Hambledon Hill is an impressive prehistoric hill fort situated in the Blackmore Vale five miles northwest of Blandford Forum. Hambledon Hill is now a designated National Nature Reserve. The hill rises 190m above the River Stour offering great views of the surrounding countryside and as far as Wiltshire and Somerset.
Hambledon Hill is managed by the National Trust.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
Location: Aim for Child Okeford, DT11 8HD (Google map)
Entrance is Free
Parking: A small unsigned roadside lay-by with parking space for four cars, SE of Child Okeford village. Alternatively, park in the village itself and follow one of the numerous footpaths up to Hambledon Hill.
About Hambledon Hill
Hambledon Hill is an iconic Iron Age hill fort renowned for its imposing earthworks and strategic significance. Occupying a prominent position atop a chalk hill, the site offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal location for defensive purposes and surveillance.
Covering an area of approximately 80 acres, Hambledon Hill features multiple ramparts and ditches, indicative of its complex fortifications designed to protect its inhabitants from potential threats. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of human occupation dating back to the Neolithic period, with the hill fort evolving and expanding over time to accommodate the needs of its residents.
Hambledon Hill’s strategic importance is further underscored by its proximity to other prominent hill forts in the region, suggesting possible interconnections and alliances among ancient communities. While the exact nature of its occupation and use remains the subject of ongoing research and speculation, Hambledon Hill stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its Iron Age builders.
Today, the site attracts visitors and historians alike, offering a glimpse into Britain’s prehistoric past and the lifestyles of its early inhabitants. Designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, Hambledon Hill serves as a tangible reminder of the region’s rich archaeological heritage and cultural significance.
National Trust Wessex Hillfort Guide
Visit the webpage https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ and then click on the link to download a free pdf copy of Wessex Hillforts, a Visitor’s Guide. This excellent 70-page guide includes photos, illustrations and a map showing local walks around the main hillforts in Dorset.
Iron Age Hillforts in Dorset
Maiden Castle: Maiden Castle is one of the largest and most significant Iron Age hill forts in Europe. Located near Dorchester, it boasts intricate earthworks and defensive ramparts.
Hod Hill: Located near the village of Shillingstone, Hod Hill is another significant Iron Age hill fort in Dorset. It boasts impressive earthworks and defensive ramparts, offering insights into ancient settlement patterns and defensive strategies.
Hambledon Hill: Situated near the town of Blandford Forum, Hambledon Hill is renowned for its extensive earthworks and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved hill forts in Dorset.
Badbury Rings: Located near the village of Shapwick, Badbury Rings is a multi-vallate hill fort featuring multiple ramparts and ditches. It is believed to have been occupied from the Bronze Age through the Roman period, serving as a significant cultural and strategic center.
Pilsdon Pen: Positioned near the village of Pilsdon, Pilsdon Pen is one of the highest points in Dorset and features the remnants of an Iron Age hill fort. Its elevated location offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Eggardon Hill: Situated near the village of Powerstock, Eggardon Hill is an impressive Iron Age hill fort characterized by its steep slopes and well-preserved earthworks. It is believed to have been occupied from the late Bronze Age through the Iron Age period.
