Lewesdon Hill
The highest point in Dorset with views between the trees over Devon, Somerset and out to sea
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 or
- Standard admission
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you the Gift Aid Admission prices. But it's entirely up to you which ticket you choose. If you want the Standard Admission instead, just let us know when you come to pay.
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: Payment of the additional percentage donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our reception staff at the till point.
| 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 donations must be supported by a valid Gift Aid declaration and a Gift Aid declaration can only cover donations made by an individual for him/herself or for him/herself and members of his/her family.
Lewesdon Hill
Opening times
Saturday 26 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Sunday 27 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Monday 28 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Tuesday 29 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Wednesday 30 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Thursday 31 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Friday 1 June
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Lewesdon Hill
Contact us
- Telephone
- 01297489481
- westdorset@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Address
- Nr Broadwindsor, Beaminster, Dorset