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Lambert's and Coney's Castle
Walk in the footsteps of previous generations along these ancient hillforts
Nr Marshwood, Bridport, Dorset
Opening times for 4 December 2023
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Parking charges apply: £1.20 for 1 hour, £2.40 for 2 hours, £3.60 for 3 hours and £4 for all day. Parking can be paid via PayByPhone only. Members park for free, please display your sticker or membership card. Overnight parking or camping is not permitted. Please respect our neighbours and park in designated parking places only.
Dogs
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. A bin is available near the car park or take the poo bags home with you
The ground at Lambert's Castle is grassy and very flat and with special permission (call 01297 489481) can be used by motorised vehicles. Access to Coney's Castle is via the ramparts and not very suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs or those with mobility problems. No toilets.
Level access/terrain
The ground at Lambert's Castle is grassy and very flat.
Ramped access/slopes
Access to Coney's Castle is via the ramparts and not very suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs or those with mobility problems.
By road
For Lambert's Castle: A35 eastbound from Axminster, bear left onto B3165 at Raymonds Hill, signed Marshwood. Continue for about 3 miles (4.8km) then bear right onto Lambert's Track to small National Trust car park (SY365987). For Coney's Castle: Continue from the track leading to Lambert's along the B1365 for 300m. Turn left to Fishpond's Bottom. At Fishpond's take the third turning to Wootton Fitzpaine. This road passes through the centre of Coney's Castle. Car park (SY372976) on left, just before the road enters the hill fort.
On foot
The Wessex Ridgeway Trail traverses north to south on the east of Lambert's and is also part of the small lane that runs along the ridge of Coney's Castle. From central Axminster follow the A358 north. After the roundabout take the second right Beavor Lane and follow this eastwards. It soon becomes Evil Lane. Turn north along Cuthays Lane and follow the bridleway through Cuthays to the road at Pendragon. Turn back in a south-easterly direction and follow the bridleway uphill passing New Park on your left before turning left onto Stammery Hill. Turn right and cross over the B3165 and follow the lane downhill. When the route bends round to the right follow the lane directly downhill before turning left and joining the Monarch's Way. Continue in a north-easterly direction before turning eastwards along a footpath past Ridge Farm and Dodpen Farm. Turn left onto a lane and where it swings sharply to the left continue uphill. Continue uphill, go straight over Fishpond Bottom Road and follow the footpath over the heath to the National Trust Lambert's Castle car park.
By train
Axminster, 4.5 miles (7.2km). Please see 'On Foot' and 'By Cycle' sections for directions from here. No bus service currently serves this route.
By bus
There are currently no good bus routes that stop at or near Lambert's and Coney's Castle. It is possible to access the hill forts using a combination of the By Train and By Cycle or On Foot options.
By bicycle
National Cycle Network Route 2 runs nearby. From central Axminster, take the B3261 (Lyme Road) before turning left along Sector Lane. Follow Sector Lane before turning left onto the B3165. Follow the B3165 for approximately 3km. The National Trust Lambert's Castle car park is on your right. Please leave your bike here and explore both hill forts on foot.
Highlights
Hillfort
The hillforts of Lambert's Castle and Coney's Castle are less than a mile apart, so you can easily explore them both in a day.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to do at Lambert’s and Coney’s Castle
Discover wide-ranging views over the surrounding countryside and spot wildlife such as kestrels, buzzards and roe deer at the hillforts of Lambert’s and Coney’s Castle, Dorset.
Places to stay
Ash Cottage
Part of a large thatched cottage with views over World Heritage site, the Golden Cap.
Oak Cottage
For a rural getaway close to the coast try this thatched cottage on the Golden Cap estate.
Downhouse Farm Cottage
A rural retreat with far-reaching views over the Dorset countryside.
Beech Cottage
Part of a thatched farmhouse, this cottage offers a scenic country stay on the Golden Cap.
St Gabriel's Elm Cottage
Deep in the Dorset countryside with views of the coast, is this pretty thatched cottage.
Shedbush Farm House
A thatched farm house with a cosy country interior and acres of surrounding land to explore.
The Old Radar Station
Stay on England’s spectacular natural World Heritage Site, The Golden Cap, in this restored radar station.
About Lambert's and Coney's Castle
The hill forts of Lambert's Castle and Coney's Castle are less than a mile apart so you can easily explore them both in a day. Each one has a different character, but both have a rich past.
Lambert's Castle is the site of an Iron Age hill fort constructed by the local tribe dating back some 2,500 years; the ditch and bank are prominent as you approach the western entrance. More recently a fair was held here from 1709 to 1947, and there was also a horse-racing track. In 1806 a relay station was built. It was part of a chain of signal posts from Plymouth to London to warn of a French invasion during the Napoleonic war.
Head to Coney's Castle and you'll see that compared to many other hill forts, it's unusual because its ramparts enclose two separate areas. This may have been a larger hill fort reduced in size, a smaller hill fort extended or could've been part of the original design.
History
Article
History of the fair at Lambert’s Castle
For over 300 years the ancient hillfort of Lambert’s Castle was also host to a busy annual fair. Find out what they were like and how they grew in size and popularity
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Lambert's and Coney's Castle.