• Know Before You Go - Covid-19 information
    • We're Good To Go Dorset
      • Accommodation
      • Days Out
    • Know before you go town centres
    • Repect, Protect and Enjoy Dorset
  • Things To Do
    • Shopping
      • Home Delivery and Online Shopping
      • Keep It Local
      • Markets
      • Antiques & Vintage
      • Arts & Crafts
      • Clothing & Accessories
      • Food & Drink
      • Shopping Areas & Retail Parks
    • Dorset Beaches
      • Beach Safety
      • Dog Friendly
      • The Jurassic Coast
      • Fossil Hunting
    • Active and Outdoor
      • Walking
      • Cycling & Mountain Biking
      • Watersports
      • Adventure
      • Leisure Centres
      • Golf
      • Group Friendly
    • Families & Children
    • Heritage & Culture
      • Castles & Forts
      • Ancient Sites
      • Museums & Galleries
      • National Trust
      • Landmarks
      • Stately Homes
      • Arts & Crafts
    • Animals & Farm Parks
    • Gardens & Parks
    • Tours & Boat Trips
      • Boat Tours
      • Guided Tours
      • Day Trips
      • Educational Visits
    • Food & Drink Experiences
    • Entertainment & Arts
      • Cinemas
      • Theatres
      • Nightlife
      • Performing Arts
    • Nature and Wildlife
      • Bird Watching
      • Nature Reserves and Country Parks
      • Dorsets Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  • Accommodation
    • Hotels
    • Bed & Breakfast
    • Self Catering
    • Self Catering Agencies
    • Dorset Holiday Cottages
    • Caravan & Holiday Parks
    • Campsites
    • Glamping
    • Pubs & Inns
    • Farm Stays
    • Eco Friendly
    • Group Friendly
    • Pet Friendly
    • Accessible
    • Gradings & Awards
  • Shopping
  • Food & Drink
    • Takeaways
    • Restaurants
    • Pubs & Bars
    • Cafes & Coffee Shops
    • Afternoon Tea
    • Farmers' Markets
    • Local Produce
    • Celebrity Chefs
    • Food Events
    • Food & Drink Experiences
  • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Special Offers
    • Visit Dorset Blog
    • Top 10 Ideas
      • Top 10 Free Days Out
      • Top 10 Days Out With Kids
      • Top 10 Dorset Views
      • Top 10 Dorset Walks
      • Top 10 Rainy Day Ideas
      • Top 10 Sunny Day Ideas
    • Dog Friendly
      • Dog Friendly Accommodation
      • Dog Friendly Attractions
      • Dog Friendly Eating Out
      • Dog Friendly Beaches
      • Walking in Dorset
    • Eco-friendly
      • Eco Friendly Accommodation
      • Car Free Breaks
      • Top 10 car free days out
      • Travelling around Dorset
      • Charging your electric car
      • Local produce
      • Shop local
    • Short Break Ideas
      • Winter Breaks in Dorset
      • Spring Breaks in Dorset
      • Foodie Dorset
      • Romantic Dorset
      • Car Free Dorset
      • Health and Wellbeing Breaks
      • Luxury Dorset
      • Walking Breaks
    • Film & TV
      • Ammonite
      • Broadchurch
      • Dunkirk
      • Far From The Madding Crowd
      • On Chesil Beach
    • History & Heritage
      • Museums
      • Literary Dorset
      • Ancient Sites
      • Jurassic Coast
      • Fossil Hunting
    • Dorset Weddings
      • Places To Propose
      • Wedding Venues
      • Wedding Services
      • Honeymoons
      • Stag and Hen
  • Explore
    • Respect, Protect, Enjoy
    • Jurassic Coast
      • Fossil Hunting
    • Areas To Visit
      • Beaminster
      • Blandford Forum
      • Bournemouth
      • Bridport & West Bay
      • Christchurch
      • Dorchester
      • Lyme Regis
      • Poole
      • Portland
      • Purbeck
      • Shaftesbury & Gillingham
      • Sherborne
      • Sturminster Newton
      • Swanage
      • Wareham
      • Weymouth
      • Wimborne Minster
    • Villages
      • Abbotsbury
      • Cerne Abbas
      • Charmouth
      • Corfe Castle
      • Cranborne
      • East & West Lulworth
      • Milton Abbas
    • Coast and Beaches
      • Be CoastWise
      • Dorset Beaches
      • Jurassic Coast
      • Dog Friendly Beaches
      • Harbours
    • Countryside
    • Areas Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
  • What's On
    • Virtual events
    • Food & Drink Events
    • Art Events
    • Music Events
    • Festivals
    • Sporting Events
    • Nature Events
    • Submit Event
  • Visitor Information
    • Maps
    • Brochures & Guides
      • Accessible Guides
    • Tourist Information Centres
      • Tourist Information Points
    • Travel Information
      • Getting Here
      • Getting Around
      • Parking
    • Group Travel
      • Group Friendly Accommodation
      • Group Friendly Days Out
      • Group Friendly Eating Out
      • Educational Visits
      • Stag and Hen Parties
    • Litter Free Dorset
    • Accessibility
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us

Special Offers

Sign up to our E-newsletter

Order or Download a Brochure

Visit Dorset Blog

Submit Event

Covid-19 information 

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in Dorset

  • Things To Do

    Things To Do in Dorset

  • Food & Drink

    Places To Eat & Drink in Dorset

  • Explore

    Explore & Discover Dorset

Site Search Icon Site Search Icon

Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

List All My Saved Itineraries

  • Change Language
  • Holidays and Tourist information - Official Tourism Board - Visit Dorset.
  • Print Logo

You are here: Things To Do > Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle

The Square
CORFE CASTLE
Dorset
BH20 5EZ

Add Corfe Castle to your Itinerary

Corfe Castle in spring
  • Corfe Castle in spring
  • Children playing at Corfe Castle
  • The Medieval Knight Academy at Corfe Castle
  • Saxons and Vikings at Corfe Castle
  • Medieval crafts at Corfe Castle
  • Corfe Castle
  • Corfe Castle
  • Corfe Castle
  • Dressing up at Corfe Castle
  • Knights at Corfe Castle

Website

Email

Telephone: +44 (0)1929 481294

About

Corfe Castle ruins are one of Britain's most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians, they sit proudly upon a hill of this beautiful historical village with the same name.

Discover 1,000 years of its history as a royal palace and fortress. This special place is a favourite haunt for adults and children alike where people are captivated by these romantic ruins that offer breathtaking views across the Purbecks. With fallen walls and secret places, there are tales of treachery and treason around every corner.

Spot the 'murder holes' and count the arrow loops or take part on one of our quests around the ruins. Throughout the year, there are an abundance of events and exciting things to do here for all the family, from watching falconry displays, hunting for clues on the Easter trails or taking part in knight school as part of the medieval village.  History comes to life at Corfe Castle where you can step back in time and discover what life might have been like once upon a time

A brief history of a thousand-year-old royal castle shaped by warfare…

The first stone of Corfe Castle was laid more than 1,000 years ago. Since then it’s seen its fair share of battles, mysteries and plots. It’s been a treasury, military garrison, royal residence and family home.

The keep was built in the early 12th century for King Henry I, William the Conqueror’s son. It was designed to be impressive – and it certainly was. Standing 21m tall and on the top of a 55m high hill, this gleaming tower of Purbeck limestone could be seen from miles around.

Siege

In the 17th century, as the Civil War raged around it, the castle stood firm. The Bankes family supported King Charles I (Cavaliers) against Oliver Cromwell (Roundheads). Lady Bankes defended it bravely during not just one, but two sieges, until finally she was betrayed by one of her own soldiers.

Destruction

After six centuries of keeping enemies at bay, an Act of Parliament was passed at Wareham to destroy the castle. Captain Hughes of Lulworth was given the job of demolishing it. His sappers dug deep holes packed with gunpowder to bring the towers and ramparts crashing down, resulting in the yawning gaps and crazy angles we see today.

Rebirth

After a brief period of confiscation, the castle was handed back to the Bankes family and remained in their ownership for three and a half centuries. In 1982 Ralph Bankes gave it to the National Trust along with the family's extensive holdings in Purbeck, their mansion at Kingston Lacy near Wimborne and its adjoining land. The Bankes estate was one of the most generous gifts in the Trust's history.

Corfe Castle has a National Trust shop, 18th century tea rooms with garden and visitor centre which is open daily from 10:00am.

School group tours are available - contact corfecastlelearning@nationaltrust.org.uk

Opening Times

Open New Year
Winter Opening (1 January 2021 - 14 February 2021)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00*
Spring Opening (15 February 2021 - 3 April 2021)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00*
Summer Opening (4 April 2021 - 2 September 2021)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 16:30*
Autumn Opening (3 September 2021 - 1 November 2021)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00*
Winter Opening (2 November 2021 - 31 December 2021)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00*
Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£10.00 per ticket
Child£5.00 per ticket
Family£25.00 per ticket
Family - 1 adult£15.00 per ticket

Pre-booking tickets is required.
Under 5s: free. Child price applies for 5-17 year olds (inclusive).
Family ticket admits two adults plus up to three children for the price of two adults plus one child. One adult family ticket admits one adult plus up to three children for the price of one adult plus one child.

Website

Email

Telephone: +44 (0)1929 481294

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NTCorfeCastle

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
2833 reviews
  • Travelers Choice 2020
  • Excellent
    1661
  • Very Good
    932
  • Average
    182
  • Poor
    39
  • Terrible
    19

Recent Reviews:

  • Richard G
    Bushey, United Kingdom
    Great photo opportunities!
    5 of 5 stars
    Saturday, 21st November 2020
    Visiting the castle was one of our highlights of our trip to Dorset. Lovely castle to potter around, lovely views, friendly staff. The highlight for my teenage son too! Read full review
  • NichaUk
    UK
    Trip Type:
    Family
    Amazing Ruin
    5 of 5 stars
    Friday, 4th December 2020
    We visited on a really windy and rainy day, but it was still worth the visit. The kids enjoyed looking for the shields and pumpkins and the views over the town from the top was amazing. As with... Read full review
  • Chi_Alex2
    Portsmouth, United Kingdom
    An incredible piece of history
    5 of 5 stars
    Tuesday, 8th December 2020
    As somewhat of a history nerd, what can I say? This place is incredible, it blew me away! Dating originally from just after the Norman Conquest of 1066, this castle has had a turbulent history... Read full review
Write a review
© TripAdvisor 2021

Facilities

Other

  • Gift Shop

Accessibility

  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Catering

  • On-Site café/restaurant - National Trust licensed tea rooms and garden

Children & Infants

  • Facilities for children

Establishment Features

  • Cater for groups
  • Dogs Accepted
  • Open All Year
  • Printed Material in Foreign Languages - French and German
  • Toilets

Key Features

  • Approx length of visit - Minimum 1 hour
  • In countryside
  • Max group size - 50
  • Of historic, literary or architectural interest
  • Outdoor Attraction
  • Village Location

Parking & Transport

  • On Bus Route - Bus numbers 30 or 40 - Castle View Visitor Centre bus stop
  • Parking (charge) - car and coach parking at Castle View Visitor Centre, charges apply if not National Trust member. Uphill walk from car park to Castle.

Payment Methods

  • Maestro accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Min group size - 15
  • TIC Staff Admitted Free
  • Visa accepted

Printed Material in Foreign Languages

  • Dutch printed material
  • Spanish printed material

Specialist Features

  • Family Fun
  • Marketed towards children
  • Marketed towards families
  • Marketed towards senior citizens
  • Marketed towards student/youth

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Demonstrations Given
  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups

Travel & Trade

  • Group discounts available

Venue Facilities

  • Groups Accepted - Must be pre-booked.

Map & Directions

View Map

Road Directions

The nearest major road is the A351 - follow the road from Wareham towards Swanage for approximately 5 miles.

There is a National Trust car and coach park (free to members) on the edge of the village which is a half mile walk around the base of the Castle to the Castle entrance.

Cars can also park at Corfe Castle West Street car park - follow signs to the Village Centre and Castle.

Alternatively, cars and coaches can park at Norden Car Park (just off the A351) and enjoy a pleasant walk into Corfe Castle village (1 mile) or catch the steam train to Corfe Castle railway station.

Public Transport Directions

FROM THE WEST: the nearest mainline railway station is Wareham (on the London Waterloo to Weymouth line). Transfer to the number 40 bus to Castle View Visitor Centre bus stop, Corfe Castle.

FROM THE EAST: catch a train to Bournemouth Railway Station, transfer to the number 50 bus to Swanage, then transfer again to the number 30 or 40 bus to Castle View Visitor Centre bus stop, Corfe Castle. Alternatively, at times when the Swanage Railway is running, catch a train from Swanage to Corfe Castle. Tel: 01929 425800 or visit their website: www.swanagerailway.co.uk.

JOURNEY PLANNING: Contact Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit their website: www.travelinesw.com to look up bus timetables. From 1st January 2019, calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge.

TRAVEL DISCOUNT: Present your valid bus or train ticket when entering the Castle for a redeemable voucher for the National Trust cafe or shop.

Website

Email

Telephone: +44 (0)1929 481294

Related

Knoll Beach and Studland BayStudland Bay, StudlandThe National Trust car parks are open at Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach from 9am to 5pm. Toilets are open at Shell Bay, Knoll Beach and Middle Beach. There are limited spaces, so if the car park is full please come back another time. BBQs are not allowed anywhere on the beach…

Hardy's Cottage - Thomas Hardy's birthplaceHardy's Cottage, Dorchester*LATEST UPDATE* Hardy's Cottage is currently closed. Thomas Hardy was born in 1840 in this small cob and thatch cottage, which was built by his great-grandfather and is little altered since the family left. His early novels Under the Greenwood Tree and Far from the Madding Crowd were written here.

Kingston Lacy House and GardensKingston Lacy, Wimborne MinsterKingston Lacy is an elegant 17th century Italian inspired country mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland. Wander around Kingston Lacy house and discover the Spanish Room with its gilded leather and gilded ceiling brought from the Contarini Palace in Venice. Witness…

Max Gate - Home of Thomas Hardy, Dorchester*LATEST UPDATE* Max Gate is currently closed. Victorian house designed by Thomas Hardy and his home from 1885 until his death in 1928.

Red Squirrel on Brownsea IslandBrownsea Island, PurbeckA beautiful island with wonderful views, history & wildlife including rare red squirrels and birds, and is also the birthplace of Scouting and Guiding.

White Mill near Sturminster MarshallWhite Mill, East Dorset*LATEST UPDATE* White Mill is currently closed. Corn mill with original wooden machinery in a peaceful riverside setting.

What's Nearby

  1. The Blue Pool in Dorset

    The Blue Pool

    *LATEST UPDATE* The Blue Pool is now closed until further notice (from 17/09/2020)

    1.66 miles away
  2. The Etches Collection - Museum of Jurassic Marine Life

    Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection

    The finest single collection of Late Jurassic age fossils in Britain, housed in a purpose…

    3.19 miles away
  3. Knoll Beach and Studland Bay

    Studland Bay

    The National Trust car parks are open at Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South…

    4.72 miles away
  1. Swanage Railway - photo taken by Andrew P.M. Wright

    Swanage Railway

    Enjoy a nostalgic steam-train ride on the Purbeck line. Steam trains run for most of the…

    4.84 miles away
  2. Swanage Beach Huts

    Swanage Beach Huts

    Swanage Beach huts are let daily, weekly or longer term. Hire a beach hut, and your…

    4.91 miles away
  3. Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre

    Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre

    *LATEST UPDATE* The Museum is currently closed. Containing information on the history,…

    5.05 miles away
  4. swanage pier early light

    Swanage Pier

    Restored Victorian Pier, stroll, visit the exhibition, café or shop. Boat trips, fishing…

    5.22 miles away
  5. Red Squirrel on Brownsea Island

    Brownsea Island

    A beautiful island with wonderful views, history & wildlife including rare red squirrels…

    5.57 miles away
  6. Durlston Country Park

    Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

    Durlston Castle and Country Park, situated 1 mile from Swanage in Dorset, is a fabulous…

    5.62 miles away
  7. Farmer Palmers Farm Park

    Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

    Farmer Palmers Farm Park has re-opened - pre-booking admission is now essential. Please…

    6.51 miles away
  8. Lulworth Castle, Dorset

    Lulworth Castle & Park

    Walk in the footsteps of Kings & Queens as you enjoy wide open spaces, historic buildings…

    6.56 miles away
  9. Monkey World, Dorset - Make the connection

    Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre

    Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all the family at Monkey World – Ape Rescue…

    7.94 miles away
  10. Lulworth Outdoors Coasteering at Lulworth

    Lulworth Outdoors

    *LATEST UPDATE* Activities are suspended until further notice. Lulworth Outdoors are a…

    8.5 miles away
  11. Ring ride at Splashdown Poole at Tower Park, Dorset

    Splashdown Poole

    Splashdown Poole has now re-opened with updated opening hours and operating procedures to…

    8.69 miles away
  12. Tank Museum

    The Tank Museum

    Bringing history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live…

    8.78 miles away
  13. Russell-Cotes art gallery and museum - exterior

    Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

    The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum houses important collections of paintings,…

    9.81 miles away
Previous Next
More

Search What's Nearby

Product Type
Proximity
Within miles
Loading..Loading..

Follow Visit Dorset

  • Facebook

    Thumbnail for Facebook

  • Twitter

    Thumbnail for Twitter

  • Youtube

    Thumbnail for Youtube

  • Instagram

    Thumbnail for Instagram

Sign up for our Newsletter

thank you

Download our Guide

thank you

Know Before You Go - Covid-19 information
  • We're Good To Go Dorset,
  • Know before you go town centres,
  • Repect, Protect and Enjoy Dorset,
Things To Do
  • Family Friendly,
  • Dog Friendly,
  • The Jurassic Coast,
  • Fossil Hunting,
  • Shopping,
  • Active and Outdoor ,
  • Families & Children,
  • Heritage & Culture,
  • Animals & Farm Parks,
  • Gardens & Parks,
  • Tours & Boat Trips,
  • Food & Drink Experiences,
  • Entertainment & Arts,
  • Nature and Wildlife,
Accommodation
  • Hotels,
  • Bed & Breakfast,
  • Self Catering,
  • Self Catering Agencies,
  • Dorset Holiday Cottages,
  • Caravan & Holiday Parks,
  • Campsites,
  • Glamping,
  • Pubs & Inns,
  • Farm Stays,
  • Eco Friendly,
  • Group Friendly,
  • Pet Friendly,
  • Accessible,
  • Gradings & Awards,
Shopping Food & Drink
  • Restaurants,
  • Pubs & Bars,
  • Cafes & Coffee Shops,
  • Afternoon Tea,
  • Farmers' Markets,
  • Local Produce,
  • Celebrity Chefs,
  • Food Events,
  • Food & Drink Experiences,
Ideas & Inspiration
  • Special Offers,
  • Visit Dorset Blog,
  • Top 10 Ideas,
  • Dog Friendly,
  • Eco-friendly,
  • Short Break Ideas,
  • Film & TV,
  • History & Heritage,
  • Dorset Weddings,
  • Dorset Videos,
Explore
  • Jurassic Coast,
  • Areas To Visit,
  • Villages,
  • Coast and Beaches,
  • Countryside,
  • Areas Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB),
What's On
  • Festivals,
  • Food & Drink Events,
  • Art Events,
  • Music Events,
  • Nature Events,
  • Sporting Events,
  • Submit Event,
Visitor Information
  • Maps,
  • Brochures & Guides,
  • Tourist Information Centres,
  • Travel Information,
  • Group Travel,
  • Litter Free Dorset,
  • Accessibility,
  • Social Media,
  • Contact Us,
Home
Industry
  • About Us,
  • Our Work,
  • Working With Us,
  • Media Room,
  • Business Resources,
  • Research,
  • News,
  • Print Page
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Statement
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms and Conditions

Copyright 2021 Visit Dorset. All Rights Reserved.

Made By Simpleview Logo

Ratings & Reviews

Powered By

tripadvisor

Special Offers

Sign up to our E-newsletter

Order or Download a Brochure

Visit Dorset Blog

Special Offers

Sign up to our E-newsletter

Order or Download a Brochure

Visit Dorset Blog

Special Offers

Sign up to our E-newsletter

Order or Download a Brochure

Visit Dorset Blog

Special Offers

Sign up to our E-newsletter

Order or Download a Brochure

Visit Dorset Blog

Special Offers

Sign up to our E-newsletter

Order or Download a Brochure

Visit Dorset Blog

Special Offers

Sign up to our E-newsletter

Order or Download a Brochure

Visit Dorset Blog

Special Offers

Sign up to our E-newsletter

Order or Download a Brochure

Visit Dorset Blog