Corfe Castle (National Trust)
The Square
Corfe Castle
Wareham
Dorset
BH20 5EZ
England
Website
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle
corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk
Telephone
General Enquiries
01929 481294
Learning
01929 480609
Fax
01929 477067
Thousand-year-old castle, rising above the Isle of Purbeck.
One of Britain’s most majestic ruins, the castle controlled the gateway through the Purbeck Hills and has been an important stronghold since the time of William the Conqueror. Defended during the Civil War by the ardent and virtuous Lady Bankes, the castle fell to treachery from within, and was substantially destroyed afterwards by the Parliamentarians. Many fine Norman and Early English features remain.
Venue Type:
Museum, Castle or defences
Additional info
General access: Only Castle’s outer Bailey through main gatehouse accessible for wheelchair users, but bumpy; remainder of ruin presents a steep and uneven climb, with step.
Parking: Visitors with impaired mobility may be set down near Castle. Badge holders may find parking space close by, in village. West Street car park most suitable (pay and display, not NT). Ramped access to NT shop in village square. New interactive Visitor Centre at Castle View (NT car park with 3 designated places) is accessible to wheelchair users. Castle 500m (10-15 min. walk). Footpath suitable for wheelchair users, but steeply inclined at Castle end
Shop: Accessible shop and exhibition centre with interactive displays
Refreshments: Tea-rooms accessible
Lavatories: Adapted WC at Castle entrance and Castle View Visitor Centre (radar lock; keys at ticket office and visitor centre)
Large-print guide. Many items and surfaces can be enjoyed by touch.
Collection details
Archaeology, Archives, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Land Transport, Music, Social History
Saxon & Viking Academy
Join the ranks as a Saxon or Viking warrior, learn the skills, see the weapons, feel the armour, and hear the stories at this new event for 2013.
Suitable for
When
10am-5pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Corfe Castle, 01929 481294, corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Village May Fair
Stalls, plants, raffle, bric-a-brac to raise money for village causes.
Suitable for
When
10am-4pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Corfe Castle, 01929 481294, corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Village May Fair
Stalls, plants, raffle, bric-a-brac to raise money for village causes.
When
10am-4pm
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
Horseback Falconry & Medieval Jousting
The falcons and horses work together accompanied by beautiful music. The show also includes a jousting tournament with knights in shining armour, squires, ladies and even a medieval jester. Tickets only available on the night.
Suitable for
When
6:30-8:30pm
Admission
Adult: £10
Child: £7
Family: £30
Booking Not Needed.
Food & drink available.
Ffi contact: Corfe Castle, 01929 481294, corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Open Air Theatre: As You Like It by William Shakespeare
No other touring open-air theatre company has performed so many different Shakespeare titles to so many people, winning so many awards, as Illyria. As You Like It is Shakespeare's ultimate romantic comedy. For authenticity the production is performed on a stage based on those used by 16th-century touring companies.
Suitable for
When
7:30-10:15pm
Admission
Adult: £15
Child: £8
Booking Essential.
Adult: 17 +Child: 5-16.
Seating is not provided, so please bring low back seats and rugs. Picnics welcome and please wrap up warmly, fully prepared for our English summer evenings.
The castle by its very nature has steep slopes, uneven paths and steps. The theatre is always performed in the outer bailey which is accessible to wheel chair users with help.
No refunds available, cancellation in the event of hurricane only.
Ffi contact: Corfe Castle, 01929 481294, corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Food & Drink Festival
There will also be cookery demonstrations, new for 2013.
Suitable for
When
10am-5pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Corfe Castle, 01929 481294, corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
The Festival of British Archaeology
Family trail every day, with our main living history displays and hands on activities, including new additions for 2013, on Sat 13 - Sun 14, Sat 20 - Sun 21 and Thurs 25 - Sun 28.
Suitable for
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Website
Medieval Banquet
A unique opportunity to enjoy an evening feast in the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle, with authentic food and live entertainment. This will be an occasion not to be missed.
Suitable for
When
7:30-11pm
Admission
All tickets: £50
Booking Essential.
No refunds.
Medieval costumes encouraged.
The event will take place inside a marquee in the Outer Bailey of the castle.
Ffi contact: Corfe Castle, 01929 481294, corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Medieval Village with Knight & Damsel Academy
Including new displays for 2013.
Suitable for
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Please be aware that there are steps, steep slopes and uneven paths in the castle. There is wheelcahir access to the outer bailey only.
Ffi contact: Corfe Castle, 01929 481294, corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Open Air Theatre: The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan
This wonderful comic opera, although set in Japan, is very much a parody of British politics, institutions and public life - and although written in the 19th century is surprisingly relevant in the 21st! It gets the complete Illyria treatment, faithfully performed by a reduced cast on a beautiful nautical set, and accompanied by a Musical Director on keyboard.
Suitable for
When
7:30-10:15pm
Admission
Adult: £19
Child: £10
Booking Essential.
Adult: 17 +Child: 5-16.
No seating provided, so please bring low back chairs, rugs, and of course suitable clothing for an English Summer Evening! (warm and waterproof).
The castle is approached up a hill by a cobbled path. The theatre is held just inside the castle entrance in the outer bailey, it is accessible by wheel chair.
No refunds available, cancellation in the event of hurricane only.
Ffi contact: Corfe Castle, 01929 481294, corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Open Air Cinema: Stars under the Stars
See website in August for film listings, tickets only available on the night.
Suitable for
Admission
Adult: £6
Child: £4
Family: £14
Booking Not Needed.
No seating provided, so bring chairs, rugs, etc and wrap up very warmly! Bring a picnic. Hot & cold drinks available in the castle (licensed).
The films are shown in the Outer Bailey which is the most accessible part of the castle grounds, but it is still up a cobbled path to get there.
Gates open at 7.30pm for picnics etc, films will be shown from 8.45pm. Films can not be shown if wet or too windy. Tickets are therefore only available at the gate on the night.
Ffi contact: Purbeck Film Festival, 07939 968238, info@purbeckfilm.com.
Website
Open Air Theatre: Babe the Sheep-Pig by Dick King-Smith adapted David Wood
Farmer Hoggett wins a piglet at the fair - and everyone knows what fate awaits piglets raised on a farm. Adopted by Fly the sheepdog, Babe develops his own methods of herding sheep using politeness instead of barking orders. Illyria bring all the fun and excitement of this childrens classic to life against the dramatic backdrop of Corfe Castle.
Suitable for
When
7:30-9:30pm
Admission
Adult: £15
Child: £8
Family: £40 2 adults & 2 children
Booking Essential.
Adult: 17 +Child: 5-16Family: 2 adults (17+) & 2 children (5-16).
Please bring low back seats/rugs and picnics and dress appropriately for an August evening in the castle. (Warm and weatherproofed!).
The castle is approached uphill by a cobbled path. The performance will take place just inside the main gates in the outer bailey area of the castle.
No refunds available, cancellation in the event of hurricane only.
Ffi contact: Corfe Castle, 01929 481294, corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
- About
- | Collections
- | Events
- | Resources
- | Map
