Maiden Castle, Dorset

Maiden Castle is the largest and most complex Iron Age hill fort in Britain. Hill forts were fortified hill-top settlements constructed across Britain during the Iron Age. Maiden Castle was laid out in 600BC over the remains of a Neolithic settlement. In subsequent centuries the hill fort was extended and additional defences thrown up around it.

The vast multiple ramparts enclose an area the size of 50 football pitches, and the site was home to several hundred people in the Iron Age. It is believed that occupation of this hilltop began over 6,000 years ago, in the Neolithic period. Around 100 BC habitation at the hill fort went into decline and became focused at the eastern end of the site. It was occupied until at least the Roman period, by which time it was in the territory of the Durotriges, a Celtic tribe. In AD43 it was taken by the Roman army and its inhabitants moved to the new town of Durnovaria, modern Dorchester.

Opening Times

Any reasonable time.

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Ticket Prices

Admission is free.

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Disabled Facilities

Access to the 'castle' is via a kissing gate, the main field gate to the site is usually locked when cattle or sheep are grazing on the hillsides and ramparts.

Due to the geography of the site, gradients and uneven paths are steep to severe. A companion is advised for visitors with limited vision or mobility. During periods of wet weather conditions can become slippery

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More Information

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