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Family-friendly things to do at Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle family quest
Corfe Castle family quest | © Sophie Trenchard

Corfe Castle is the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled family day out. Explore the castle ruins and join in with a jam-packed programme of events.

Castle Critters family quest

Every day from Monday 9 September to Friday 22 November

Join in with this family quest to find the hidden critters that call the castle home. Explore the castle ruins to discover how they help or hinder us looking after the castle. Complete your quest sheet to earn your conservation token.

Castle Critters Family Quest

Castle Critters family quest | Daily 10am - 4pm | Normal admission applies | Free for National Trust members

October half term

Saturday 26 October - Sunday 3 November

Calling all adventerous teddy's! Bring your own teddy or borrow a furry Corfe Castle veteran to zoom over the great ditch on our teddy zip wire. While they're there, they can celp us inspect the work of the conservators as they carry out essential work.

Join in with our new castle critters family quest. Find the hidden critters that call the castle home and explore the ruins to discover how they help or hinder us looking after the castle. Complete a quest sheet to earn your conservation token.

October half term

October half term | Saturday 26 October - Sunday 3 November |10am - 4.30pm | Normal admission applies | Free for National Trust members

Guided bat walk

Thursday 31 October | 16.30 - 18.30 | Free event but booking essential

As the sun goes down, join us on a walk around the castle ruins in pursuit of the fascinating night-time aerobatics of bats. This will be a rare chance to access the castle grounds at dusk and don’t forget your spooky costume!

For further information and to book tickets, visit: Guided bat walk

See all events coming up at Corfe Castle

Pumpkin display with Corfe Castle in the background
Corfe Castle in Autumn | © Corfe Castle/ Sophie Trenchard

Family-friendly things to do at Corfe Castle

Climb up through the Castle ruins to discover one thousand years of Corfe Castle's history as a royal palace, fortress and family home.

Spot the ‘murder holes’, count the arrow loops and feel history come to life as you explore the ruins. Once at the top of the mound, you can enjoy panoramic views of Purbeck and if you time it right, you can see the heritage steam train winding through the countryside.

Watch birds soar overhead and spot the wildlife that has now set up home here – from bees and butterflies to lizards and grazing cattle.

Don’t forget to look out for the ravens as you go. An old legend claims that if the ravens ever leave Corfe Castle, something terrible will happen. It's said that they disappeared for a time shortly before the castle was captured during the English Civil War, but since then they've been nesting here quite happily for hundreds of years. Their nest is high up in the stonework – you might see them come and go.

Planning your family visit

  • There are baby changing facilities in Castle View Welcome Centre and next to the Ticket Office.
  • Buggies are welcome across the site but please note the paths are uneven and there are multiple step areas. We recommend you using the buggy park in the Outer Gatehouse and bringing a baby carrier.
  • High chairs are available in Castle View Welcome Centre and the Tea-room.
    The Tea-room offers a children’s menu for food and drinks, and can provide gluten or dairy free alternatives on request.
  • There are outdoor picnic areas by Castle View Welcome Centre and at Old Mill picnic area.
  • From the car park to the castle entrance it is about a 15 minute walk on a step free path.
The medieval ruins of Corfe Castle on a hill on a sunny day in Dorset
The medieval ruins of Corfe Castle, Dorset | © National Trust Images/John Millar
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.