston Lacy is an elegant 17th-century Italian-inspired mansion set in beautiful gardens and extensive parkland. Once home to the powerful Bankes family, who owned much of Dorset for over 400 years, the house boasts a fascinating history, including battles with Oliver Cromwell's forces and amassing one of the UK's largest private collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts. Within the Egyptian Room, you can even discover an interactive digital tour, allowing you to explore the house's intricate details – perfect to get the kids involved with their learning journey while on holiday!
Location: Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
7. Tudor House
Built in the late 16th or early 17th century, the Tudor House is one of Weymouth’s most treasured Tudor buildings, which has survived flood, plague, and wars but was nearly demolished in 1939 when declared unfit for habitation. Architect Ernest Wamsley Lewis saved and restored the building after World War II, converting it back to a single dwelling. A tour of Tudor House offers a glimpse into Weymouth's history in the early 17th century, showcasing domestic life, furniture, clothing, and food preparation from that era, so expand your fountain of knowledge here!
Location: 3 Trinity Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8TW
8. Athelhampton House & Gardens
Athelhampton House & Gardens is located in the Piddle Valley and has been inhabited since Saxon times. The current house, primarily built in Tudor times by Sir William Martyn in 1485, features one of England's finest examples of Tudor architecture, with its original hammer-beam roof, carved stonework, and stained glass. It was extended in the Elizabethan era with the addition of the West Wing and Kitchen Wings, the latter opening to the public in 2022. Open year-round, Athelhampton has a restaurant and gift shop, making it a delightful place to visit and one of the best castles in Dorset!
Location: Athelhampton Rd, Puddletown, Dorchester DT2 7LG
9. Mapperton House and Garden
This hidden Dorset gem offers outstanding countryside views and much to explore. Mapperton House and Garden, the glorious Jacobean manor, overlooks a large Italianate Garden featuring an orangery, fountains, statues, herbaceous borders, and more. The lower gardens boast colourful shrubs, rare trees, a spring garden, and woodlands – so it’s the perfect family day out to get some bonding time in!
Location: Mapperton, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR
10. Sherborne Castle and Gardens
Sherborne Castle in Dorset has been a family home since 1617. Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, this historic house showcases over 400 years of English history through many decorative styles. Explore nationally important collections of furniture, paintings, and porcelain, and stroll through Capability Brown’s English Landscape Garden – take it all in, there’s lots to see!
Location: New Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
The most stunning gardens in Dorset
If you’re a nature fiend, one of the best things to do is to visit some of the best gardens in Dorset, where you can explore the flora and fauna in a gorgeous environment…
RSPB Arne Nature Reserve
11. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Nestled in a sheltered woodland valley on the Jurassic Coast, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens offers a unique micro-climate that has nurtured a special plant collection over the past quarter-century. Famous for its Camellia groves and Magnolias, the garden showcases gorgeous flower arrangements, a charming Victorian Garden, and more. Here, you’ll also find a great gift shop and plant centre where you can buy flowers grown onsite. You can even bring the whole family, as dogs on leads are welcome!
Location: Burton Road, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA
12. Russell-Cotes House, Gallery, and Garden
Alongside the art gallery, enjoy a private tour of this sub-tropical garden on a cliff top, overlooking the sea and featuring a diverse range of plants. Russell-Cotes House, Gallery, and Garden was once home to Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes. East Cliff Hall’s Garden has been restored for modern access while retaining original 1901 features, including an ivy-clad grotto. It’s truly a sight to behold!
Location: East, W Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, BH1 3AA
13. Careys Secret Garden
Hidden in the rolling hills of a nature reserve in Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck, Careys Secret Garden is coming back to life after years of neglect. Visit this beautiful Victorian garden and join a free tour every Friday at 11 am from April to September. Book a visit and meet outside the coffee shop to join the tour, where you can view the Rose Garden, food forest, mushroom corner, and much more! It’s a location that you’ll definitely want to book in advance!
Location: Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7PG
14. Bennetts Water Gardens
On the Jurassic Coast near Chickerell Village, Bennetts Water Gardens is an eight-acre, family-run site known for its tranquil lakes and world-famous lily collection. Founded in 1959 by Norman Bennett, the garden was created in disused clay pits, providing an ideal environment for the lilies. The gardens have evolved under his son Jonathan’s guidance, transforming into landscaped spaces with ponds, wetland plants, and native trees, alongside wildlife including deer and numerous bird species. A family nature trail, exotic plants in the tropical house, and shaded woodland walks offer something for everyone, and it’s only a 5-minute walk or 20-minute drive from East Fleet Farm – just be aware of some of the restricted usage roads when visiting.
Location: Putton Ln, Chickerell, Weymouth DT3 4AF
15. RSPB Arne Nature Reserve
RSPB Arne Nature Reserve, located on Poole Harbour within Dorset National Landscape, features dramatic open heathland and ancient oak woodland. Did you know that it’s one of the few places in the UK where all six native reptiles can be found? Stop off at the café and the shop that offers bird food, nature-friendly gifts, and telescopes for even better wildlife viewing. With year-round events, there’s always something to get up to in one of the best gardens in Dorset!
Location: Arne Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5BJ
Highcliffe Castle
Are you ready to explore some of the best attractions in Dorset?
If you’re ready for all of the gardens, homes, and castles Dorset has to offer, then it’s only right for you to head out on your next Dorset holiday! Why not book your trip, so you can get packing – remember to bring your camera, so you can take away the memories with you!