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Lewesdon Hill
The highest point in Dorset with views between the trees over Devon, Somerset and out to sea
Nr Broadwindsor, Beaminster, Dorset
Opening times for 3 December 2023
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No public toilets nearby. Dogs welcome.
Steps/uneven terrain
Lewesdon Hill is accessed about 1 mile (1.6km) from the village of Broadwindsor up a very steep hill. Once at the top it levels out onto a plateau and is a grassy surface surrounded by woodland.
By road
Five miles (8km) west of Beaminster, near the village of Broadwindsor off B3164
Parking: Parking in Broadwindsor village. No car parks
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 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.
By bicycle
National Cycle Network Route 2 passes close to Lewesdon, on roads. For full route details please visit the Sustrans website.
Highlights
Hill Fort
The highest point in Dorset, with views between the trees over Devon, Somerset and out to sea. Explore the steep natural slope one side, and a man-made ditch and rampart on the flatter side of the hill. Possibly a place of refuge for Iron Age people in times of threat.
Woodland wildlife
This ancient woodland has magnificent beech and oak trees, some over 200 years old. It is a great place for woodland birds, including the green and great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatch and treecreeper. You might glimpse roe deer at dusk. Dead trees and fallen wood are also excellent habitats for wildlife including fungi, ferns, beetles, bats and birds.
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 Lewesdon Hill
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.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Lewesdon Hill.