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Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset – National Trust

Whenever we holiday somewhere new we always look to see if there are any National Trust sites nearby. Our membership is one of the best things we have ever bought and we always make the most of it. So when we stayed in Dorset recently we realised Corfe Castle was nearby and had to visit. It’s such an iconic place – so much so that it’s even on the National Trust membership cards this year!

Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust membership card

Corfe Castle is a royal castle that has survived for nearly a thousand years! It survives the English Civil War but was partially demolished in 1646 by Parliamentarians.

Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust

We parked at the Corfe Castle car park and had a really picturesque walk to the castle, stopping in the tea room in the Corfe Castle village for a late lunch on the way. Corfe Castle is situated above it’s very own little village and it was all so beautiful and quintessentially British.

Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust

The castle is so impressive the minute you walk inside the outer walls – and you can see the castle for miles around as well, situated on a hill with amazing views over the Purbeck countryside.

Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust view

The staff were incredibly friendly and gave the children a trail to complete as we worked our way round and they showed us lots of other activities that we could participate in during our visit too. It felt like the whole of Corfe Castle was really set up for family visits and we were made to feel so welcome.

Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust trail
Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust
Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust archway
Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust

We spent hours wandering around the castle ruins and could see how impressive it would have been back in all it’s glory despite now being mostly ruined. Walls have fallen down and big chunks of walls are at funny angles but it all adds to the character and charm of Corfe Castle.

Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust
Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust
Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust ruins

After exploring the castle the children took part in some of the activities and they both loved archery. There were traditional games, tug of war and stocks – so much to keep children entertained.

Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust stocks
Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust game
Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust archery

On our walk back to the car the children used the woodland play trail that was small but fun. It’s always nice to have some sort of playground for the children and this was the perfect way to end our trip.

Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust woodland trail
Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust

I think any visit to Dorset needs a trip to Corfe Castle – especially if you see if on the hill as you drive past. It’s so beautiful and just a wonderful sight on any day out.

Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust stocks
Visiting Corfe Castle, Dorset - National Trust

Author

  • Donna Wishart

    Donna Wishart is married to Dave and they have two children, Athena (13) and Troy (11). They live in Surrey with their two cats, Fred and George. Once a Bank Manager, Donna has been writing about everything from family finance to days out, travel and her favourite recipes since 2012. Donna is happiest either exploring somewhere new, with her camera in her hand and family by her side or snuggled up with a cat on her lap, reading a book and enjoying a nice cup of tea. She firmly believes that tea and cake can fix most things.

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4 Comments

  1. We spend a lot of time in that part of Dorset so go to Corfe Castle at least one a year. The children love it and don’t get bored as the National Trust change the activities each year. We also enjoy getting the stream train from Corfe Castle to Swanage.

  2. We love Corfe Castle. During the half term they do a teddy zip wire from the castle, which is a sweet little activity for young people to enjoy. We also love visiting at Christmas.

  3. Ooh, I’ve always wanted to go to Corfe Castle and we’ve just never managed to get around to it. Definitely one for our next trip to Dorset, it looks beautiful. Fab that there were so many children’s activities too.
    Nat.x

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