Corfe Castle

What to see

The medieval castle, commanding a gap in the Purbeck ridge, is now an imposing ruin and a popular tourist centre drawing on it’s many years of history.

There is belief it may have been a Roman defensive site, but the castle we see the ruins of today was a rebuild in the 11th century of what was a wood castle back into the 9th century.

The village and its famous castle are built mainly from the local Purbeck stone which is probably the finest limestone available for building and polishing in England, and is used throughout the world.

In the 13th century King John went to great lengths improving his accommodation and the defences. He built a fine hall and chapel together with domestic buildings. Henry III constructed additional walls, towers and gatehouses

Monarchs had come and gone until 1572 when Queen Elizabeth I sold it to Sir Christopher Hatton, her dancing master and some suppose a suitor.

In 1635 the Castle was sold to Sir John Bankes, the then Lord Chief Justice, more as a holiday home rather than as a first home.

By 1643 the Parliamentarians occupied most of Dorset, the castle then survived a six-week siege. Sir John Bankes died in 1644 and the castle endured a number of half-baked blockades. Later in 1645 a second siege was started by Colonel Bingham, Governor of Poole, and courtesy of an insider the Roundheads took over in February 1646.

The Castle was systematically destroyed by the Parliamentary forces, but the fact that some remains is surely testimony to strength of construction.

Ownership remained with the Bankes Family until 1982 when it was bequeathed to the National Trust.

Brenscombe Outdoor Centre, Studland Road, Corfe Castle. For groups only. Open all year. Tel. 01929 481222

Corfe Castle, one of Britain’s most majestic ruins, the castle is from the time of William the Conqueror. It was defended during the Civil War by Lady Bankes, but was serverly damaged. Many Norman and Early English features remain.The Square,Corfe Castle,Wareham,BH20 5EZ. Tel. 01929 481294 or 01929 480609 (Learning) or 01929 480921 (Shop)

Corfe Castle Model Village, The Square, Corfe Castle. Corfe village recreated in minature and Old English Garden. Open Easter to September 10am - 6pm.
Tel. 01929 481234

Corfe Castle Museum, West St, Corfe Castle. See real Dinosaur footprints.

Purbeck Wood Crafts, Knitson, nr Corfe Castle. Tel. 01929 425850

Rempstone Riding Stables, Nr Corfe Castle. Tel. 01929 480490

Where to eat

Corfe Castle Model Village Tea Rooms
Tel: 01929 481234

Mortons House
Tel: 01929 480988

Castle Tea Rooms
Tel: 01929 481332

Bankes Arms Hotel
Tel: 01929 480206

Fox Inn
Tel: 01929 480449

Castle Inn
Tel: 01929 480208

Greyhound Inn
Tel: 01929 480205