HPB’s holiday booking service has been rated 4.7 out of 5
based on 14748 customer reviews on Feefo.
Feefo Platinum Award Feefo logo

Visit Corfe Castle

Posted by Luci Ackers on 6 September 2017
Related property: Langton House
Visit Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle has a fantastic range of events and history to keep both adults and children entertained.

Just a ten-minute drive from Langton House is this magnificent medieval castle, originally built by William the Conqueror, situated high atop a hill overlooking the pretty Dorset town of the same name. From its strategic position, the castle has watched the village grow around it for the past 1,000 years...

A little bit of history

The impressive fortification is located to the south of Dorset, and was originally built in the 11th century as a defensive structure. It guarded the principal route through the Purbeck Hills, standing between the south of Purbeck and the rest of England. It has been altered and adapted over the years by a number of various royal owners. Today the keep is one of the oldest remaining sections, having been a part of Henry I's 12th century alterations. Visitors can still climb into the tower and explore the ruins from the inside. Not only is it wonderful to be able to walk in the footsteps of so many past royal inhabitants, but the views of the Purbecks from the top of the structure are really incredible too!

Sir John Bankes owned the castle in the 17th century and his wife, Lady Mary Bankes, successfully defended her home through two sieges during the English Civil War. By the mid 1640s it was one of the last strongholds still standing in southern England. Unfortunately in 1645 the castle fell under Parliamentary attack and was partly demolished. 

Here the Castle's dramatic ruins still stand in remarkable condition, and very little has changed since the 17th century. Following a short period of confiscation, the property was returned to the Bankes family and continued to be passed down for three and a half centuries. In the early ‘80s Ralph Bankes handed it over to the National Trust and it is now a Grade I listed building that welcomes visitors to come and discover its fascinating history.

The castle today

The National Trust cares for the castle and its extensive grounds. They host a fantastic range of events and themed days throughout the year that are great for both adults and children alike. Many of the activities draw upon the castle's intricate history, helping youngsters learn about England’s turbulent past.

Visitors can explore the castle grounds as well as its crumbling walls. Romp amongst the ruins, and really get a feel for how dramatic the building would have looked in its heyday. Discover secret places and 'murder holes' and admire the views of Purbeck and the village of Corfe Castle below.

Events and facilities

There's always something going on, from re-enactments to fairs to bird of prey displays. The castle is host to skills days and workshops, storytelling and themed falconry events. Find a full list of upcoming events on the website here.

There are good facilities on site; the shop sells local goodies and gifts, a tearoom is located in the gardens and there is a visitor centre too, so you can make a day of it.

Extend your day out

The great thing about the site is that it’s a haven for walkers too. The castle’s surroundings are not only stunning, with the flora and fauna of southern Dorset calling it home, but it is also laced through with a number of walking routes. Take a look at some of the National Trust’s suggested trails here.

Why not take a wander down into the village itself for a look around? The famous Swanage heritage railway travels the 10-mile journey between Swanage and Wareham, stopping off at Corfe Castle en route. So if you want to make the day really special, arrive at the castle by steam train. Take a look at the website for more info and tickets.

Castle prices

Remember that admission is free for National Trust members.

Adults off peak: £9.90

Adults peak season: £10.50

Find out how to stay at Langton House, just 10 minutes away, by clicking below.

Luci Ackers

Luci Ackers

Luci loves getting out and about for a good cycle ride or easy-going walks in the countryside, and thoroughly enjoyed the time she previously spent working for the National Trust. Her love of writing started from a young age and on rainy days nothing beats curling up in a secret corner with a good book.

How can I find out more?

The Holiday Property Bond could do as much for your quality of life as it has done for many thousands of families who have already invested. That's why we invite you to get in touch with us in any of these 3 ways and please don't forget our unique 'Money back promise' and 'interest free loan' options.

Request our brochure Speak to a representative Explore one of our UK sites

Please request our fully illustrated holiday property brochure

Please read "How HPB works" and then we will be delighted to send you our brochure, including our property portfolio, and your FREE copy of Insight Magazine. See the beautiful holiday homes and magnificent locations where you can spend your holidays as a Bondholder and learn how impressed Bondholders have been by our handling of the problems caused by coronavirus.

Please complete and submit the form or, alternatively, telephone our FREE brochure request line on 0800 230 0391

Request a brochure
Title *  
First Name *  
Surname *  
Email address *
Postcode *  
Telephone number
How did you hear about us?

We will use the details you provide above to send you our detailed HPB brochure and keep you updated about HPB holiday offers. Details of how we use the information you provide are in our privacy policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

SUBMIT SUBMIT
* Indicates required fields
HPB’s holiday booking service has been rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 14748 customer reviews on Feefo.

You can speak to one of our representatives

Your local HPB representative will be happy to call or video call you at a convenient time for an informal chat. Simply fill in your details and we'll do the rest.

Most of our representatives are Bondholders themselves and all have visited a number of Bond sites.

The representative will give you all the information you need and then leave you to make up your own mind. He or she will talk to you about your holiday requirements and what level of investment is needed to secure the kind of holidays you want.

Video chat now available with a local representative

This request is for new enquiries only, if you are an existing Bondholder please contact us via myBond.

How should we contact you? *  
Title *  
First Name *  
Surname *  
Email address *
Telephone number *  
Post code *  
Preferred Date/Time
Preferred Date/Time 2
Preferred Date/Time 3
OR
Please contact me to arrange a date

Your local representative will contact you to confirm the date and time.

Date/Time *  
How did you hear about us?
Chosen date (choose above) *
Chosen time (choose above) *

We will use the details you provide above for a representative to contact you. Details of how we use the information you provide are in our privacy policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

SUBMIT SIGN ME UP
* Indicates required fields


See our stunning holiday properties for yourself

Having a Private Tour at an HPB holiday location is an enjoyable way to see the high standards of furnishings and facilities you could enjoy with HPB. One of our representatives will show you around the site and answer any questions you may have.

Alternatively, you are welcome to book a Personal Presentation at a hotel near you. You can chat to one of our representatives, ask your questions and view the complete portfolio of HPB locations.

BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR OR PERSONAL PRESENTATION

This advertisement is issued by HPB Management Limited (HPBM), the main UK agent and the property manager for HPB, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registered at HPB House, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8EH. HPB is available exclusively through HPBM. HPB is issued by HPB Assurance Limited (HPBA) registered in the Isle of Man and authorised by the Financial Services Authority there. The Trustee of HPB is Equiom (Isle of Man) Limited, registered at Jubilee Buildings, Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2SH. The Securities Adviser is Stanhope Capital LLP of 35 Portman Square, London W1H 6LR. No medical examination is required.

HPBM promotes only HPB and is not independent of HPBA. Holders of policies issued by HPBA will not be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if the company becomes unable to meet its liabilities to them but Isle of Man compensation arrangements apply to new policies.