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.

Reviews of Corfe Castle

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
112
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
78
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
15
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The village is lovely to visit too

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

We went and looked because I remember going there as a child about 50 years ago! There seemed to be a lot less of it than I remember! Sadly we were unable to attempt the climb!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

On a clear day the views from the top of the castle are brilliant.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Expensive entrance fee for a family

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Good walking boots required

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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

Corfe Castle offers a delightful array of activities for visitors, including relaxing spa treatments and invigorating swimming options. Explore the stunning surroundings and immerse yourself in the rich history of the castle, while enjoying the picturesque village atmosphere. Whether you seek tranquillity or adventure, Corfe Castle provides a charming retreat with something for everyone.

Shopping

Corfe Castle offers quaint shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Castle Point Shopping Centre, located 19.3km away, features a variety of shops and entertainment. For a taste of local produce, New Forest Cider, 32.2km away, is a must-visit.

Recreation

At Upton Country Park, relax amidst beautiful gardens and serene woodlands, perfect for mindfulness walks. Enjoy a round at Swanage 18 Hole Pitch and Putt, where sport meets the great outdoors. Santa-Fe Fun Park offers a fun-filled mini-golf experience, ideal for family adventure and bonding.

Adventure

Embark on the South West Coast Path Section 52 Trailhead, located 4.8km from Corfe Castle, for a scenic hike with breathtaking views. Explore the Tyneham Village and Flower's Barrow Walk, 8.0km away, offering a blend of adventure and stunning landscapes. Discover more on the South West Coast Path Section 51 Trailhead, 12.9km from Corfe Castle.

Nightlife

In Corfe Castle, you can enjoy a night out at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, offering a blend of culture and romance just 16.1km away. For adventure vibes, head to Tower Park's arcade, 14.5km away, or catch a film at Cineworld Poole, also 14.5km distant.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle and its surroundings offer a delightful blend of attractions for visitors, including stunning beaches, picturesque bays, and charming harbours. Whether you seek cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or simply the beauty of nature, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Exploring this scenic area will surely provide lasting memories of your visit to this historic location.

  • Poole Harbour: Experience the tranquil beauty of Poole Harbour, renowned for its stunning scenery and vibrant beach life. Ideal for leisurely walks and water sports, the harbour is perfect for soaking up the coastal atmosphere while enjoying picturesque views.
  • Lulworth Cove: Discover the unique geological formations at Lulworth Cove, a stunning bay that offers excellent outdoor activities. Its beautiful beach and surrounding cliffs create a magnificent backdrop for hiking, picnicking, or simply relaxing by the sea.
  • Sandbanks Beach: Renowned for its golden sands and clear waters, Sandbanks Beach is a quintessential seaside destination. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or beach sports, all while surrounded by the breathtaking views of the coastline.

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 RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)No RainMostly 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 RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
November49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Corfe Castle

To save money on your trip to Corfe Castle, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February or October, and aim for a Tuesday stay to avoid weekend price hikes. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and hotel type, and sort prices from lowest to highest to find the best deals. Combining your hotel booking with flights and activities can yield additional savings. Don't forget to explore free activities around the castle and utilise public transport for cost-effective travel options.

  • 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, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To uncover the most economical prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel booking at Corfe Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.