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Pilsdon Pen
DorsetOne of Dorset's prominent landmarks, dominated by an Iron Age hill fort
Nr Broadwindsor, Beaminster, Dorset
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 16 September 2026
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk - Car park
Lay-by at bottom of hill fort, OS SY414009 (Not National Trust)
- 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.
No parking on site. Dogs on leads welcome. Steep climb to the top from the lay-by. On and around the fort there are some steps and steep inclines. Grassy, well maintained paths.
- Steps/uneven terrain
Steep climb to the top from the lay-by. On and around the fort there are some steps and steep inclines. Grassy, well maintained paths
- By road
- Three miles (5km) south-west of Broadwindsor on B3164Parking: Lay-by at bottom of hill fort (SY414009)
- On foot
- Pilsdon Pen is on the route of three long distance walking trails: The Wessex Ridgeway, Monarch's Way and The Jubilee Trail. From the bus stop in Broadwindsor use the Monarch's Way to ascend Pilsdon Pen. Alternatively, combine Pilsdon Pen and Lewesdon Hill using the Wessex Ridgeway and Monarch's Way in a circular walk from Broadwindsor.
- By train
- There are no suitable train stations for accessing Pilsdon Pen.
- By bus
- From Bridport, take the Damory Coaches bus route 40 and alight at Broadwindsor. See 'On Foot' for onward directions.
Highlights
Hillfort
One of Dorset's prominent landmarks, dominated by an Iron Age hillfort. There's a long history at Pilsdon Pen including two Bronze Age burial mounds and remains of roundhouses and pillow mounds.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Pilsdon Pen
Pilsdon has a long history of occupation. Flint tools over 10,000 years old and two Bronze Age burial mounds are evidence that the site was in use long before the hill fort was built.
Like the other hill forts in Dorset, Pilsdon was abandoned after the Roman conquest, after which it's thought that it was used for rough grazing, much as it is today.
You can now enjoy this hill fort not just for its archaeology, but also for its wide range of walks and far-reaching views. On a clear day you can see Marshwood Vale, Golden Cap and the sea to the south, the Hardy Monument, to the east, Exmoor and the Quantocks to the west and the Polsden and Mendip hills to the north.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Pilsdon Pen.
Appeal
Cerne Abbas Nature Appeal
We've looked after the Cerne Abbas Giant and the small plot of land he calls home since 1920. Now, thanks to thousands of supporters, we’ve been able to buy 340 acres of land surrounding the Giant to transform into a super site for nature. All future donations will help us restore the land, habitats and species that live there.
