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Hod Hill
Dorset's largest hill fort renowned for its downland wildlife
Stourpaine, Nr Blandford Forum, Dorset
- 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
This year we've got a packed programme of walks exploring Dorchester, Bridport, the Golden Cap Estate, Lyme Legis and beyond. If you want to get out and explore, this is for you.
Places to stay
524 Pamphill Green Cottage
An eye-catching thatched cottage on the Kingston Lacy estate, where you’ll find miles of footpaths through lush rolling countryside waiting to be explored.
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
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 benefited Hod Hill, as well as other hillforts around Dorset and Wiltshire.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Hod Hill.