Maiden Dorchester is home to Maiden Castle, one of the largest and most complex of Iron Age hillforts in Europe. Its huge multiple ramparts once protected several hundred residents.

Christchurch Christchurch Castle was built in the late 11th century inside the Saxon fort whose walls were probably used to build the castle mound or motte. The castle is now a ruin.

Sherborne Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and the stately home of the Digby family since 1617, Sherborne Castle reflects a glorious variety of decorative styles.

Highcliffe Built mainly between 1831 and 1836, this castle is the realisation of one man’s fantasy – Lord Stuart de Rothesay. It has been described as arguably the most important surviving house of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture and is Grade 1 listed.

Corfe Built by William the Conqueror, the castle dates back to the 11th century and sits in the Purbeck hills between Swanage and Wareham. After two sieges in the English Civil War, the castle was demolished on Parliament’s orders and is now a ruin owned by the National Trust.

Lulworth This mock castle was built as a hunting lodge by Thomas Howard, 3rd Viscount Howard of Bindon. The stone building now houses a museum and the grounds host a packed programme of events throughout the year.

Brownsea A mid 16th century square blockhouse built on Brownsea Island in Poole harbour. It was revovated during the 19th century as an impressive residence but was badly damaged by fire in 1895. It has been rebuilt and is now used by the John Lewis Partnership.

Portland Overlooking Portland Harbour stands one of Henry VIII’s finest coastal forts, built in the early 1540s to protect against French and Spanish invasion. Today it’s popular with visitors.

Pennsylvania John Penn, the grandson of William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania USA, started construction of The Penn on Portland in 1797 after King George III gave him the land that it now occupies. In 1950 the castle was turned into a hotel, then back into a private home in 1994.