The Saloon at Kingston Lacy with a high coved ceiling, fireplace, carved wood doors, framed paintings and furniture around the room — The Saloon at Kingston Lacy | © National Trust Images / Andreas von Einsiedel

Houses and buildings in Dorset

There are all sorts of houses and buildings to visit in Dorset, from an Italian-inspired mansion and a ruined castle to quiet retreats. Discover new places to explore for a great day out with the family.

Chimneypiece in the Inner Hall, carved with William Bankes's coat of arms quartered with those of Wynne and Brune, at Kingston Lacy

Article

The house at Kingston Lacy

Find out more about the Bankes family home. Discover art treasures and look at how a large home was used by the family and their visitors who came to stay.

View of the ruins of Corfe Castle, lit in golden autumn sunlight, with a hill in the background

Place

Corfe Castle

There are 1,000 years of the castle's history as a royal palace and fortress to be discovered here. All ages are captivated by these romantic ruins with breathtaking views across Purbeck.