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Corfe Castle

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Corfe Castle

Watch battle re-enactments among evocative medieval ruins and learn about the role this fort played in the English Civil War.

Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, Corfe Castle was once a sturdy stone fort. Although only ruins remain, the crumbling castle atop a scenic green hill, is now one of Britain’s most-visited historic structures. Walk where kings and knights once walked as you explore the quaint alleyways, steps and tumbledown walls.

In its heyday, the castle was vital for monarchists in keeping the supporters of parliament at bay during the English Civil War. Watch a thrilling battle re-enactment in the Old Bailey area to see history in action. Learn about the heroic acts of the lady of the manor, Mary Bankes, who held the fort on her own.

If you are visiting with children, a great way to see the site is to complete the Castle Quest. Pick up a free quest booklet at the ticket office and get the family together to embark on the self-guided adventure. Complete all the exercises in the booklet to receive a prize at the end. 

Many parts of the castle were renovated in the first couple of centuries following its construction. View the oldest surviving segment of the structure in the West Bailey and find out about a medieval murder mystery associated with the castle. It is said to involve a young Saxon king who was violently murdered on the orders of his conniving stepmother.

Head to the heart of the castle to see the royal residence, the living quarters of Norman kings. Take note of the exceptional stonework sculptures. The use of stone to build parts of the site indicates the castle was held in high esteem. 

Stop by the National Trust shop for toys and souvenirs and take a walk through adjacent town with which it shares its name to see the model village and the historic parish church.

The site opens daily from morning until early evening. There is an entrance fee for adults and concessions are available for children, families and groups.

Corfe Castle is a 25-minute drive southwest from the town of Poole in Dorset. It is part of the Purbeck Heritage Coast, a scenic area of land that juts out from the south of England. Take a train to Swanage Railway Station, which is just a few miles east of the castle.

Guide to Exploring Corfe Castle

Oceanarium

Face fearsome sharks, feed the giant turtles and explore the tanks full of colorful animals you never knew existed.

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St. Peter’s Church

Gaze up at the iconic spire of the founding church of Bournemouth, where the writer of Frankenstein was laid to rest.

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Durdle Door

Swim through the large natural arch in the cliffs, which juts out dramatically into the sea and dates back about 140 million years.
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Highcliffe Castle

View one of the best surviving examples of Romantic and Picturesque architecture at this castle. Marvel at the medieval French masonry used in its construction. 
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Bournemouth Beach

Stroll along miles of England’s southern coast and stop at the fun parks and activity centers along the way.

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Weymouth Beach

Breathe in the salty sea air, savor hot fish and chips and take photos of the coastline as you amble along the Esplanade that follows the gentle curve of this beach.
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Bournemouth Pier

Zipline from a tall tower on the pier over the waves of the sea and down to the beach from this pier’s exhilarating activity center.

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Lulworth Cove Beach

Spend the afternoon at this perfectly formed cove on the Jurassic Coast, one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.
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Bournemouth Lower Gardens

Take in the alluring scents and bright colors of the wide range of flowers in this Victorian park with scenic paths and woods.

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Map

Top Hotel Deals

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Bankes Arms Hotel £108
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Bankes Arms Hotel

Bankes Arms Hotel

23 East Street, Wareham
     
    3.6
    of 5, from 61 reviews
    3.5 out of 5.0

    Situated in Wareham, this inn is within 1 mi (2 km) of Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum and Corfe Castle. Langton Matravers Museum and Wareham Town Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

    Mortons House Hotel £92
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    Mortons House Hotel

    Mortons House Hotel

    45 East Street, Wareham
       
      4.3
      of 5, from 35 reviews
      3.0 out of 5.0

      Situated in Wareham, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum and Corfe Castle. Langton Matravers Museum and Wareham Town Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

      Ammonite B&B
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      Ammonite B&B

      Ammonite B&B

      88 West Street, Corfe Castle, Wareham
         
        4.7
        of 5, from 20 reviews
        4.0 out of 5.0

        Situated in Wareham, this bed & breakfast is within 1 mi (2 km) of Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum and Corfe Castle. Langton Matravers Museum and Wareham Town Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

        The Old Telephone Exchange 4* Self Catering Cottage in Corfe Castle Village
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        The Old Telephone Exchange 4* Self Catering Cottage in Corfe Castle Village

        The Old Telephone Exchange 4* Self Catering Cottage in Corfe Castle Village

        , Corfe Castle
           
          4.7
          of 5, from 11 reviews
          0.0 out of 5.0

          Situated near the beach in Wareham, this property is close to Corfe Castle, Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum and Isle of Purbeck. Local attractions also include Langton Matravers Museum.

          The Scott Arms - Inn £82
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          The Scott Arms - Inn

          The Scott Arms - Inn

          The Scott Arms, Wareham
             
            4.2
            of 5, from 37 reviews
            4.0 out of 5.0

            Situated in Kingston, this inn is within 3 miles (5 km) of Corfe Castle, Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum and Langton Matravers Museum. Swanage 18 Hole Pitch and Putt and Dancing Ledge are also within 6 miles (10 km).

            Kingston Country Courtyard £100
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            Kingston Country Courtyard

            Kingston Country Courtyard

            Kingston, Wareham
               
              4.2
              of 5, from 98 reviews
              4.0 out of 5.0

              Situated in Kingston, this bed & breakfast is 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Langton Matravers Museum and 2.5 mi (4 km) from Corfe Castle. Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) away.

              Janes Places - Isle of Purbeck
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              Janes Places - Isle of Purbeck

              Janes Places - Isle of Purbeck

              Springbrook Close, Wareham
                 
                3.5 out of 5.0

                Situated near the beach in Wareham, this holiday home is close to Isle of Purbeck, Corfe Castle and Langton Matravers Museum. Local attractions also include Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum and Dancing Ledge.

                Bradle Farmhouse £79
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                Bradle Farmhouse

                Bradle Farmhouse

                Bradle, Wareham
                   
                  4.9
                  of 5, from 27 reviews
                  4.0 out of 5.0

                  Situated in Wareham, this country house is 3 mi (4.9 km) from Corfe Castle and within 6 miles (10 km) of Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum and Wareham Town Museum. Langton Matravers Museum and Swanage 18 Hole Pitch and Putt are also within 9 miles (15 km).

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