Cadbury Castle, Somerset Archaeological Site
Iron Age hillfort with medieval castle remains
Iron Age hillfort in Somerset near South Cadbury, excavated for Romano‑British layers and tied to Arthurian folklore; visitors walk ramparts, read interpretive displays, and enjoy surrounding countryside views.
Cadbury Castle, Somerset at a Glance#
Address: Cadbury Castle, Somerton, Somerset, BA4 6NH, United Kingdom
Website: https://historicengland.org.uk/
Hours: Open access (daylight hours)
Admission: Free (site access); English Heritage/English Heritage properties may have parking charges nearby
About Cadbury Castle, Somerset#
Cadbury Castle is an Iron Age hillfort on a prominent hill at South Cadbury in Somerset, England, notable for extensive archaeological remains and its association with Arthurian legend.
Large earthworks of ramparts and ditches define the summit; the site comprises a defended hilltop enclosure with visible banks and gateways and offers panoramic views across the surrounding lowlands. Interpretation panels on site explain key features and the walking route to the summit is a short, well-used path.
The hillfort was built in the Iron Age and shows evidence of heavy use and modification in later periods. Excavations led by Leslie Alcock in the 1960s uncovered earlier prehistoric deposits and a substantial reoccupation in the post-Roman period with timber structures and high-status material remains.
The site sits above the village of South Cadbury in south Somerset, close to the small market town of Castle Cary and within rural agricultural landscape. Public access is via local footpaths from the village and nearby lanes.
- Summit views: The hilltop gives wide views across the Somerset Levels and is a popular short walk from the nearby village.
- Important excavations: The site was excavated in the 1960s by archaeologist Leslie Alcock, who revealed significant post-Roman occupation evidence.
How to Get to Cadbury Castle, Somerset#
Cadbury Castle is near the village of South Cadbury, Somerset, a short drive from Yeovil and approximately 20-30 minutes from the A303. Local lanes and small car parks service the site; consult local signage and the South Cadbury community for parking details.
Tips for Visiting Cadbury Castle, Somerset#
- Walk the outer ramparts early to appreciate the scale of the Iron Age earthworks and the long views over the Somerset levels.
- Visit the interpretation boards that explain the multiple phases of occupation - Bronze Age, Iron Age, and later medieval reuse.
- The summit can be exposed and windy; dress in layers.
Best Time to Visit Cadbury Castle, Somerset#
Best in the warmer months for comfortable walking and clearer views.
Weather & Climate near Cadbury Castle, Somerset#
Cadbury Castle, Somerset's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (803 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 85 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 63 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.8h |
| March | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 3° | 64 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 5° | 53 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.0 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.7h |
| May | Good | 7° - 16° | 11° | 56 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.4h |
| June | Good | 10° - 19° | 14° | 59 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.3h |
| July | Good | 12° - 21° | 16° | 52 mm | overcast | 78% | 3.4 m/s | 1.3 high | 15.9h |
| August | Good | 12° - 21° | 16° | 61 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.2 m/s | 1.0 high | 14.4h |
| September | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 70 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 11° | 74 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.5h |
| November | Acceptable | 4° - 11° | 5° | 76 mm | overcast | 93% | 3.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 9° | 3° | 90 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
