Days Out in Dorset

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From hilltop stone circles to picturesque abbey ruins, a day out in Dorset this summer provides plenty for all the family to discover.

Enjoy the dramatic views of the sea and harbour at Portland Castle, built by Henry VIII in the early 1540s or visit a mysterious prehistoric circle of nine standing stones.

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Places to visit in Dorset

Enjoy a great family day out with over 10 places to visit in Dorset:

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Places to visit : Dorset

Portland Castle
Portland Castle

Built by Henry VIII to defend England, the Castle also played a part in World War I and II. Attractions include Tudor kitchen, Great Hall, gardens, sea views, tearooms and audio tour.

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Sherborne Old Castle
Sherborne Old Castle

Built on a grand scale in the 12th century by the Bishop of Salisbury, Sherborne was coveted by churchmen and noblemen alike giving it a long, chequered history. Picnic, shop, light refreshments.

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Maiden Castle
Maiden Castle

Among the largest and most complex of Iron Age hillforts in Europe, Maiden Castle’s huge multiple ramparts enclose an area the size of 50 football pitches and once protected hundreds of residents.

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Kingston Russell Stone Circle
Kingston Russell Stone Circle

A late Neolithic or early Bronze Age circle of 18 fallen stones, on a hilltop overlooking Abbotsbury and the sea.

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Abbotsbury Abbey Remains
Abbotsbury Abbey Remains

Part of a monastic building, perhaps the abbot’s lodging, of Benedictine Abbotsbury Abbey, Henry VIII ordered it’s destruction during the Dissolution in 1538. St Catherine's Chapel is nearby.

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Fiddleford Manor
Fiddleford Manor

The principal parts of a small stone manor house, probably begun about 1370 for William Latimer, Sheriff of Somerset and Dorset. The hall and solar chamber display outstandingly fine timber roofs.

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Events : Dorset

Castle Sleepovers
Castle Sleepovers
Venue: Portland Castle, Dorset
Date: Fri 14 Sep 2012

Enjoy an exclusive overnight stay at one of English Heritage's historic properties, especially foradults.  Sit down to supper, enjoy a twilight tour and spooky stories before bedding down for the night.  Includes supper & breakfast
Halloween Family Fun Weekend
Halloween Family Fun Weekend
Venue: Portland Castle, Dorset
Date: Sat 27 & Sun 28 Oct 2012

Join us for spooky Halloween tales and fun activities at Portland Castle this Halloween weekend.. Enjoy 'fangtastic' Halloween games with devilish prizes to be won!

Family Halloween Sleepovers
Family Halloween Sleepovers
Venue: Portland Castle, Dorset
Date: Wed 31 Oct 2012

Enjoy a special 'Halloween' themed overnight stay at one of English Heritage's historic properties, especially for families.  Sit down to supper, enjoy a twilight tour and spooky stories before bedding down for the night.  Includes supper & breakfast.

You may also be interested in these events:

As you Like It
As you Like It
Venue: Hailes Abbey, Gloucestershire
Date: 25 May 2012

Rain or Shine Theatre come to Hailes Abbey with a brand new production of one of Shakespeare’s classic comedies. Come along and enjoy an enchanting evening of outdoor theatre at its best.
Jubilee Royal Trail
Jubilee Royal Trail
Venue: Pendennis Castle, Cornwall
Date: Sat 2 - Sun 10 Jun 2012

Especially for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, join us to seek out kings and queens from the past on the trail around the site. Complete the challenge and a special prize awaits!
Time Travellers Go... Roman
Time Travellers Go... Roman
Venue: Old Sarum, Wiltshire
Date: Sat 2 & Sun 3 Jun 2012

Could you hack it in Roman Britain? Take part in a variety of hands-on activities from games to drills and crafts. Hear about Roman life as a soldier and citizen and handle Roman weapons and objects
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