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Prehistoric Sites in Dorset
| Abbotsbury Castle
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An Iron Age Hillfort to the northwest of Abbotsbury village. The fort encloses an area of 4 acres, and within the double ramparts, the outlines of huts can still be seen. The location is superb, with views across Lyme Bay.
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Abbotsbury,
Dorset,
England
Attraction Type: Prehistoric
Location: From the B3157 just west of Abbotsbury a narrow road leads up Wear Hill (signposted ). A small layby on the left allows parking for several cars. A path leads from the downhill side of the layby. The way can be slippery.
Google map
OS Grid SY555 866
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
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| Badbury Rings
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Contained within the considerable estates of Kingston Lacy House is this Iron Age hillfort, surrounded by three concentric ditches and ramparts. It has been conjectured that Badbury is the site of Mons Badonicus (Mount Badon) - the great battle at which King Arthur defeated the advancing Germanic tribes of Angles, Saxons, and Jutes in the late 5th or early 6th century.
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Kingston Lacy,
Shapwick,
Dorset,
England
Attraction Type: Prehistoric
Location: One mile from Shapwick, off the B3082 between Wimborne Minster and Blandford Forum.
National Trust
Google map
OS Grid ST964 029
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| Cerne Abbas Giant
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A 200 foot high figure of a man bearing a club, incised into the chalk of the hillside. The giant has been variously identified as Roman, Celtic, and Iron Age. His obvious, um, physical endowments have made him the source of fertility practices over the centuries; it is said that if an infertile woman spends the night within the figure, she will then be able to bear a child.
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Cerne Abbas,
Near Dorchester,
Dorset,
England
Attraction Type: Prehistoric
Location: viewpoint on A352
Website: Cerne Abbas Giant
Google map
OS Grid ST666 017
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
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| Maiden Castle
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The largest and most famous pre-Roman fortress in Britain. The site is nearly 100 acres in size, with banks as high as 80 feet enclosing a hill-top site of some 45 acres. It was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age, but most of the visible ramparts were erected in the 1st century BC. In 43 AD the Romans besieged the "castle". The defenders huge store of some 40,000 sling stones proved useless against the Roman's leather shields, and the site fell to the invaders. A mass grave of defenders who died in the assault was found in 1937 near the eastern entrance. A site worth seeing.
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Dorchester,
Dorset,
England
Attraction Type: Prehistoric
Location: 1 mile SW of Dorchester, off A354
Website: Maiden Castle
English Heritage
Google map
OS Grid SY670 885
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
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Winterbourne Poor Lot Barrows
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A large cluster of 44 Bronze Age burial mounds on either side of the A35. The barrows have been described as a Bronze Age cemetery. What is fascinating about the site is that so many different types of barrows are clustered so close together. Here you will find disc barrows, bell barrows, bowl barrows,pond barrows, and the remains of what may be a hut circle.
Winterbourne Abbas,
Dorset,
England
Attraction Type: Prehistoric
Location: On the A35, 2 miles west of Winterbourne Abbas. No adjacent parking. Best access is via Wellbottom Lodge, 200 yards east from A35 junction with the minor road to Compton Valence.
Website: Winterbourne Poor Lot Barrows
English Heritage
Google map
OS Grid SY590906
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| Dorset |
Norchard Barn
Morcombelake
Self catering cottage
This property is surrounded by 20 acres of National Trust land and is situated 1/2 a mile from the world heritage coastal path and comprises … more >>
Sleeps 7
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| Dorset |
The Hunting Lodge
Bere Regis
Self catering cottage
This Cottage offers 2 double, 1 twin all with en suite bath & shower, kitchen, central dining area and lounge. more >>
Sleeps 6
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| Bournemouth (Hotel) |
Norfolk Royale Classic Hotel
The Norfolk Royale - a member of Classic British Hotels, is a fine Edwardian hotel, at the heart of Bournemouth close to the elegant shops, magnificent gardens and renowned theatres. Glass domed Leisure Spa with pool, Jacuzzi, steam and sauna. Echoes Restaurant offers wide choices. The hotel offers luxury rooms … more >>
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| Bournemouth (Hotel) |
Wessex Hotel
Ideally located on the West Cliff just a minute from the beach and within easy walking distance of the town centre. Extensive parking, a restaurant and a modern leisure centre with indoor and outdoor heated pools, sauna, solarium and gym have made it one of the most popular hotels in … more >>
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