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Christmas at Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle at dusk with lights and fire pits
Christmas at Corfe Castle @National Trust Images, Jon Bish | © @National Trust Images, Jon Bish

Join our Lord of Misrule on a festive storytelling tour, help Monty Mouse and his wife Matilda find gifts in our new family quest, warm up around our fire pits, toast marshmallows and make a Christmas wish on our wishing tree.

Monty and Matilda's castle Christmas - family quest

Saturday 7 December - Sunday 12 January | 10am - 3.30pm | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust members

Monty mouse is returning to Corfe Castle this festive season along with his wife Matilda. They are hosting a Christmas party in the castle and need to find suitable gifts for all their mousey friends. Can you help them find some exciting goodies to make it a party to remember?

Follow the family quest as it winds up through the castle ruins. Discover the festive cabins and see what Monty and Matilda are buying for their friends. Complete the quest to earn your festive siege coin.

For further information, visit: Monty and Matilda's castle Christmas

Join a storytelling tour with the Lord of Misrule

December 21- 5 Jan, excluding 24, 25 & 26 December | Tours begin at 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm. New Year's day 12:30pm and 2pm | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust members

Take a step back to the 17th century where our very own Lord of Misrule will take you on an interactive journey through the ruins of the castle and teach you the games, dances, stories and Christmas traditions of days gone by.

For further information, visit: Lord of Misrule storytelling tours

Toast marshmallows, warm up by the fire and enjoy the festivities

December 21 - January 5. Marshmallows not available 24, 25 & 26 December | 10am - 3pm | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust Members

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 wish at our wishing tree.

For further information, visit: Christmas festivities

Winter lights

Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December | 4pm - 8pm. Last entry will be at 7:15pm | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust members

For two nights only, experience the magic of exploring Corfe Castle at night, under the stars and gather around a fire pit to toast marshmallows.

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.

For more information visit: Winter lights event

Winter Solstice sunrise at Corfe Castle

Thursday 21 December | 7am | Normal admission applies | Free for National Trust members

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 with some roasted marshmallows in the Outer Bailey,

Castle gates open at 7am in time for you to walk up and find the perfect spot to watch the sunrise. Bring a camping chair for added comfort.

For further information, visit: Winter solstice at Corfe Castle

People toasting marshmallows on the fire
Toast marshmallows on the fire | © Steve Franklin / National Trust Images
Outside the tea-room at Corfe Castle, Dorset in summer
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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.

A group of people of all ages having a tour of castle ruins
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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.