Castles and ruins

Take the steam railway between Swanage and Corfe Castle

Cerne Abbas Abbey Porch window

Hillyground Cottage Holidays

Self-Catering Holiday Cottages in the Heart of the Blackmore Vale

Cerne Abbas

Best known for its white hillside figure of the Cerne Giant, the village is also exceptionally beautiful. Visit the remains (gatehouse and porch) of the Benedictine abbey originating from the 10th century.

Distance: 14 miles, about 45 mins’ drive.

Nearby: Dorchester, Sherborne

Stonehenge and Avebury

Dating from about 3100 BC, Stonehenge is surrounded by mysterious remains of ceremonial and domestic structures. It was dedicated to the worship of the sun and the moon.

Distance to Stonehenge: 33 miles, about 1hr’s drive.

25 miles north of Stonehenge is the Avebury complex, argued to be the most impressive of all remaining prehistoric earthworks.

Ancient Dorset

Nearest to Sturminster Newton are:

Hambledon Hill—overlooking the tranquil valley of the River Stour, one of the most beautiful and atmospheric hillforts in the whole of England.

and

Hod Hill — the largest Iron Age hillfort in Dorset.

Just south of Dorchester:

Maiden Castle—the largest and most impressive Iron Age hillfort in Europe.

Others:

Hengistbury Head, Bokerley Dyke, Ackling Dyke, Badbury Rings, Knowlton Church and Circle, Poundbury Roman Aqueduct, Eggardon Hill

Self-catering holidays

in Dorset

Text Box: More information Castles, hillforts, ruins, etc

The dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle command spectacular views

Corfe Castle and village

Situated in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, the castle was originally a Norman structure, rebuilt in the 15th century before being mostly demolished during the Civil War. There are excellent views from the castle of the surrounding countryside. On a good day, some of the hilltop Iron Age settlements in middle Dorset are visible.

Distance: 30 miles, about 1.5 hrs’ drive

Nearby: Wareham, Swanage, The Blue Pool.