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Corfe Castle
DorsetThousand-year-old royal castle shaped by warfare
The Square, Corfe Castle, Nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Important notice
Due to unforeseen circumstances the Welcome Centre is closed on Wednesday 14th October 26. The Castle, Ticket Office, Shop and Tearooms remain open as usual.
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 14 October 2026
Asset Opening time Castle 10:00 - 16:30 Castle View Welcome Centre 10:00 - 16:30 Tea-room 10:00 - 17:00 Shop 10:00 - 17:00 Car Park Dawn - Dusk 2026 Off Peak
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £16.50 £15.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £8.30 £7.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £41.30 £37.50 Family (1 adult) £24.80 £22.50 Group (Adult 18+) £14.25 Group (Child 5-17) £7.13 2026 Peak
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £17.60 £16.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £8.80 £8.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £44.00 £40.00 Family (1 adult) £26.40 £24.00 Group (Adult 18+) £14.25 Group (Child 5-17) £7.13 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Bookshop
Within the castle grounds.
- Café
- Car park
Postcode BH20 5DR. 90 spaces including 4 disabled bays and 4 EV charging units. This car park uses payment machines and the JustPark app for member check-in and non-member payments. If you choose to use JustPark, we recommend downloading the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play before your visit and using the relevant JustPark location code(s).
Car park - more information- Dogs allowed
On short leads at all times.
- Electric vehicle charging point
4 11kW electric vehicle charging points are available. Chargers can be accessed using mobile app, RFID card, or contactless payment device. Visit our EV charging provider RAW Charging’s website (www.rawcharging.com/drivers) to download the app in advance of your visit.
- Family friendly
- Picnic area
- Pub
- Shop
Conveniently placed close to the castle entrance, with a unique range of gifts, books, toys, local produce and clothing.
- Tea-room
Cosy 18th-century Tea-room and garden with unique close-up views of the castle.
- Toilet
Toilets are available at the Welcome Centre, Ticket Office and at the Tea-room.
Steep slopes, steps and uneven paths throughout the site. The castle is a ten-minute walk from main car park. There are walking sticks available to hire and an access guide. Designated mobility parking and accessible toilets available.
- Accessible route and/or map
A copy can be downloaded from our website, or available in leaflet form on property.
- Accessible toilet
Accessible toilet facilities are available by the Ticket Office, postcode BH20 5EZ.
- Changing Places
Changing Places unit at Castle View Welcome Centre, BH20 5DR. The facility includes an adult-sized changing bench, hoist, a peninsular toilet and a height adjustable basin.
- Designated parking
There are four disabled parking bays at Castle View Car Park, postcode BH20 5DR.
- Drop-off point
Located at Castle View Welcome Centre, BH20 5DR.
- Induction loop
Available in multiple locations across the site.
- Level access to food outlet
- Level access/terrain
- Powered mobility vehicle available
For more information contact corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Ramped access/slopes
- Seating available
- Steps/uneven terrain
Multiple steep steps, slopes and uneven surfaces across the site.
- On foot
- Follow the Purbeck Way from Wareham or Swanage. See the 'Purbeck Ridgeway - Corfe Castle to coast' trail for more information.
- By train
- The nearest train station linking to Dorset and Bournemouth/Poole is Wareham, after which you can cycle or take the Purbeck Breezer no.40 bus onwards to us. Swanage railway is an independently run steam and diesel railway running services from Wareham to Swanage four times per week this summer. Alight directly at Corfe Castle station. Find out more about Swanage Railway
- By bus
- Purbeck Breezer no.40 Poole to Swanage via Corfe Castle. Or no.30 Swanage to Weymouth via Corfe Castle. £3 per person until end December.
- Cycling
- Follow Sustrans Route Two from Bournemouth and Poole via Studland Bay or Wareham. Cycle racks available at castle entrance (5 bikes plus) and Castle View (16 bikes).
- By road
- A351 Wareham to Swanage road. National Trust parking on A351 opposite the castle mound on the left when approaching from Wareham (free for members).Sat Nav: Use postcode BH20 5DR.
- By ferry
- A chain ferry links Sandbanks in Poole with the Isle of Purbeck, carrying vehicles, bikes and foot passengers. Ferry service runs every 20 minutes. Find out more about arriving by ferry or phone 01929 450203.
- Parking
- Alternative pay and display parking at Purbeck Park, Norden (turn left at the roundabout when approaching from Wareham), or West Street (max four hours). During busy periods our car park fills up very quickly. Consider using one of the alternative car parks or come in the afternoon when we tend to be quieter. 4 electric vehicle charging points are now available. See “Facilities” for more information. Drivers will require their own cables to charge.This car park uses the JustPark app and payment machines for member check-in and non-member payments. If you choose to use the JustPark app, please download it before your visit and create an account if you do not already have one. You’ll be asked to add payment details; National Trust members will not be charged for parking. JustPark code for this location is 80546.
Planning your visit
October half term
Follow our brand-new family quest through the ruins, gather round for gruesome tales from the castle’s darker past, and cheer on brave teddies as they whizz down the zip wire.
Christmas at Corfe Castle
Christmas comes to Corfe Castle with The Great Medieval Feast Quest for families, plus festive touches and toasting marshmallows around the fire pits. By night, explore the ruins under the stars at our Winter Lights events.
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle is the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled family day out. There is always something new to explore and join in with a jam-packed programme of events.
Article
Visiting Corfe Castle with your dog
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at Corfe Castle all year round. Find out more about where you can take your dog and the facilities available.
Article
Accessibility at Corfe Castle
To ensure as many people as possible can enjoy the historic ruins, discover how we're making Corfe Castle as accessible to all.
Article
Group visits to Corfe Castle
Find out everything you need to know about booking a group visit to Corfe Castle, from admission prices to information about school visits.
Highlights
Castle
Royal castle established by William the Conqueror and partially destroyed in the English Civil War. Now a majestic ruin.
Purbeck Hills
Gently rolling chalk hills dotted with ancient burial mounds, with views over Poole Bay as far as the Isle of Wight.
Old Mill Picnic Area
Riverside picnic area with picnic tables next to Corfe River.
Village Tea-room
Cosy 18th-century Tea-room and garden with unique close-up views of the castle.
Village Shop
Conveniently placed close to the castle entrance, with a unique range of gifts, books, toys, local produce and clothing.
Castle View Welcome Centre
Information for your visit to Corfe Castle and the Purbeck Hills, plus second-hand bookshop, hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Things to see and do
October half term
Follow our brand-new family quest through the ruins, gather round for gruesome tales from the castle’s darker past, and cheer on brave teddies as they whizz down the zip wire.
Article
Christmas at Corfe Castle
Experience the charm of Corfe Castle this Christmas. Discover festive touches around the castle, follow our family quest and toast marshmallows around the fire pits. By night, wander the ruins under the stars at our Winter Lights events.
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle is the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled family day out. There is always something new to explore and join in with a jam-packed programme of events.
Article
Walk in my Footsteps Audio tour
Walk in the footsteps of eight historical characters, to understand their unique perspective of Corfe Castle
Article
Things to see and do at Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle offers plenty to see and do, including walks around the ruins, a audio trail and wildlife spotting in the surrounding hills. Find out more.
Article
Eating and shopping at Corfe Castle
Situated in an 18th century former cottage, the Tea-room at Corfe Castle serves a delicious menu of hot and cold food, drinks, cakes and bakes. Afterwards, stop off at the Shop to discover beautiful collections of homewares, gifts and locally made ranges to take home with you. The second-hand book shop located in Castle View is also filled with literary treasures.
Project
Caring for Corfe Castle
Looking after Corfe Castle is a vast and complex task with access being one of the most significant challenges. We have completed a 3-year, £2m conservation project which saw a dedicated team working throughout the seasons to ensure the castle endures for future generations.
Project
Eating and shopping
Article
Eating and shopping at Corfe Castle
Situated in an 18th century former cottage, the Tea-room at Corfe Castle serves a delicious menu of hot and cold food, drinks, cakes and bakes. Afterwards, stop off at the Shop to discover beautiful collections of homewares, gifts and locally made ranges to take home with you. The second-hand book shop located in Castle View is also filled with literary treasures.
Top trails
Trail
Corfe Common history walk
Explore Corfe Common and look out for signs of early human activity at this interesting archaeological landscape near Corfe Castle, Dorset.
Trail
The Purbeck Ridgeway - Corfe Castle to the coast
This walk along the roof of Purbeck takes in Corfe Castle and Old Harry with the option to return by steam train on the Swanage Railway (when operating).
Places to stay
Weston Farm Campsite
A simple campsite in a meadow just off the South West Coast Path, with walks inland to the Purbeck hills or to Chapman’s Pool on the Jurassic Coast.
Boar Mill Cottage
A former bakery, this intriguing and cosy cottage sits close to Corfe Castle with walking trails all around.
Vineyard Farm Cottage
Sitting just below Corfe Castle, this thatched cottage has a view of the thousand-year-old ruins from its terrace.
1 Heathland Cottages
With views over the Purbeck Hills from the bedroom, this unusual cottage makes a quirky escape.
2 Heathland Cottages
A quirky holiday cottage in a former isolation hospital with amazing views over the Purbeck Hills.
The Bakehouse
A charming, rustic conversion, this holiday cottage has wonky beams and countryside views.
North Cottage
A cosy cottage attached to the larger farmhouse, with views of open heath and woodland.
Upcoming events
Event
Home and Hearth: Archaeological finds exhibition
Delve into the past and discover more about everyday life at Corfe Castle. This exhibition, hosted in Castle View Welcome Centre, showcases fascinating small finds from archaeological excavations.
Event
Folklore and Fairies Family Quest
Can you solve each clue and earn your mark of magic at the end?
Event
Heritage Fridays
Discover what it was like to live in a medieval castle with our handling collection and meet our stonemason volunteers on Fridays throughout the year.
Event
October Half Term
Get involved this October with a new family quest, listen to some gruesome tales and borrow a teddy bear to send down the zip-wire!
Event
Diwali - the Festival of Lights at Corfe Castle
FULLY BOOKED Celebrate Diwali - the Festival of Lights - with performances, storytelling, crafts and food stalls. The evening format is designed specifically for Diwali, which is authentically a festival experienced after dark.
Event
Gruesome Tales for the Morbidly Curious
Join our spooky storyteller to discover the fates of horrible heroes, vile villains, pestilent peasants and the occasional talking horse.
Event
Ranger Ray and the Wildlifers
Join us at Corfe Castle for a fun-filled family day celebrating the brand-new series of Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers, the National Trust podcast for children aged 5 to 8 and their families.
Event
Mindfulness Walk
Explore Corfe Castle before the crowds arrive, guided by one of our trained team members on a mindful walk through the ruins and along the River Corfe.
About Corfe Castle
One of Britain's most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians.
A favourite haunt for adults and children alike, all ages are captivated by these romantic castle ruins with breathtaking views across Purbeck.
Discover 1,000 years of our history as a royal palace and fortress. With fallen walls and secret places, there are tales of treachery and treason around every corner.
Spot the 'murder holes' and count the arrow loops. Feel history come to life and see the wildlife that has set up home here.
Our work
Project
Caring for Corfe Castle
Looking after Corfe Castle is a vast and complex task with access being one of the most significant challenges. We have completed a 3-year, £2m conservation project which saw a dedicated team working throughout the seasons to ensure the castle endures for future generations.
Project
Donate to help conserve Corfe Castle
OR
£
History
Article
The history of Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle has a colourful history spanning more than 1,000 years. Find out how the castle was built and destroyed, and about the people who lived here.
Support us
Article
Volunteering opportunities at Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle is always looking for friendly and passionate volunteers to join the team. Volunteers play a big part in caring for the historic ruins and welcoming visitors to Corfe Castle and the wider Purbeck estate.
