Corfe Castle

What to do and places to visit in Corfe Castle, Dorset.

Corfe Castle on the Isle of Purbeck is one of the most important historic places in Dorset. The castle dominates the village of Corfe and is visible as far away as Poole. There are many pleasant walks around the village and surrounding area that are worth coming back to time after time. The village also has a few small gift shops, places to eat, a visitors centre and a model village.

The dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle stand on a natural hill guarding the principal route through the Purbeck Hills. It may have been a defensive site even in Roman times and Corfe Castle certainly has had a colourful history. The first castle buildings would have been built of wood. In the latter half of the 11th Century the Castle was rebuilt in stone by William the Conqueror.