Family-friendly things to do at Corfe Castle
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.
May half term
Saturday 24 May - Sunday 1 June | 10am - 5.30pm | Normal admission applies | Free admisison to National Trust Members
This half term, go back in time to the castles last defensive role during WW2 on our fun and interactive storytelling tours - suitable for children and those young at heart! Explore the castle and learn about the birds that call Corfe Castle home on our family quest and plant a sunflower seed to take home.
For further information, visit: May half term
Circus School
Saturday 14 June - Sunday 15 June | 10am - 4.30pm | Normal admission applies | Free admisison to National Trust Members
Bring your friends and family for a weekend of circus madness with Fiery Jack. Get involved in family shows and workshops and try a learning new skills such as tightrope walking and trapese.
For further information, visit: Circus school
Medieval sword weekend
Saturday 5 July - Sunday 6 July | 10am - 4.30pm | Normal admission applies | Free admisison to National Trust Members
Discover how swords are made and have a go ar learning the art of swordmanship (with safety swords) with the Ancient Technology Centre.
For further information, visit: Medieval sword weekend
Food and drink festival
Saturday 12 July - Sunday 13 July | 10am - 5pm | Normal admission applies | Free admisison to National Trust Members
Celebrating the incredible food and drink produce from across the local area, discover local delights and hidden gems.
For further information, visit: Food and drink festival
Summer holidays
Saturday 19 July - Sunday 31 August | 10am - 5.30pm | Normal admission applies | Free admisison to National Trust Members
All the family can enjoy a summer of play with games such as archery, slingshots and balance beams in the castle grounds. Join one of our fun and interactive storytelling tours and explore the ruins with our new family quest: An architectural adventure.
For further information, visit: Events at Corfe Castle
Outdoor theatre and cinema
August | evenings | Booking essential via website
Enjoy atmospheric cinema and theatrical evening performances with a backdrop like no other. Cinema screenings are of Paddington in Peru and Harry Potter & the chamber of secrets and theatrical performances include Pride and Predujice, The most perilous comidie of Elizabeth and the Merry wives of Windsor.
For further information and to book, visit: Events at Corfe Castle
Civil war re-enactment
Saturday 6 - Sunday 7 September | 10am - 16.30 | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust members
Join us for a dramtic re-enactment portraying the events of 1646 when Corfe Castle was captured. Both days will culminate in a battle with musket and cannon fire.
For further information and to book, visit: Civil war re-enactment
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.
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.