Christmas at Corfe Castle
- Published:
- 19 September 2023
For Christmas 2023 we invite you to get into the festive spirit with a visit to Corfe Castle where you can discover winter traditions old and new. Wayward children are invited to join our rather curious Christmas storytelling tour, help Monty Mouse and friends on their hunt for a festive feast in our new family quest, warm up around our fire pits, toast marshmallows and make a Christmas wish on our wishing bridge.
Help Monty Mouse on his hunt for a festive feast
Monty Mouse and his friends are hosting a festive feast in the ruins of Corfe Castle for all the mice in the village. But there’s a problem; he has mislaid the ingredients for their dessert!
Can you help Monty Mouse find the ingredients and save the celebration? Explore the ruins and find the village mice as they get ready for the festive season with our new family trail.
For opening times and prices see: Corfe Castle | Dorset | National Trust
Join a storytelling tour with Corfe Castle's Rather Curious Christmas
Step right up and join our storyteller for a rather curious Christmas tour of Corfe Castle. Participate in real Victorian Christmas tales with a twist written for wayward children of all ages. See if you can become a Christmas champion of perfect parlour games, Learn to make the most irritating party instrument of all ages and of course see if you can master a delightful Christmas dance.
Tours will begin at 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm (New Year's day 12:30pm and 2pm)
Weekends and school holidays in December | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust Members
For opening times and prices see: Corfe Castle | Dorset | National Trust
Toast marshmallows, warm up by the fire and enjoy the festivities
Take time to relax and enjoy warming up around fire pits and toasting marshmallows. Natural decorations will be sprinkled around the castle, collected from across the Purbeck estate, and you can make a Christmas pledge for nature on the wishing bridge at the south west gate house
Weekends and school holidays in December | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust Members
Experience the magic of Corfe Castle at night
For one night only, to coincide with the Corfe Castle Village light switch on explore the ruins of Corfe Castle lit under warm glowing lights with the stars above you. Make a special Christmas wish at the wishing bridge. Gather around a fire pit to toast marshmallows whilst catching up with friends or family.
Braziers and festoon lights will illuminate the paths but we recommend you bring a torch with you for the walk from the car park and to spot uneven ground in the ruins.
Saturday 2 December | Village lights switch on at 5pm, Castle open until 8pm| Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust Members
More information: Winter lights late night opening
Winder Solstice sunrise at Corfe Castle
Watch the sun rise over East Hill on the shortest day of the year from the top of the castle. Explore the ruins and keep cosy around a fire pit, roast marshmallows and enjoy coffee from Espressoul. in the Outer Bailey,
Bring a camping chair for added comfort.
Thursday 21 December | 7am | Normal admission applies | Free for National Trust members
More information: Winter Solstice sunrise at Corfe Castle
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.
Things to see and do at Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle offers plenty to see and do, including walks around the ruins, a story trail and wildlife spotting in the surrounding hills. Find out more.