Lewesdon Hill
The highest point in Dorset with views between the trees over Devon, Somerset and out to sea
Dorset's hillforts, a visitor's guide
Discover more about Dorset's ancient hillforts with this new guide.
Lewesdon Hill
Overview
The highest point in Dorset with views between the trees over Devon, Somerset and out to sea
Standing at 915 feet (279 metres) Lewesdon Hill, along with nearby Pilsdon Pen, dominates the surrounding landscape. It's certainly an alluring hill fort, although being enclosed by woodland the views aren't uninterrupted, but the glimpses of the surrounding landscape you do get through the trees are worth the climb to the top.
You can also see parts of the original Iron Age bank and ditches, and in more recent times it was the site for one of the Armada Beacons in 1588, used to warn of an impending attack by Spain.
Visit in spring to see a carpert of bluebells and then return in autumn to see fascinating fungus on the big, old beech and oak trees.
- Telephone
- 01297489481
- westdorset@nationaltrust.org.uk
Lewesdon Hill
How to get here
- Address
- Nr Broadwindsor, Beaminster, Dorset
- By cycle
- National Cycle Network Route 2 passes close to Lewesdon, on roads. For full route details please visit the Sustrans website.
- Cycle route information
- On foot
- A steep footpath leads up to the summit from the village of Broadwindsor, about 1 mile (1.6km). From Beaminster follow the Wessex Ridgeway Trail westwards over Gerrard's Hill and onto Lewesdon Hill.
- By train
- There are no suitable train stations for accessing Lewesdon Hill.
- By road
- Five miles (8km) west of Beaminster, near the village of Broadwindsor off B3164
- Parking: Parking in Broadwindsor village. No car parks
- By bus
- From Bridport, take Damory Coaches Bus Route 40 and alight at Beaminster or Broadwindsor (nearest). See 'On Foot' section for directions from Beaminster or Broadwindsor to Lewesdon Hill.
Lewesdon Hill
Prices
Admission free
What is Gift Aid?
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
- Gift Aid Admission
- Standard Admission
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
Lewesdon Hill
Opening times
Lewesdon Hill
Contact us
- Telephone
- 01297489481
- westdorset@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Address
- Nr Broadwindsor, Beaminster, Dorset