Maiden Castle, located near Dorchester, stands as one of the largest and most impressive Iron Age hillforts in Europe. This ancient site, dating back over 2,000 years, occupies a prominent position atop a natural chalk hill, commanding expansive views of the surrounding landscape.
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
Entrance is FREE.
There is a visitor car park (Postcode DT2 9PP) but no toilets or other facilities.
Google map of Maiden Castle Car Park
Covering an area of approximately 47 acres, Maiden Castle’s intricate earthworks and ramparts offer evidence of its significance as a fortified settlement and strategic stronghold during the Iron Age. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of human occupation dating back to the Neolithic period, with the site evolving and expanding over time to accommodate the needs of its inhabitants.
Visitors to Maiden Castle can explore the complex network of ditches, banks, and defensive ramparts that encircle the site, gaining insight into the engineering prowess and defensive strategies employed by its ancient inhabitants. Despite its formidable appearance, Maiden Castle ultimately fell to Roman forces during the conquest of Britain in AD 43, marking the end of its significance as a military stronghold.
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: As mentioned above, 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.