Strolling the Ancient Hillforts of Southern England
Walk the Iron Age hillforts of southern England – Maiden Castle, Old Sarum, Cadbury Castle, Uffington, Cissbury Ring and more – with family-friendly routes and tips.
Long before castles and cathedrals, people in southern England built massive earth ramparts on hilltops. These Iron Age hillforts still shape the landscape today – grassy rings with sweeping views, perfect for a walk, a picnic and a lesson in prehistory. Here are eight of the best.
The hillforts
1. Maiden Castle, Dorset
One of the largest and most complex Iron Age hillforts in Europe, just outside Dorchester. Its huge multiple ramparts are breathtaking from above and impressive to walk around. Free to visit, managed by English Heritage.
2. Old Sarum, Wiltshire
The original site of Salisbury, Old Sarum began as an Iron Age hillfort and later held a Norman castle and cathedral. Explore the ruins, then see the current Salisbury Cathedral below. Combine with Stonehenge.
3. Uffington Castle and the White Horse, Oxfordshire
On the Ridgeway, England's oldest road, Uffington Castle sits above the Uffington White Horse, a chalk figure around 3,000 years old. The National Trust site includes Dragon Hill and dramatic dry valleys.
4. Cadbury Castle, Somerset
A multi-ramparted hillfort long linked by legend to King Arthur's Camelot. The short, steep climb from South Cadbury village rewards you with views across the Somerset Levels.
5. Cissbury Ring, West Sussex
The largest hillfort in Sussex, on the South Downs above Worthing. Look for hollows left by Neolithic flint mines, even older than the fort.
6. Hambledon Hill and Hod Hill, Dorset
Two neighbouring hillforts with dramatic ramparts and wildflowers in summer. Hod Hill also has remains of a Roman fort built in one corner.
7. Badbury Rings, Dorset
A tree-crowned hillfort on the National Trust's Kingston Lacy estate, with an avenue of beech trees and easy walking.
8. Danebury, Hampshire
A well-studied hillfort with a nature reserve; finds from the excavations are displayed at the Museum of the Iron Age in Andover.
Tips for hillfort walks
- Wear sturdy shoes – ramparts are steep and slippery after rain.
- Respect the monuments: don't climb on fragile earthworks where signs ask you not to, and keep dogs on leads near livestock.
- Best time: spring and early summer for wildflowers; clear autumn days for views.
- Combine with towns: Dorchester, Salisbury, Bath and the Cotswolds make great bases – see our Bath guide.
- More family ideas: see our Easter days out.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hillfort?
Hillforts are hilltop enclosures surrounded by earth ramparts and ditches, mostly built in the Iron Age, around 800 BC to AD 43. They were defended settlements, gathering places and symbols of power.
What is the largest hillfort in England?
Maiden Castle in Dorset is one of the largest Iron Age hillforts in Europe, with ramparts enclosing an area the size of about 50 football pitches.
Are hillfort walks suitable for children?
Yes. Most are short climbs with big views and grassy ramparts to explore. Wear sturdy shoes – slopes can be steep and muddy.
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