Castle Hunting UK

30th May 2017 No good picture! Aerial views are better 😉 This is the largest and most complex Iron Age hill fort in Britain 4000BC - evidence of occupation during the Neolithic period Iron Age - hill fort present Over the next 400 years the site of Maiden castle is a prominent settlement, being extended and re-fortified several times AD 43 - evidence of Roman occupation during the conquest During the Roman rule , the hill fort was abandoned as Romans had established in Dorchester/Durnovaria 4th century - a temple was built within the hill fort despite being abandoned Absolutely incredible to see, well worth a visit! It is difficult from the ground to appreciate the sheer size of Maiden castle (you would need a helicopter 😜 ) however we really enjoyed walking up and down each of "layers"/rings of the fort. There is quite a climb initially to the fort and it's worth walking along the top of the fort for nice views and also to look around the remains of the te...

30th May 2017 1592 - Sir Walter Raleigh acquired Sherborne Old Castle and tried to modernise 1594 - Instead he built a  rectangular house with 4 floors within the deer park 1600 - hexagonal turrets were added to all 4 corners 1617 - Sir John Digby adds 4 more wings giving Sherborne house a "H" shape , though still in keeping with the style of Raleigh This is an unusual "castle". If you are looking for your typical original and old castle you may be disappointed - it  is more like a manor house! The rooms are very beautiful though and the majority are open to the public. Views of the castle are very impressive from a distance and you can see it from Sherborne Old Castle too.  Entry fee Designated car park Shop, cafe and toilets Guidebooks are available (but they were expensive!) Dogs only allowed on leads around the grounds N & K