Corfe Castle Tourist Information

Corfe Castle Tourism Guide & Attractions

Corfe Castle is believed to date back to 6000 BC from which several burial mounds on Corfe Common date. It has seen its share of turbulent historic events particularly surrounding the castle but the majority of those that lived here were employed in the clay digging or quarrying industries once common across Purbeck.

Corfe Castle village is almost entirely built out of grey Purbeck limestone quarried locally. It has capitalised on the visitor attraction nearby and has plenty of pubs (the oldest dating from 1568), tearooms, gift and sweet shops for visitors to browse. There is also a choice of hotel, B&B and self catering accommodation in and around the village.

Corfe Castle is home to England's smallest town hall building in which the Museum is housed on the ground floor and there are other visitor attractions in the village such as the Model Village and the Swanage Steam Railway.

Corfe Castle Museum traces the village's history from dinosaurs through to Corfe's industrial past including the clay diggers that provided clay for Wedgewood pottery. Entry is free and it is open every day. Corfe Castle Museum, Corfe Castle Town Hall, West Street, Corfe Castle, Dorset BH20 5HA.

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Corfe Castle Model Village

Corfe Castle's Model Village is a 1/20th representation of what the castle and village would have looked like before the castle was demolished by Cromwell's troops in 1646.

It first opened in 1966 after being built by hand by Eddie Holland. On the site there is also a tearoom, enchanted and wildlife gardens, a croquet lawn and giant games for all the family.

Open between April-October, check the weblink right for opening times and directions.

Corfe Castle Model Village. The Square, Corfe Castle Dorset BH20 5EZ. Tel: 01929 481234. Email: corfecastlemodel@aol.com

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Corfe Castle National Trust

Corfe Castle was built in a gap in the Purbeck Hills as a strategic defence from invaders coming from the sea. The castle was started by William the Conqueror soon after arriving in England in 1066. In the thirteenth century although being a royal residence it is was also used as a prison from which many prisoners didn't leave! During the English Civil War despite being defended successfully by Lady Mary Bankes and her garrison in 1643 the Parliamentarians succeeded in capturing the castle and inhabitants in a second siege in 1646 after which they deliberately demolished it leaving it very much as you see it today.

Ravens nest in crevices in the Castle and were thought to be something of a lucky charm much like the Tower of London. They apparently left in 1638 after which the castle was besieged during her Civil War.

The National Trust who now own the castle and much of the neighbouring village have the Castle View Visitor Centre which tells you more about the lives of those associated with the castle through the years. There is a range of events organised throughout the year including open-air theatre, school holiday activities and living history events. Guided tours are also available. The castle is a stunning sight at all times of year and is specially lit up for Christmas.

Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5EZ. Tel: 01929 481294 (Infoline). 01929 480921 (shop). 01929 480609 (Learning). Fax: 01929 477067. Email: corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk

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Swanage Railway Timetable

The Swanage Railway is a restored standard gauge steam railway that runs along six miles from Swanage on the coast through the Purbeck countryside to Corfe Castle. The ultimate aim of the Swanage Railway Trust is to restore the rail link up to Wareham where it could connect with main line trains.

The Swanage Railway provides a useful link through Purbeck taking you through some of Dorset's most beautiful scenery and to tourist attractions like Corfe Castle, helping you avoid the summer traffic. You can park your car at Norden Park & Ride near Corfe Castle then take the trip through to Swanage for a good day out.

Special events are organised throughout the year including Santa Specials, themed weekends, Steam Galas and there are on train dining services so you can book a meal on the specially adapted Wessex Belle or The Dorsetman for a different night out.

Check the weblink right for more information. Reservations, Swanage Railway Co Ltd, Station House, Swanage, BH19 1HB. Tel: 01929 425800 (10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday).

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