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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

Event

Summer of Play at Corfe Castle 

Hop into a summer of fun at Corfe Castle and discover a variety of games and activities throughout the ruins.

Event summary

on
27 Jul to 31 Aug 2025
at
10:00 to 17:30
+ 35 other dates or times
Event

Keeper of the Castle: Storytelling tours 

At the gateway to Purbeck, Corfe Castle has stood watch for a thousand years. It has been a fortress, prison, family home and has even drawn the attention of German spies.

Event summary

on
27 Jul to 31 Aug 2025
at
10:00 to 17:30
+ 10 other dates or times
Event

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
27 Jul to 28 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 17:30
+ 63 other dates or times
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 summary

on
27 Jul to 19 Oct 2025
at
10:30 to 16:00
+ 56 other dates or times