This massive earthwork just south of Dorchester is so huge it only looks like a hill as you approach. Persevere with your walk or drive though, and you will find yourself marvelling at an intricate labyrinth of hill gates and steep cuttings that will blow your mind. If you wanted to build it nowadays, it would take an army of JCB's many years! Countless generations of Durotriges (Celts) built this amazing structure before the Romans came in and took it by force. There are some information boards in the car park at the foot of the hill which give a reasonable amount of information, but if you want to find out more, combine your visit with a trip to the County Museum in town, which has a brilliant video (narrated by Magnus Magnusson) and loads of fabulous artefacts. Maiden Castle itself is a rugged reminder of our ancient heritage and well worth a good walk. Take your dog as many people do, but keep an eye out for which areas are being grazed by sheep if you want to let him off the lead. It is a strangely wonderful place, free to visit and easy to park at. There are no facilities; the nearest loos are at Tesco or in town about a mile away. It is a bit sad that the Dorchester bypass runs nearby as it used to be a lot more atmospheric without the constant whoosh of traffic, but it is not invasive and you may sit and ponder here for many hours in summer. It is a very exposed site, so wrap up warm against the wind that whistles up from the coast just a few miles away, but it's hardly Dartmoor or The Peaks so you shouldn't be needing mountain rescue if it clouds over! In all, a great place to recharge your batteries, get some fresh air and meet a few friendly dog walkers. I'd give this place a much higher rating if they put a little visitor centre with loos there, but then, it probably wouldn't be free any more!

Owned by English Heritage, but not promoted in any way, this is a popular place to visit by locals and tourists alike. Covers a vast area and views from the top are great. Largest Iron Age fort in Western Europe.

Pick a good day, because if its raining or windy then your are going to get wet, cold and/or muddy. Its and easy walk, albeit one over uneven ground and up and down through fortification. Good place for kids to run off steam yet also learn about both British iron age and Roman history. Interesting for adults and great walk through the Dorchester countryside.

Amazing place - huge moats and protective barriers with fairly easy access from the car park. It is very changed from when I used to visit as a child in the 50s but still seems huge even now.