Learning

A thousand years of history

The Gloriette © NTPL/Matthew Antrobus

The Gloriette at Corfe Castle, Dorset

Founded during the reign of William the Conqueror, Corfe Castle was a royal fortress for 500 years.

In 1572 Elizabeth I sold the castle to Sir Christopher Hatton.

He, in turn, sold it to Sir John Bankes in 1635.

Sir John’s descendant, Ralph Bankes, bequeathed the castle to us in 1982.

Get a taste of life in a castle

Dressing the part © National Trust

Dressing the part at Corfe Castle, Dorset

© National Trust

Whether you’re young or old, our castle tours offer a great way to bring the castle ruins to life.

An expert guide will place this dramatic ruined castle in its geographical and historical context.

You can also try on period costumes and armour for a real sense of what life was like in medieval times.

For schools and colleges

  • a school group © National Trust

    Key Stage 1

    - Castles
    - Discover what life was like in a castle
    - Homes now and then

  • a school group © National Trust

    Key Stages 2 & 3

    - Past events, people and changes
    - Corfe Castle: A thousand years of history
    - Links to medieval realms

  • Corfe Castle from the South © NTPL/Matthew Antrobus

    Higher education and adult learning

    - Architectural stonework conservation (HND, undergraduate, masters)
    - Guided walks looking at the historic landscape of Purbeck, the stone industry and farming (adult learning)

An archaeology fun day at Corfe Castle, Dorset © NTPL/David Levenson

Get hands on with history at Corfe Castle, Dorset

© NTPL/David Levenson

Booking

  • Please pre-book for all education activities
  • Current charges for guided tours/walks are £2.50 per student, adults free
  • Contact Pam White on email or on 01929 477066 for more information

 

Making the most of your visit

Trips and falls

Beware uneven surfaces © NTPL/David Levenson

The castle is built on a steep mound and there are uneven surfaces underfoot, which may become slippery when wet.

Climbing the walls is dangerous and is not allowed.

Access

Part of the Wildlife Walk route at Corfe Castle, Dorset © National Trust

Car and coach parking is at Castle View, just outside the village on the Corfe Castle to Wareham road.

Please allow 15 minutes to walk to the castle entrance via the wildlife walk.

Toilets are at the main entrance.

Clothing

Corfe Castle © Sky Cell

Please be aware that the castle is an open-air site with little in the way of shelter, so dress accordingly.

The upper sections, in particular, are exposed to cold winds.