Corfe Castle — A Dramatic Medieval Fortress

A Landmark Shaped by Power and Conflict

Rising above the village of Corfe, Corfe Castle is one of Dorset’s most famous historic sites.
Built by William the Conqueror, the castle dominated the Purbeck landscape for centuries.
Today, its broken towers and high ramparts create an unforgettable silhouette.

It’s a dramatic ruin with outstanding views.

A Castle with a Long History

Corfe Castle began as a Norman stronghold in the 11th century.
It grew into a royal fortress and later a luxurious residence.
However, during the English Civil War, the castle was besieged and deliberately destroyed in 1646.

Therefore, its shattered walls tell a clear story of both power and destruction.

Key historic moments include:

Royal use under medieval kings

A strong garrison during the Civil War

Betrayal from within leading to its fall

Partial demolition after surrender

In addition, later centuries turned the ruins into a romantic landscape feature.

Exploring Corfe Castle
1. The Gatehouse and Outer Works

The gatehouse towers above the approach.
Walking through it reveals the first layers of defence.
In addition, the surrounding earthworks show how the castle controlled the natural gap in the hills.

2. The Keep and Inner Bailey

The keep stands in striking, fractured blocks.
Its height offers excellent photo opportunities and wide views.
Moreover, interpretation panels help explain how the rooms were once used.

3. Panoramic Views Across Purbeck

From the upper levels, you can see across Corfe village, the Purbeck Ridge, and even out toward the coast.
These views highlight why the site was chosen.
Furthermore, the dramatic landscape adds to the atmosphere of the ruins.

(Learn more at the National Trust’s official Corfe Castle page.)

Corfe Village and Local History

The castle sits directly above Corfe village, which has stone cottages, pubs, and small shops.
Visitors often enjoy combining the castle with a walk through the village centre.
In addition, the Swanage Railway steam trains pass nearby, adding to the experience.

For more Dorset castles, see our guides to Portland Castle and Sherborne Old Castle.

Walks Around Corfe Castle

Several routes begin at the site:

Ridge walks along the Purbeck Hills

Paths to Old Harry Rocks

Trails toward Kimmeridge and the Jurassic Coast

Short loops around Corfe Common

Because the area is open and varied, visitors can enjoy anything from a short stroll to a longer hike.

Wildlife and Landscape

The hills around Corfe Castle support chalk grassland, birds, and butterflies.
Rabbits move across the slopes, and kestrels often fly above the ruins.
Furthermore, the Purbeck landscape is rich in geology and historic land use.

Visiting Corfe Castle
How to Get There

Location: Corfe Castle, Dorset

Parking: National Trust car park in the village

Train: Swanage Railway (heritage line); mainline at Wareham

Bus: Regular services between Swanage, Wareham, and Poole

Opening Hours & Admission

Open daily

Entry fee applies; free for National Trust members

Facilities

Visitor centre

Café

Toilets

Shops in the village

Nearby Attractions

Old Harry Rocks — Chalk stacks on the coast

Swanage Railway — Steam trains through Purbeck

Kimmeridge Bay — Fossils and Jurassic Coast scenery

Tyneham Village — Abandoned wartime village

Together, these make up the Purbeck Castles & Coast Trail.

Why Visit Corfe Castle?

The Corfe Castle experience offers:

Towering medieval ruins

Civil War history

Beautiful Purbeck views

A village full of character

Whether you enjoy castles, photography, or Dorset landscapes, Corfe Castle is one of southern England’s most impressive historic sites.
It’s not just a ruin — it’s a fortress shaped by centuries of ambition, conflict, and survival.