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Corfe Castle
Thousand-year-old royal castle shaped by warfare
The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Important notice
The castle will be closing at 3:30pm to the public on Thursday 1 May due to a private event.
Opening times for 30 April 2025
Asset Opening time Castle 10:00 - 17:00 Castle View Welcome Centre 10:00 - 16:30 Tea-room 10:00 - 17:00 Shop 10:00 - 17:00 Car Park Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS311234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829301234OpenPartially openClosed2025 Off Peak
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £15.40 £14.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £7.70 £7.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £38.50 £35.00 Family (1 adult) £23.10 £21.00 Group (Adult 18+) £13.30 Group (Child 5-17) £6.65 2025 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+) £13.30 Group (Child 5-17) £6.65 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Bookshop
Located in Castle View Welcome Centre
- Car park
Postcode BH20 5DR. 90 spaces including 4 disabled bays.
- Dogs allowed
On short leads at all times.
- Licensed for civil weddings
Please contact corfecastleweddings@nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.
- 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. 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.
- 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.
- By road
A351 Wareham to Swanage road.
Parking: National Trust parking on A351 opposite the castle mound on the left when approaching from Wareham (free for members). 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.
Sat Nav: Use postcode BH20 5DR.
- 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 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.
Planning your visit
Experience the Kings' View
For the first time since 1646 you can ascend the Kings' Tower at Corfe Castle to experience panoramic views and rare historical features - once only reserved for royalty. Book on to one of our tours here.
Events at Corfe Castle
Our events at Corfe Castle are designed to ensure everyone has a great day out. Find out more here.
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.
Project
Project
Caring for Corfe Castle
Looking after Corfe Castle is a vast and complex task with access being one of the most significant challenges. A three year, £2m conservation project is well under way with a dedicated team working throughout the seasons to ensure the castle endures for future generations.
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
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
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.
Article
Weddings at Corfe Castle
Perched above a picture postcard village with panoramic views of the Purbeck countryside, the fairy-tale ruins of this 1,000 year old castle make for the perfect setting for your romantic wedding ceremony.
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.
Spotlight events
Experience the Kings' View at Corfe Castle
For the first time since 1646, you can ascend the Kings’ Tower at Corfe Castle to experience panoramic views and rare historical features – once only reserved for royalty. Rare permission has been granted by Historic England to erect a viewing platform as part of the castle conservation works and offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience royal history from this unique location. The Kings’ View can be accessed by booking on to one of our tours.
Things to see and do
Events at Corfe Castle
Our events at Corfe Castle are designed to ensure everyone has a great day out. Find out more here.
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
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
Caring for Corfe Castle
The National Trust carries out vital conservation work in and around Corfe Castle, helping to protect this historic site for the enjoyment of visitors both now and in the future.
Article
The history of Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle has a colourful history spanning more than 1,000 years. During that time, it has seen its fair share of battles and mysteries. Find out how the castle was built and destroyed, and about the people who lived here.
Article
Weddings at Corfe Castle
Perched above a picture postcard village with panoramic views of the Purbeck countryside, the fairy-tale ruins of this 1,000 year old castle make for the perfect setting for your romantic wedding ceremony.
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.
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.
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 meadow campsite 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.
Groom's Cottage
In the shadow of Corfe Castle, this former groom’s cottage is a quirky retreat in a historic village.
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
Flight of the Castle family quest with Nosy Crow
Can you take flight to discover the birds that call Corfe Castle home as you explore the ruins? Hunt for the quest boards around the castle each featuring illustrations from the book, A Story of the Seasons.
Event
Guided tour and Kings’ view experience
Travel through time with a guided journey through Corfe Castle, ending with an exclusive ascent to the new Kings’ view platform. A breath taking view not experienced since the castle’s destruction in 1646.
Event
Medieval Mayhem
Bring the whole family for a bumper May bank holiday weekend with an eclectic mix of May Day activities for everyone to enjoy.
Event
Kings' view experience
For the first time since 1646, you can ascend the Kings Tower at Corfe Castle to experience rare historical features and panoramic views - once only reserved for royalty.
Event
Guided Walk - Corfe Castle to Kingston
Join our friendly guide on a circular walk from Corfe Castle to the hilltop village of Kingston.
Event
Guided Walk - The Purbeck Ridgeway and East Corfe Common
Join our friendly guide on a guided walk exploring the cultural history of the landscape surrounding the village of Corfe Castle.
Event
May Half Term
Get lost in adventure at Corfe Castle this May half Term. Join the Corporal of the Castle with interactive storytelling tours and take flight with our new family quest in collaboration with Nosy Crow.
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
Project
Caring for Corfe Castle
Looking after Corfe Castle is a vast and complex task with access being one of the most significant challenges. A three year, £2m conservation project is well under way with a dedicated team working throughout the seasons to ensure the castle endures for future generations.
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. During that time, it has seen its fair share of battles and mysteries. 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.