Holiday rentals in Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle sits on the scenic Isle of Purbeck peninsula, which juts out from the rolling Dorset coastline into the English Channel. The village is dominated by the ruins of a thousand-year-old castle, which stands high on a hill. Today a tour of the restored ruins is rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Isle of Purbeck and beyond.

The village itself is almost completely constructed from grey Purbeck limestone. In the town square, you’ll find traditional pubs serving Sunday roasts, a bakery offering delicate pastries, and pretty tearooms where you can tuck into scones with lashings of jam. Several walks lead you around the village and through the countryside, home to fragrant wild chamomile and the electric-blue southern damselfly. The Corfe Common history walk is a moderate route past several sites of archaeological significance and offers memorable views of the castle.

Summer is a popular time to book Corfe Castle cottages; you can expect mostly warm sunny days with the odd chance of rain, so pack a jacket along with the sunscreen. In August, the popular Purbeck Valley Folk Festival takes place near Corfe Castle, when local and national artists come to perform in a relaxed family environment. In spring, you can expect mostly mild temperatures for walks around the village; in autumn, the castle’s rolling hills are covered in hues of gold, creating a truly spectacular sight. The weather can be changeable at this time, so make sure to pack a jacket. A winter visit will be greeted with chilly weather and the risk of rain, but you will be rewarded with dramatic views of the castle from miles around. Early mornings in winter can be particularly special when mist surrounds the castle ruins. Just be sure to pack warm layers and waterproof boots.

Corfe Castle

Overlooking the village are the remains of one of England’s most important fortresses, built in the 11th century and destroyed during the English Civil War. The castle is home to nesting ravens, and legend says it will crumble if the birds leave. Wander through the fallen walls and discover arrow slits and murder holes — used to pour boiling water or oil on castle invaders — while admiring sweeping views across the Purbeck countryside. There’s a souvenir shop, a traditional tearoom, and a visitor centre where you can learn more about the castle’s history.

Corfe Castle Model Village and Gardens

At one-twentieth the size of the actual castle, this model version, set amid beautifully landscaped gardens and streets of tiny cottages, is an exact replica of the castle in 1646, just before its destruction. Play a game of giant draughts or croquet on the lawn, and when you’ve finished exploring the model village, you can stop off for lunch in the 17th-century courtyard cafe.

Swanage Railway

Head to Corfe Castle Station and board the rebuilt Swanage Railway for a scenic trip through the Dorset countryside. Heritage steam and diesel trains chug and puff along the 5.5-mile journey to the seaside town of Swanage, which boasts spectacular views of the Isle of Purbeck countryside. You can stop along the way at Harman’s Cross or Herston, and, at Swanage, you’ll find a shop for refreshments and souvenirs. You can even enjoy a meal with a view on one of the dining trains.