Things to do at Badbury Rings

Visitors at the Badbury Rings at Kingston Lacy, Dorset | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Badbury Rings has a history stretching back thousands of years to when Iron Age tribes settled here. While remnants of the Celtic hillfort can be seen today and archaeologists continue to unearth historic findings, Badbury Rings and its neighbouring High Wood with an avenue of beech trees are a peaceful slice of Dorset countryside with sweeping views and good walking trails to explore and enjoy.

Walking around Badbury Rings

The rings sit at 100 metres above sea level and offer sweeping views across the Dorset countryside as well as wildlife walks. A stroll around the Iron Age hillfort makes a great family day out or walk with the dogs. In the spring, look out for bluebells and clouds of blackthorn blossom in the surrounding hedgerows. The summer means the rings are a great place for a picnic, and in the autumn you'll find shrubs filled with berries.

Watching out for livestock and wildlife

The rings are often home to livestock, such as sheep and cattle – an important part of our conservation work here. When this is the case, please keep dogs on the lead.

Look out for orchids in early summer. There are also endangered ground-nesting birds, such as skylarks, at Badbury, which is why we ask that you keep your dog on a lead during the breeding season, between February-August.

Please help protect this special site by following the Countryside Code.

Grazing cattle at Badbury Rings, Dorset | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Dark skies at Badbury Rings

The lack of light pollution makes Badbury Rings a special place to see the night skies. On a clear night you'll see millions of stars circling above you.