Corfe Castle - National Trust

Corfe Castle - National Trust
The Square
Corfe Castle
Wareham
Dorset
BH20 5EZ
England

Website

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle

E-mail

corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk

Telephone

General Enquiries

01929 481294

Learning

01929 480609

Fax

01929 477067

All information is drawn from or provided by the venues themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.
The Keep of Corfe Castle, Dorset
baby changing facilities icon Food icon Shop icon Visual disability facilities icon Wheelchair access icon

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

 Opening hours

See website

Closed 25, 26 Dec. High winds may cause closure of parts of grounds.

 Admission charges

£4.70, child £2.30, family £11.50 (2 adults & 3 children), family £6.90 (1 adult & 3 children). Groups £4.10, child £2. Paying visitors arriving by public transport offered a reduction on production of a valid bus or train ticket. Discounted Corfe Castle/Swanage Steam Railway joint tickets available from Swanage Steam Railway (tel. 01929 425800 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              01929 425800      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              01929 425800      end_of_the_skype_highlighting)

Discounts

  • National Trust

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

Events details are listed below. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all. For events that don't have a specific date see the 'Resources' tab above.
Corfe Common

Walk: 'Buildings Breathe'

  • 22 September 2014 10:30am-12:30pm

For thousands of years, quicklime was a vital part of life in the country. We visit the remains of an 18th century lime kiln and discuss the many parts quick lime played in both home and farm. Approximately two miles, two hours. Please wear suitable footwear as this walk can be muddy.

Suitable for

  • 18+

Admission

£3.00 per person.

Website

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/whats-on/

Corfe Common

Walk: 'A Living from the Heath'

  • 6 October 2014 10:30am-12:30pm

The barren heaths of today belie the part they have played throughout history. A man-made landscape which has seen many changes over the years, the heath shows little sign today of the industries that flourished there. Approx. 2 miles, 2 hours. Please wear suitable footwear as this walk can be muddy.

Suitable for

  • 18+

Admission

£3.00 per adult.

Website

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/whats-on/

Resources listed here may include websites, bookable tours and workshops, books, loan boxes and more. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all.

Living in a Castle

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-corfecastle/

Castle tours offer a great way to bring the ruins to life - an expert guide can place the ancient structure into its geographical and historical context.
The study room's imaginative hands-on activities - from early medieval costumes to examining archaeological finds - provide excellent preparation for, or follow-up to, a castle tour. The study room is best suited to Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils, but other ages can be catered for.
Guided walks looking at Corfe Castle village as a rural settlement, or at Corfe Common, are also available.

How to obtain

All education activities require pre-booking. Current charges are £1.80 (+VAT) per student per activity (guided walk, study room session). Call 01929 480609 or email corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.

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