Start our journey with Dorset's most famous and impressive castles, which are true icons of the region.

Corfe Castle is undoubtedly the most recognizable castle in Dorset. Located on a hilltop in the picturesque village of Corfe, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Purbeck hills. Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, it has witnessed the tumultuous history of England over the centuries. Today, although in ruins, it still impresses with its power and majesty. Visitors can explore the remains of the castle, learn about its fascinating history and enjoy the panoramic view of the area from the height of the ramparts. Corfe Castle is also famous for its regular historical demonstrations and educational events, which attract thousands of tourists each year.

Another site that deserves special attention is Lulworth Castle. This 17th-century mansion, while not technically a true defensive castle, impresses with its elegant architecture and rich history. Built as a 'hunting castle' for the Weld family, it has hosted kings and aristocracy for centuries. Although it was severely damaged by fire in 1929, thanks to careful restoration it has regained its former splendor and is today one of Dorset's most beautiful attractions. Visitors can enjoy the restored interiors, stroll through the picturesque gardens and learn about the Weld family history in the interactive museum.

Highcliffe Castle, on the other hand, is an example of 19th-century romantic castle architecture. Situated on a cliff overlooking the Isle of Wight, it is considered one of the most important Romantic monuments in England. The castle was built between 1831 and 1836 for Lord Stuart de Rothesay and combines elements of Gothic and French Renaissance. Despite war damage and years of neglect, Highcliffe Castle underwent extensive restoration and today impresses visitors with its beauty. Visitors can admire the restored interiors, stroll through the picturesque gardens and enjoy the beautiful sea views.

Each of these castles offers unique experiences and attractions. Corfe Castle is the perfect place for history buffs and lovers of impressive ruins, Lulworth Castle impresses with its elegance and rich history of aristocracy, and Highcliffe Castle takes us back to the days of romance and offers beautiful views of the coast. All of these sites are open to the public most of the year, although it is worth checking exact opening hours before visiting. Ticket prices range from moderate to quite high, but most visitors agree that the experience is well worth the price.

In this section we will focus on Dorset's somewhat lesser-known but equally fascinating castles and fortifications, which hold many secrets and surprises.

Let's start with Maiden Castle - one of the largest and most impressive prehistoric forts in Britain. While not technically a castle in the traditional sense, the massive Iron Age earthen fortifications are a remarkable testament to the engineering of the ancient Britons. Stretching over 19 hectares, the ramparts are very impressive even today. Visitors can walk around the fort's grounds, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area and imagine what life was like here more than 2,000 years ago. Admission to Maiden Castle is free, making it an attractive option for families and groups.

Another fascinating site is Brownsea Castle, located on picturesque Brownsea Island in Poole Bay. This 16th-century fort, later converted into a mansion, has a remarkable history. Today the castle is owned by the National Trust, and although it is not open to the public, it can be admired from the outside during a trip to the island. Brownsea Island is also famous as the birthplace of the Boy Scout movement, which adds to its historical significance.

Sandsfoot Castle, also known as Weymouth Castle, is a picturesque ruin located on the seashore. Built in the 1640s by order of Henry VIII, it was intended to defend the coast against French and Spanish invasion. Although today only ruins remain of it, it still impresses with its location and atmosphere. The surrounding park offers beautiful views of Weymouth Bay and is an ideal place for a picnic.

Portland Castle is another example of fortifications from the time of Henry VIII. Unlike Sandsfoot, Portland Castle is perfectly preserved and offers visitors the opportunity to explore a 16th-century fortress. The castle is located on the Portland Peninsula and offers spectacular views of the English Channel. Visitors can learn about the history of the site, see exhibits about the lives of the castle's crew and admire the massive fortress walls.

Rufus Castle, also known as Bow and Arrow Castle, is a mysterious ruin located on the Isle of Portland. Although fragmentarily preserved, this 11th-century castle still impresses with its dramatic clifftop location. Although not as elaborate as other castles in the region, its history and atmosphere are sure to intrigue medieval enthusiasts.

Each site offers unique experiences and perspectives on the region's history. From the prehistoric fortifications of Maiden Castle to medieval castles to Tudor-era forts, all of these sites allow you to trace the evolution of defensive architecture over the centuries. Most of these sites are open to the public year-round, although some may have limited opening hours in the off-season. Ticket prices are generally lower than those for more well-known castles, and some sites, such as Maiden Castle, are available free of charge.

In the final part of our tour of Dorset's castles, we will look at sites that, while not always typical defensive castles, are fascinating examples of residential architecture and offer a unique experience for visitors.

Let's start with Durlston Castle, which, despite its name, is not a traditional castle. This Victorian folly, built between 1887 and 1891, is located in the heart of Durlston Country Park. Although it never served a defensive function, its architecture is inspired by medieval castles. Today, Durlston Castle serves as the park's visitor center, offering educational exhibitions, a café and spectacular views of the English Channel. It's an ideal destination for nature and geology enthusiasts, as well as families looking for educational entertainment.

Kingston Lacy, on the other hand, is a magnificent example of a 17th-century mansion that, while not a castle in the strict sense of the word, matches them in size and splendor. Owned by the National Trust, this impressive palace offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of the English aristocracy over the centuries. Kingston Lacy's interiors are stunning with extensive art collections, including paintings by masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck and Titian. The extensive gardens and park surrounding the mansion are ideal for relaxing walks and picnics.

Also worth mentioning is the Pennsylvania Castle Estate, located on Portland Island. This 19th-century mansion, built in a neo-Gothic style, offers luxurious accommodations and exclusive events. Although not a typical castle open to the public, its architecture and location are certainly worthy of attention.

When comparing the sites, it's worth noting their diversity in terms of history, architecture and attractions offered. Durlston Castle, despite being the youngest of the sites in question, offers a unique combination of nature education and medieval-inspired architecture. Kingston Lacy impresses with its wealth of interiors and art collections, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of English aristocracy. Pennsylvania Castle Estate, while less accessible to the average tourist, represents the luxurious side of 19th-century castle architecture.

In terms of accessibility and prices, the situation varies. Durlston Castle, as part of a landscaped park, offers relatively affordable admission prices and is open year-round. Kingston Lacy, managed by the National Trust, has slightly higher ticket prices, but offers a rich program of tours and events in return. The Pennsylvania Castle Estate is mainly available for guests using the lodge or attending events held there.

To sum up our tour of Dorset's castles, it is worth noting the remarkable diversity and historical richness of the region. From massive medieval fortifications to Renaissance palaces to Victorian folly, each of the sites discussed offers a unique perspective on England's history and architecture. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for beautiful places to visit, Dorset's castles are sure to enchant you and leave an unforgettable impression. When planning your visit, it's worth checking current opening hours and ticket prices, and consider purchasing a membership card from organizations such as English Heritage or the National Trust, which can significantly reduce the cost of visiting many of these fascinating sites.