Corfe Castle is one of Britain's most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians. A favourite haunt for adults and children alike, all ages are captivated by these romantic castle ruins with breath-taking views across Purbeck. Discover 1,000 years of our history as a royal palace and fortress. With fallen walls and secret places, there are tales of treachery and treason around every corner. Spot the 'murder holes' and count the arrow loops. Feel history come to life and see the wildlife that has set up home here.
History & Anthropology Art & Design Castle Archaeology Historic house Geology Industrial heritage Photography Railway
#27 Art & Design in England #67 History & Anthropology in England #12 Archaeology museums in England #15 Castle in England #4 Geology museums in England #35 Historic houses in England #15 Industrial & heritage museums in England #5 Photography museums in England #4 Railway museums in England #38 Art & Design in United Kingdom #83 History & Anthropology in United Kingdom #15 Archaeology museums in United Kingdom #21 Castle in United Kingdom #6 Geology museums in United Kingdom #46 Historic houses in United Kingdom #19 Industrial & heritage museums in United Kingdom #8 Photography museums in United Kingdom #6 Railway museums in United Kingdom #85 Archaeology museums in Europe #98 Castle in Europe #23 Geology museums in Europe #59 Industrial & heritage museums in Europe #18 Photography museums in Europe #13 Railway museums in Europe
No exhibitions in Corfe Castle have been found.
Corfe Castle has 2 ratings.
Corfe Castle, located in the village of Corfe Castle in Dorset, England, is a historic site that offers visitors a glimpse into medieval history. The castle ruins, perched atop a hill, provide an impressive sight and offer panoramic views of the surrounding Purbeck countryside.
Visitors generally appreciate the well-preserved nature of the ruins, which allow for exploration and imagination of what the castle might have looked like in its prime. The site is managed by the National Trust, ensuring good maintenance and informative displays throughout.
Many reviewers highlight the educational value of Corfe Castle, with informative exhibits and knowledgeable staff who bring the castle's rich history to life. Children and adults alike enjoy the interactive elements and occasional historical reenactments.
The village of Corfe Castle itself also receives positive mentions, with its quaint charm and proximity to the castle adding to the overall experience. Some visitors recommend taking the steam train from Swanage to Corfe Castle for an added nostalgic touch to their day out.
On the downside, some visitors find the climb to the castle quite steep and potentially challenging for those with mobility issues. A few reviewers mention that the site can get crowded during peak seasons, which might affect the overall experience.
Parking can sometimes be an issue, especially during busy periods, and some visitors suggest arriving early to secure a spot. A small number of reviews mention that the entrance fee is a bit high, though many feel it's worth it for the experience and to support the conservation efforts.
Overall, Corfe Castle is widely regarded as an engaging and picturesque historical site that offers a rewarding experience for history enthusiasts and families alike. Its blend of ruined grandeur, historical significance, and beautiful surroundings make it a popular attraction in the area.
I took my teenage children to corfe castle and the national trust laid on an information hunt about the wildlife there which we found very interesting and making us interact together. There was also a man dress as someone from the Second World War who gave a free tour around the castle explaining some interesting facts on route and getting everyone to participate in some group activities, his enthusiasm was infectious and we feel he did an amazing job and really needs recognition, so thank you from us
We tried the audio guide but feel maybe there should be a separate option for the sign language for people who need it as it made the audio very slow so we decided to abandon it as my children were losing interest.
Visited on May 31, 2025
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
Discover museums near Corfe Castle in or around Corfe Castle.