Here's our guide to five fantastic castles you should explore this spring - varying from the more intact to tumbling, romantic ruins.

More than 1,500 castles have been built in England's long and bloody history.

With England in a state of civil war and unrest for much of its history, especially during the Middle Ages, castles sprung up all over the country. 

As lords and kings feuded over land and revolted, castles were built as a means of protection and to control lands. 

Here's five castles worth visiting in Dorset this spring.

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle (Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

The mighty Corfe Castle has stood tall overlooking the village of Corfe for a thousand years.

The castle has been a Saxon stronghold, a Norman fortress, a royal palace and a family home.

It was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th Century and has a myriad of dark and grisly tales - if only the walls could speak.

During the English Civil War, the Bankes family who owned the castle at this point were supported by King Charles I (Cavaliers) against Oliver Cromwell (Roundheads).

The Roundheads gave orders that anyone joining the garrison (defence of the castle) would have their house burned and that no supplies were to reach the castle.

Initially defended by just five people, Lady Bankes was able to get food through and swell the garrison to 80.  

Lady Bankes defended it bravely during not just one, but two sieges, until finally she was betrayed by one of her own soldiers.

Have you ever wondered why the castle no longer stands as one? 

After 600 years of keeping enemies at bay, an Act of Parliament was passed that saw Corfe Castle demolished, or partly so - using gun powder in a similar fashion to that of Guy Fawkes' plan.  

Now owned by the National Trust it was donated by Ralph Bankes in 1982 and is one of the Trust's most generous gifts. 

Sherborne Castle

Spring at Sherborne Castle - Jack Pease

Built in 1594 by Sir Walter Raleigh, he originally called it Sherborne Lodge to distinguish it from the old 12th century castle nearby.

The renowned landscaped gardens and lake were even designed by esteemed architect Capability Brown.

After Sir Walter Raleigh was executed for alleged treason his estates were forfeited to the crown.

King James I allowed Sir John Digby to purchase Sherborne Castle in 1617 and it has remains in the same family to this day.

Visit the Castle and view the rich interiors with nationally important collections of art, furniture and porcelain together with the original kitchen, family artefacts and archaeological finds from the old medieval castle on view in the Castle cellars.

Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle - Richard Crease

THIS grade 1 listed cliff top mansion is open daily throughout winter until December 23.

Built mainly between 1831 and 1836, the castle is the realisation of one man’s fantasy. He was Lord Stuart de Rothesay, a distinguished diplomat who had known and loved the cliff-top site overlooking Christchurch Bay since he was a boy.

The former state rooms house a heritage centre and there is also a spectacular Great Hall to view.

Harry Gordon Selfridge rented and lived at Highcliffe Castle between 1916 and 1922. He is buried nearby at St Mark's Church.

Rufus Castle, Portland

Rufus Castle (Image: Rustic) This castle, the oldest on Portland, was once sketched by JMW Turner.

Overlooking Church Ope Cove, Rufus Castle, also known as Bow and Arrow Castle because of the small slits in the walls used for firing arrows, was originally built in the 11th century for King William 'Rufus' II and was rebuilt in the 15th century. 

Tradition says that not only was the castle built as a fortification but as a place of refuge for islanders.

The Norman castle is now a dilapidated ruin. It stands in private grounds and is situated on a cliff edge, so can only be viewed from afar.

Lulworth Castle

Lulworth Castle Lulworth Castle was built in the early 17th century as a hunting lodge.

It subsequently played host to five reigning monarchs. 

The castle was even seized by the Roundheads during the English Civil War, who used it as a garrison. 

The castle has been owned by the Weld family since Humphrey Weld returned after the Civil War in 1651. 

The exterior of the castle changed little over the years but the interior evolved in line with changing fashions until a disastrous fire tore through it in 1929.

Restoration work began on the ruin by the Department of the Environment and was followed through to completion by English Heritage.

With the fire stripping the plaster it showed blocked doorways and scars of demolished walls which enabled the use of the building to be interpreted fully. You can now discover the past for yourself with panels to help fit the puzzle together.

The castle opened its doors to the public as a tourist attraction in 1998 and you can view the Roman Catholic Chapel of St Mary and the Church of St Andrew.

At the top of the tower you can see the Dorset countryside right across the Lulworth estate, which covers over 20 square miles.