Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle towers dramatically above the most picturesque Purbeck village.

Today's castle ruins are mainly of Norman origin and, like the village below, built of Purbeck stone. But Corfe's history is a longer story and there is much evidence of prehistoric, Celtic, Roman and Viking activity.

The Saxon King Alfred built a castle at Corffe's Gate to halt attacks by Danes. Queen Elfrida murdered her stepson Edward the Martyr here so as to put her own son on the throne, Ethelred the Unready. A section of wall would seem to still be part of what was her palace.

The English Civil War, in 1646, brought to an end the era of the Royal castle and Parliamentary troops finally captured and evicted the Royalists. By Act of Parliament the castle keep was blown up and "tilted" so it could not be refortified.

The castle ruins are now in the hands of the National Trust and they have a gift shop in the village. When you climb the impressive ramparts today you will be rewarded with glorious views across the Isle of Purbeck.

The village, named after the castle, has a lovely model village which displays the fortification in its original grandeur. You may discover quaint little shops and pubs with grub, cream teas and wonderful Dorset delights.

Corfe Castle is just a short distance from the resort of Bournemouth, to where you can travel direct by sea, road and (when the connection is restored via the railway station at Wareham) by rail. In fact, why not make it a round trip to include the car & bus ferry at Sandbanks near Poole or the pleasure boat from Bournemouth pier? At certain times the historic paddle steamer Waverley completes the trip to a perfect day.

Swanage Railway has reopened the line to preserved steam trains running from the seaside town of Swanage to Corfe Castle station, and beyond to the useful park and ride facility just outside the village at Norden.

What a brilliant combination: historic castle, seaside and steam!

Not far from Corfe Castle: Swanage