Skip to content
Skip to content

Winter Solstice at Corfe Castle

Experience the rare opportunity of watching the sun rise over East Hill on the shortest day of the year from the castle ruins.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Corfe Castle will be opening its gates from 7am to experience the rare opportunity of watching the sun rise over East Hill on the shortest day of the year from the castle ruins.

Explore the ruins and keep cosy around a fire pit roasting 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.

Standard admission applies, National Trust members free.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Suitability

No unaccompanied children

Meeting point

Castle entrance

Accessibility

Dress warmly and appropriately for weather conditions. Wear sturdy footwear. Bring a camping chair for added comfort. You may need to bring a torch for the walk up.

Other

Please be aware that there are steps, steep slopes, and uneven paths in the castle. There is wheelchair access to the Outer Bailey only.

Upcoming events

An Architectural Adventure - family quest 

Could you be the next great castle designer? Join us on this family quest to learn about all the different sections that make up a great castle.

Event summary

on
10 Sep to 28 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 16:30
+ 18 other dates or times

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 summary

on
10 Sep to 19 Oct 2025
at
10:30 to 16:00
+ 17 other dates or times

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 summary

on
10 Sep to 19 Dec 2025
at
11:00 to 12:30
+ 67 other dates or times

Blacksmithing workshops - medieval key making 

Ever fancied having a go at forging your very own medieval key?

Event summary

on
11 Sep 2025
at
10:30 to 11:30
+ 4 other dates or times