Lulworth Castle, built in the early seventeenth century as a hunting lodge, provides a perfect day out for the family.

You can explore the castle and climb the tower, and there are also woodland walks for the dogs, spacious grounds for picnics, and a children’s playground.

The exterior of the castle changed little over the years but the interior evolved in line with changing fashions until a disastrous fire tore through it in 1929.

Restoration work began on the ruin by the Department of the Environment and was followed through to completion by English Heritage.

With the fire stripping the plaster it showed blocked doorways and scars of demolished walls which enabled the use of the building to be interpreted fully. You can now discover the past for yourself with panels to help fit the puzzle together.

The castle opened its doors to the public as a tourist attraction in 1998 and you can view the Roman Catholic Chapel of St Mary and the Church of St Andrew.

At the top of the tower you can see the Dorset countryside right across the Lulworth estate, which covers over 20 square miles. The Bowling Green Wood is open to walks and has been nominated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The castle is closed on some days due to private functions.