Corfe Castle
Dating back to the 11th century and located on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, ruined Corfe Castle is one of England's most evocative castles.
It is also one of the National Trust's most popular sites, visited by thousands of people every year.
Located on a hill top, there are great views of the surrounding countryside.
History
Corfe Castle was built on the orders of William the Conqueror soon after the invasion of 1066.
The stone keep was added by King Henry I with limestone quarried nearby.
King John and Henry III improved the castle and both monarchs kept Eleanor Fair Maid of Brittany, who had a claim to their thrones, a prisoner in the castle for 39 years until her death in 1241.
Queen Elizabeth I, always in need of finance, sold the castle to her Lord Chancellor, Sir Christopher Hatton in 1572. It then passed to Sir John Bankes, Attorney General to Charles I, in 1635.
During the English Civil War (1642-1651) Corfe was besieged at the beginning of the conflict by Parliamentary forces but held out against the odds, defended by Lady Bankes, the wife of John.
It finally fell in 1645 and the castle was slighted (intentionally damaged) to leave the structure in the state we see today.
In 1981 Ralph Bankes (1902-1981) bequeathed his entire estate to the National Trust including Corfe Castle and the family seat at Kingston Lacy.
Things to See & Do
Corfe Castle puts on various events throughout the year in particular during the summer and during half-term for schools.
They include reenactors in period costume demonstrating how to prepare Tudor feasts, how to behave at a Tudor table and even dance a Tudor jig.
Just outside the castle are the National Trust's tearooms and shop.
Corfe Village
While its buildings are undoubtedly majestic, Corfe is far more than just a castle.
The village of Corfe is quite small, but has a well-regarded pub, the Castle Inn, and a parish church, St. Edward, King & Martyr.
There are two free museums (though donations are welcome). These are the Corfe Castle Town Trust Museum and the Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum.
Access - Getting to Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle (nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle)
The Square
Corfe Castle
Near Wareham
Dorset, BH20 5EZ
The castle is in the small village of Corfe Castle on the A351 Wareham to Swanage road at the junction with the B3351.
Situated 12 miles west of Bournemouth on foot, the nearest station is Wareham which has trains to both Poole and Bournemouth. From here visitors can walk, cycle or ride the number 40 bus to the castle. The bus goes on to Swanage from Poole.
Wareham Station is 5 miles north of the castle and has trains to London Waterloo in London.
The Swanage Railway, a heritage railway, operates a 15 km line from from Wareham to Swanage with stations at Norden, Corfe Castle, Harman's Cross and Herston Halt. Further information on fares and timetables can be found at swanagerailway.co.uk
If cycling follow Sustrans Route Two from Bournemouth and Poole via Studland Bay or Wareham.
On foot follow the Purbeck Way from Swanage or Wareham.
Not far away is Lulworth Castle an 17th-century hunting lodge built in the style of a fortified castle. Still privately-owned by the Weld family, the castle is a tourist attraction and stages various events.
Book a hire car for your holiday in Britain - pick up at the airport or in the major cities
Accommodation
Places to stay nearby include Olivers, a friendly guest house and cafe, Mortons Manor, a 16th century manor house or Ammonite Bed & Breakfast, an upmarket B&B offering Full English or a vegetarian breakfast.
See a listing of accommodation near Corfe Castle
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