A visit to Corfe Castle, Dorset

Corfe Castle is one of the most iconic places to visit on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset.  Whether you’re passionate about history, medieval castles, and architecture or simply looking for an unforgettable family day out, this breathtaking ruin is a must-see attraction.

Built by William the Conqueror over 1,000 years ago, Corfe Castle stands dramatically atop a hill, overlooking the charming village of the same name.  Though partially in ruins, this National Trust site remains a fascinating historical landmark where visitors can explore its ancient walls and imagine how it used to look.

On our recent trip to the Jurassic Coast, visiting Corfe Castle was at the top of our list of our things to do.  Years ago, we explored the village but missed out on climbing to the castle, so this time we made sure not to miss out.

Read on for everything you need to know about visiting Corfe Castle, one of the best days out in Dorset!

*contains affiliate links

From the National Trust Visitor Centre, you can enjoy a picturesque 1-mile walk to the historic village of Corfe Castle.  Simply cross the road from the car park and follow the well-marked signposts.

This scenic walking route offers stunning views as it winds around the perimeter of Corfe Castle.  The path is clearly signposted, so it’s easy to find your way.

Once you reach the village, you’ll be welcomed by charming thatched cottages, quaint tearooms, and traditional pubs.  Corfe Castle Village is tiny, but rich in history and character.  The castle is in the centre of the village, with the ticket office located near the main entrance gates.

At the heart of the village lies Corfe Castle, with the ticket office by the main gates.

Corfe Castle was originally built for King Henry I, the son of William the Conqueror, shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066.  A team of skilled craftsmen took over eight years to complete this impressive medieval stronghold.

Strategically positioned atop a 55-metre (180 ft) hill, the castle provided unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal location for spotting potential threats and ensuring the king’s safety.  Unlike many Norman castles, which were traditionally built from timber, Corfe Castle was constructed using local Purbeck limestone. This not only made it more formidable as a fortress but also contributed to its historic and architectural significance.

Standing 23 metres (80 ft) tall, with walls up to 3 metres thick, Corfe Castle was a powerful symbol of medieval military engineering.  Clearly King Henry took no chances when it came to his protection.

In 1572, Queen Elizabeth I granted Corfe Castle to Sir Christopher Hatton, who later became Lord Chief Justice.  The castle then changed hands in 1635, when it was purchased by the Bankes family, who transformed it into a country mansion.  The Bankes name has been associated with Corfe Castle ever since.

Corfe Castle met its tragic fate during the English Civil War in 1646.  Following an Act of Parliament, the once-mighty fortress was blown up and left in ruins.  Despite the destruction, the remains of Corfe Castle still stand proudly today, offering visitors a glimpse into how it once stood.

As you step through the castle’s historic gatehouse, you’ll discover a timeline of key events that shaped Corfe Castle’s dramatic past.  Like many English castles, Corfe has witnessed centuries of turmoil, betrayal, and bloodshed, with gripping tales of murder, torture, and treachery lurking within its ancient walls.

After delving into the castle’s history, venture up the scenic hilltop path to explore the castle ruins, a striking testament to the castle’s former glory.  You can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Purbeck countryside.

As Corfe Castle changed hands throughout history, each new owner left their own unique mark, many of which can still be seen today.  Keep an eye out for the remains of Tudor fireplaces, “murder holes,” arrow loops, and the intriguing “appearance door”, all offering fascinating glimpses into the castle’s evolving design.

During his reign, King Henry VIII ordered that the castle be rendered and whitewashed, giving it a striking appearance.  However, King John (1199–1216) had different tastes and insisted on a more opulent interior, even adding his own private toilet, a rare luxury in medieval times.  If you look closely above the old door frames, and you’ll find traces of ornate carvings that reflect his lavish additions.

For a deeper dive into the castle’s rich history, make use of the listening posts scattered throughout the grounds, which provide facts and stories about Corfe Castle’s past.

As you look out over the Dorset countryside, you might even catch a glimpse of the heritage steam train chugging through the valley.

After exploring the historic ruins, retrace your steps down to the castle’s base.

If you’re visiting during the school holidays, you might be in for a treat!  The National Trust often hosts special family-friendly events, which is great if you’re visiting with kids.  Depending on the season, you could take part in interactive activities like archery, tug-of-war, medieval dress-up, and fun puzzles, perfect for visitors of all ages.

After your visit to the castle,  allow some time to explore Corfe Castle village.  It’s is a delightful place, with its narrow streets and charming cottages built from Purbeck stone, giving it a unique and timeless charm.  The village comprises two main streets, East Street and West Street, which converge at The Square.

At the centre of the village, you’ll find the Village Cross, which was erected in commemoration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

There are several attractions, which we’ve listed below.  Once you’ve had a quick look round, pop into one of the traditional tearooms or country pubs, where you can relax with a meal or drink.

One of the most popular spots is the Corfe Castle Model Village, a 1/20^th scale replica that showcases how the castle and village looked in 1646.

For a touch of medieval intrigue, visit the Church of St. Edward the Martyr, named after the young king murdered by his stepmother in 978 AD.  This beautiful historic church is a peaceful spot to reflect on its dramatic past.

Another must-visit attraction is Corfe Castle’s heritage train station.  Thanks to dedicated local enthusiasts, this restored steam railway offers visitors the chance to take a nostalgic steam train ride to Swanage, enjoying stunning views of the Purbeck countryside along the way.

Despite its small size, Corfe Castle village there’s no shortage of places to eat

You’ll find several charming tearooms in the village centre, where you can enjoy homemade scones, clotted cream, and a proper English tea.  You can also grab a bite to eat at the Model Village Café, which offers light lunches in a picturesque garden setting.

If you’re in the mood for hearty pub food, Corfe Castle is home to three historic pubs, all within walking distance of each other.  Whether you’re after a classic Sunday roast, fresh seafood, or a local ale, these pubs provide a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.

For something quick and budget-friendly, the village bakery is a must-visit.  They serve a tempting selection of freshly baked pasties, sandwiches, and irresistible cakes.  There’s no seating inside, but the steps up to the village cross make the perfect spot to sit and enjoy your snack,  while soaking in the historic surroundings.

Corfe Castle is located between Wareham and Swanage in Dorset in southern England, making it an easily accessible destination from across the UK.

If you’re driving from London, take the M25, M3, and M27, followed by a scenic stretch through the New Forest National Park. The castle sits conveniently on the A351 Swanage to Wareham Road.

The address is The Square, Corfe Castle, nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ.

For those using public transport, the nearest train station is in Wareham, with regular services from London Waterloo.  From Wareham, you can take the Purbeck Breezer 40 bus, which will take you to the castle in 15 minutes.  Another fun option is to hop on the heritage Swanage Railway steam train, which runs a regular service from Swanage.

The best place to park for your visit to Corfe Castle is at the National Trust Welcome Centre, which is located near the castle entrance.  Since the castle is managed by the National Trust, parking is free for members.  However, there are only 90 spaces, so it can get busy during peak times.  Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot!

If you’re not a National Trust member, you can still park at the NT car park by using the pay-and-display machine.

If the NT car park is full, you can also find alternative parking at West Street, which is within walking distance from the castle. It’s a quieter option that still offers easy access to the village and castle.

Corfe Castle is open every day of the year except 25^th and 26^th December.

The opening hours are 10am to 5pm.

For non-members, prices vary according to the season (peak and off-peak).

It is currently £15 for an adult and £37.50 for a family at peak time.

Under 5s are free.

Yes, dogs on a short lead can go to Corfe Castle .

You’ll find plenty of things to do near Corfe Castle.  It’s within easy reach of Dorset’s amazing Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site with some unique geological formations.

After our visit we took a scenic drive to Studland Bay for a walk to Old Harry Rocks.  If you’re travelling with family, Monkey World is a fantastic nearby attraction.  Located near Wareham, this rescue site for primates offers a chance to see over 250 monkeys up close.

Another must-visit location is Lulworth Cove, a natural harbour famous for its dramatic rock formations.  Just a short walk from the cove is the world-renowned Durdle Door, a striking limestone archway carved out by the sea.

Here’s our round up of the best things to do on the Jurassic Coast.

For our visit to Dorset we stayed in the historic town of Dorchester, which offers a fantastic central location for exploring the Jurassic Coast.  However, Dorchester is about 20 miles away from Corfe Castle, roughly a 30-minute drive by car.

If you’re looking for accommodation that’s even closer to Corfe Castle, here are some excellent options:

Mortons Manor is a beautiful, 16^th century manor house in the centre of Corfe Castle village.

This friendly B&B is within a short walk of Corfe Castle and has extremely positive reviews from guests.  It offers a comfortable room and a hearty cooked breakfast.

Click here for prices and availability at Jonti Bed and Breakfast.

Although it’s not in the village, Kingston Country Courtyard is just a short drive from Corfe Castle.  It offers beautiful rooms around a courtyard.  It has its own restaurant and there’s is a bus stop in front of the hotel.

Click here for prices and availability at Kingston Country Courtyard

The nearest campsite to Corfe Castle is Norden Farm Campsite.  This is a family-run touring caravan and camping site on a working farm.  It also has a self-catering cottage and guest house on site.

Click here for prices and availability at Norden Farm Campsite.

Other posts about Dorset you may like:

• A weekend break in Weymouth, Dorset
• 10 great days out in Dorset
• 10 family-friendly things you should do in Christchurch, Dorset
• A visit to RSPB Arne, Dorset
• A visit to Abbotsbury Swannery, Dorset

Have you been on a visit to Corfe Castle in Dorset?  We’d love to hear your comments below.

Pin for later:  A visit to Corfe Castle, Dorset

*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. (Read our full Disclosure Policy)