A Visitor Guide To Corfe Castle In Dorset

Corfe Castle is a pretty village in Dorset steeped in history. The ruins of Corfe Castle who has the same name as the village sits proudly on top of the hill in the isle of Purbeck and Purbeck hills for everyone to see.

History Of Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle was built by William the Conquerer in the 11th Century. It went through some changes over the years and left the Crown when it was sold by Elizabeth I in the 1600’s.

Way back in the 1100s King John wanted more luxury for his guests at Corfe Castle. His changes even included an indoor toilet for the King’s use. 

The first private owner of Corfe Castle was Sir Christopher Hatton in 1572. He became Lord Chancellor under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth I. 

Sir John Bankes purchased Corfe Castle in 1635. He was a lawyer and politician, and Corfe Castle was his primary residence. The Bankes family owned the castle through the Civil War where it was destroyed by parliament and became the ruins it is today.

During the Civil War Sir John’s wife, Mary, Lady Bankes defended Corfe Castle whilst Sir John was serving in combat in London. Mary was forced to surrender the castle during a siege, but was allowed to keep the keys to Kingston Lacy.

In the 1980’s Corfe Castle was handed over to the National Trust, including Kingston Lacy in Wimborne which was built by Ralph Bankes. This was where the Bankes family chose to build and live after their castle was destroyed.

Things To Do At Corfe Castle

If you’re planning on visiting Corfe village, or even the castle, it’s useful to know there is a decent sized car park in the village operated by the National Trust. The National Trust car park is free for members but chargeable to non members. It does get busy and is often full on bright days.

Alternative parking can be found in the pay and display West Street car park, or there is very limited street parking that is limited to one hour.

Walking At Corfe Castle

There are plenty of places to walk near Corfe Castle and the Isle of Purbeck. One popular option is to walk between Corfe Castle and Swanage. You can then get the fantastic Swanage Railway steam train back to your starting point.

Corfe Castle Village

The village of Corfe is a very pretty place to explore. You can find traditional shops and tea rooms, as well as pubs to perhaps enjoy an afternoon in glorious surroundings.

Corfe Castle Model Village

The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, BH20 5EZ

The Corfe Castle Model Village is a 1/20th scale model of Corfe Castle and the village as it was in 1646. You can see what it looked like before the destruction by Oliver Cromwell’s troops during the English Civil War.

There is also an acre of landscaped gardens to enjoy as well as large family games and a courtyard cafe. Younger children may also enjoy the enchanted fairy walk.

More information

Whilst in Dorset, why not visit Durdle Door, or try the walk between Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Dorset also has some amazing festivals and events through the year.