Christmas at Corfe Castle
- Published:
- 10 September 2024
Experience the charm of Corfe Castle this Christmas. Explore the ruins to find festive scenes, toast marshmallows around firepits, enjoy family crafting activities or for an extra touch of magic, experience the ambience of the castle at night.
Christmas at Corfe Castle
19 December - 3 January 2026 | 10am - 3pm | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust members
Take time to relax and enjoy the seasonal magic of Corfe Castle this Christmas. Gather around fire pits to toast marshmallows and catch up with friends or family, explore the ruins to find festive scenes involving the adventures of Monty & Matilda Mouse in our family quest.
Enjoy a fun, family crafting activity or experience the special ambience of the castle illuminated at night during two late-night openings.
Natural decorations, collected from across the Purbeck estate will be sprinkled throughout castle.
Please note additional charges apply for marshmallows.
For further information: Events at Corfe Castle
Monty and Matilda Mouse - family quest
5 December - 4 January 2026 | 10am - 3.30pm | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust members
Explore the castle ruins to search for festive scenes and follow the adventures of Monty & Matilda Mouse throughout the year.
For further information: Monty and Matilda Mouse - family quest
Christmas crafts at the castle
20 - 23 December | 10am - 3pm | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust members
Join us in the castle lodge for a relaxed crafting activity, perfect for children and their grown-ups. With all materials provided, you can take a quiet moment to make something festive together before heading back out to explore.
For further information: Christmas crafts at the castle
Winter lights
13 December & 19 December | 4pm - 7.15pm | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust members
Step into the magic of Corfe Castle after dark at our two late night openings.
The castle will be illuminated creating a unique ambience and we invite visitors to explore the castle, enjoy a winter warmer and toast marshmallows around fire pits.
Braziers and festoon lighting will guide your way through the castle grounds, but we recommend bringing a torch for the walk from the car park and to help spot uneven ground within the castle.
The castle will be open until 8pm (weather permitting), with last entry at 7:15pm.
For further information: Winter lights
Winter Solstice sunrise at Corfe Castle
Sunday 21 December | 7am - 5pm | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust members
Wake up bright and early to experience the rare opportunity of watching the sun rise over East Hill on the shortest day of the year from within the castle.
Explore the ruins and keep cosy with a winter warmer and marshmallows to toast around fire pits 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: Winter Solstice
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 audio trail and wildlife spotting in the surrounding hills. Find out more.