Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle which includes heritage elements, building ruins and tranquil scenes
Corfe Castle which includes heritage elements and a ruin
Corfe Castle showing a small town or village
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle which includes building ruins and heritage elements


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.

Plan a trip to see Corfe Castle

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Mowbray Court Hotel
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Bankes Arms Hotel

Bankes Arms Hotel

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Bankes Arms Hotel
Mortons Manor

Mortons Manor

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Tavern Way

Tavern Way

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Kingston Country Courtyard

Kingston Country Courtyard

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Kingston Country Courtyard, Corfe Castle, Wareham, England
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Purbeck cottage near Swanage &  Studland -  views of Corfe and I of Wight

Purbeck cottage near Swanage & Studland - views of Corfe and I of Wight

Langton Matravers, England
Purbeck cottage near Swanage & Studland - views of Corfe and I of Wight
 Spacious Coastal House with Stunning Sea Views N Near Sea & Sandy Beaches

Spacious Coastal House with Stunning Sea Views N Near Sea & Sandy Beaches

Worth Matravers, Dorset
Spacious Coastal House with Stunning Sea Views N Near Sea & Sandy Beaches
Bobbin Cottage

Bobbin Cottage

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106 High Street Langton Matravers, Swanage, England
Bobbin Cottage
The Old Haberdashery

The Old Haberdashery

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Waterfront Cottage on the Beach In Beautiful Dorset Countryside Sleeps 12

Waterfront Cottage on the Beach In Beautiful Dorset Countryside Sleeps 12

Dorset, ENG
Waterfront Cottage on the Beach In Beautiful Dorset Countryside Sleeps 12
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Corfe Castle

When visiting Corfe Castle, indulge in a relaxing spa day or take a dip in the swimming pool. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming village, perfect for bird watching. For those travelling with motorhomes, there are excellent campsites nearby that offer stunning views and convenient access to the castle and surrounding countryside. Embrace the beauty and history of this picturesque area during your stay.

Shopping

In Corfe Castle, you can enjoy charming local shops for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit Castle Point Shopping Centre, 7.5km away, for a variety of shops and entertainment options. New Forest Cider, located 12.4km away, offers delightful local produce.

Recreation

Enjoy a round at Swanage 18 Hole Pitch and Putt, where you can soak up the outdoor atmosphere while honing your golfing skills. For a more energetic experience, visit Poole Stadium, where various sporting events unfold. Families will love the Boscombe Chine Gardens Mini Golf Course for a fun-filled day out.

Adventure

Embark on the Tyneham Village and Flower's Barrow Walk, a scenic hike 3.1km from Corfe Castle, offering breathtaking views and a sense of adventure. Alternatively, explore the South West Coast Path Section 52 Trailhead, located 1.9km away, or the Section 51 Trailhead, 5.0km distant, both featuring stunning landscapes.

Nightlife

For a lively evening, consider the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre for a cultural experience or catch a film at Cineworld Poole for a romantic vibe. If you're looking for fun with family, Tower Park’s AdventureZone offers arcade games and excitement just a short drive away.

Find the best attractions near Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle offers a delightful mix of attractions for all types of visitors, from stunning beaches and picturesque bays to charming harbours. Explore the historic ruins of the medieval castle and wander through the quaint village of Corfe Castle. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences or outdoor adventures, this enchanting area provides plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in its rich heritage and natural beauty.

  • Poole Harbour: Experience the stunning scenery and tranquil beach vibes at Poole Harbour, a picturesque spot just 3.7km from Corfe Castle. Enjoy leisurely walks along the waterfront, watch the boats sail by, and soak in the natural beauty.
  • Lulworth Cove: A charming bay located 5.0km away, Lulworth Cove is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Marvel at the unique geology, relax on the beach, and explore the scenic coastal paths, all while enjoying the fresh sea air.
  • Sandbanks Beach: Just 3.7km from Corfe Castle, Sandbanks Beach boasts beautiful sandy shores and a vibrant atmosphere. It's an ideal location for sunbathing, swimming, and indulging in various water sports.

Best time to go to Corfe Castle

The best time to visit Corfe Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Corfe Castle falls in July and August. August has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Corfe Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September59.7°F (15.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Corfe Castle

To save money on your visit to Corfe Castle, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January, February, and October, when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to book a stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find great rates and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Opt for eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices. Additionally, explore the area on foot, as it’s compact and offers plenty of free activities to enjoy without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Corfe Castle are January to February and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Corfe Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Corfe Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near Corfe Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.