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Hod Hill
DorsetDorset's largest hill fort renowned for its downland wildlife
Stourpaine, Nr Blandford Forum, Dorset
Important notice
Selective herbicide treatment of bramble and woody species will take place on Hod Hill ramparts from 1 June by specialist contractors. This work supports conservation of chalk grassland and the scheduled monument. We apologise for any inconvenience.
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 17 September 2026
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk - Car park
Hanford Lane: OS ST853112, Stourpaine village: OS ST860095
- Dogs allowed
Dog walkers are welcome but please keep an eye out for signs throughout your visit. Using a short lead helps to keep your dog from disturbing ground-nesting birds and farm animals. It's essential to use a short lead around sheep. Please always clear up after your dog. Bins are available within or near the car parks or take the poo bags home with you.
Access from Hanford Lane involves one steep climb, access from Stourpaine village is a gentler slope but longer. Site itself is level but uneven with little mud. Dogs on leads welcome.
- Steps/uneven terrain
Access from Hanford Lane involves one steep climb, access from Stourpaine village is a gentler slope but longer. Site itself is level but uneven.
- By road
- From Blandford Forum take the A350 and beyond Stourpaine village turn left to Child Okeford. From Shaftesbury take the A350 and beyond Stepleton House turn right to Child Okeford.Parking: Follow the directions above. After turning off the A350 the small car park for Hod Hill can be found on the left after half a mile (ST853112). Park here to walk to the hill.Sat Nav: The postcode DT11 8TA is for Stourpaine. Please note there is no allocated parking in Stourpaine.
- By bus
- Sevice 83, 30 and 314, Blandford to Shaftesbury, alight Stourpaine; service 7, X8, 309, 310, 317, 323, 330, 368, Blandford to Sturminster Newton, alight Durweston
- Cycling
- Hod Hill is adjacent to the North Dorset Trailway (NCN NR25) and can be accessed from Stourpaine
Highlights
Hillfort
Dorset's largest hillfort, with earthworks from both the Roman and Iron Age, renowned for its downland wildlife. The earthworks from both periods are still visible today.
Top trails
Trail
Hod Hill circular walk
This short walk skirts the ramparts of the Iron Age fort at Hod Hill. Perched high above a meander on the River Stour, if offers sweeping views over the Dorset countryside.
Trail
Hod Hill butterfly walk
This mile-long trail involves a gentle stroll around the Iron Age fort at Hod Hill, with a special focus on spotting the many species of butterfly that live here.
Article
Walk with us: guided walks in Dorset
We are now coming to the end of our 2026 walk programme but there are still some walks you can join before the season is out, including our walk from Max Gate which follows a route which Thomas Hardy loved. We are also offering a guided walk from Hive Beach to Cogden led by our expert volunteer who discusses the changes to our coastal landscape - see below for more details. Once we have got our timetable ready for 2027 we will start posting all the new dates again here. Thank you for all your support, we can;t wait to see you all again very soon.
Article
Family Days Out in North and West Dorset
Looking for family-friendly adventures this summer? North and west Dorset is full of places to explore, from woodland trails and wildlife spotting to coastal walks and hands-on activities. Discover National Trust sites including Hardy's Cottage, Clouds Hill, Golden Cap and Hive Beach, with seasonal events and plenty of opportunities for children to connect with nature, learn something new and enjoy the great outdoors.
Places to stay
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Hod Hill
Explore the earthworks from both the Roman and Iron Age periods and imagine what it would've looked like thousands of years ago.
Take a closer look at the five entrances through the ramparts, two of which are Iron Age, two Roman and one medieval. And once inside the hill fort you'll see remains of buildings and property boundaries in the form of circular hollows and ridges.
Hod Hill is also home to a variety of plants and animals. The thin chalk soils on the steep ramparts are ideal for fine grasses, sedges and flowers and these attract a wealth of butterflies.
Our work
Project
Boosting Hod Hill's archaeology and wildlife
Find out how a generous £800k award made to the National Trust by Postcode Earth Trust has benefitted Hod Hill, as well as other hillforts around Dorset and Wiltshire.
Project
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Hod Hill.
Appeal
Cerne Abbas Nature Appeal
We've looked after the Cerne Abbas Giant and the small plot of land he calls home since 1920. Now, thanks to thousands of supporters, we’ve been able to buy 340 acres of land surrounding the Giant to transform into a super site for nature. All future donations will help us restore the land, habitats and species that live there.
