About Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle is a ruined fortification on a natural chalk hill in the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset. The castle dates back to the 11th century, built by William the Conqueror as a royal fortress controlling the main route through the Purbeck Hills. For over 500 years it served as a royal residence, a treasury, and a prison before being partially demolished by Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War in 1646.
The ruins that remain are striking. The broken walls and towers stand at odd angles on the hilltop, visible for miles in every direction. The National Trust now manages the site, and climbing through the castle's remaining rooms, towers and ramparts gives a real sense of its scale and strategic position.
The Village of Corfe Castle
At the foot of the castle sits the village of Corfe Castle - a small, photogenic settlement of grey Purbeck stone cottages, tea rooms, independent shops and pubs. The village square, with the castle ruins towering above it, is one of the most photographed scenes in Dorset.
The village has a handful of good places to eat and drink. The Bankes Arms and the Greyhound are traditional pubs serving food, and there are several tea rooms and bakeries. The Corfe Castle Model Village, a 1/20th scale recreation of the village as it appeared before the Civil War, sits in the grounds behind the National Trust shop.
Getting There from Weymouth
Corfe Castle is 19 miles east of Weymouth, about a 30 minute drive via the A352 through Wareham. The route passes through the Purbeck countryside and is a pleasant drive in its own right.
National Trust members can park for free at the castle car park. For non-members, parking costs around £5-7 for the day. There are also a few small car parks and on-street spaces in the village, though these fill quickly in summer.
An alternative way to arrive is by steam train. The Swanage Railway runs heritage steam and diesel services from Norden (just north of Corfe Castle) through the village and on to Swanage. Arriving by steam train with the castle coming into view above you is a memorable experience, particularly for children.
What to See and Do
- The castle ruins - explore the keep, the outer bailey, the murder holes and arrow slits. Allow 1-2 hours for a thorough visit
- Views from the top - on a clear day you can see across the Purbeck Hills to Poole Harbour and the Dorset coastline
- The Model Village - a detailed miniature recreation of pre-Civil War Corfe Castle
- Swanage Railway - heritage steam trains running through the village to Swanage
- Walking - the Purbeck Way and other footpaths radiate from the village through the surrounding hills
- Combine with a trip to Studland Beach or Lulworth Cove on the same day
History Highlights
Corfe Castle has seen more than its share of drama. In 978 AD, the young King Edward (later called Edward the Martyr) was murdered at the castle gate - stabbed while drinking from a welcoming cup. The castle was later used to imprison and starve French nobles captured during the Hundred Years War.
During the Civil War, Lady Bankes defended the castle against two Parliamentary sieges with a garrison of just 80 men and a household of women. The castle finally fell only through betrayal from within, when one of the officers secretly admitted the attacking force. Parliament ordered the castle slighted (deliberately destroyed) in 1646, giving it the dramatic broken profile visible today.
Best Time to Visit
Corfe Castle is open year-round. Summer is busiest, but the castle works well in any season. Autumn mists rising around the ruins create an atmospheric scene. Winter visits are quiet and dramatic. The village's Christmas market in early December is popular. National Trust events run throughout the year, including medieval re-enactments and family activity days.
Where to Stay for Corfe Castle
The Escape in Weymouth is 30 minutes from Corfe Castle and 100m from the beach. A perfect base for combining coast and countryside. Book direct and save 18%.