The Village of Corfe Castle
Winding through the narrow roads in the English countryside there is a lovely, quaint little village in Dorset called Corfe Castle. The Village was no doubt named after the once impressive medieval castle that stands proudly above her.
The Village of Corfe Castle has several historic hotels and pubs making it a great overnight stop. There are some lovely little shops as well. The village can get a little crowded at times considering the Castle brings in approximately 250,000 visitors per year.
There are also several wonderful walks both around the castle and village. We opted for the walk around the castle. It was a beautiful day and just seeing all the different angles of the castle was fascinating to me. This was an easy walk and no more than two miles long.
For the more adventurous traveler, there is a 10 mile walking path that will take you all the way to the beach in Swanage. From there, you could return to Corfe Castle by train or bus. Obviously, walking back is an option too. I just wouldn’t think it would be a popular one.
History of Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle was built by King Henry I, the son of the famous William the Conqueror soon after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. At the time it was considered one of the finest Castles in all of England. Built at the top of a huge steep hill the castle stood as a great medieval skyscraper along the English countryside.
Unfortunately, for us, the castle was built too strong. The Castle was considered too strong a fortress during the civil war in the 1600’s. After several unsuccessful attempts to overtake the castle, it was taken by betrayal from within.
The Castle was under siege for over six weeks and resulted in only two deaths in the castle, yet hundreds died trying to take the castle. As a result, on the orders of Parliament the castle was destroyed in 1646.
Just one year after it was taken by Parliament, it was destroyed. This castle was obviously designed as a strong military fortress and consider a very dangerous threat to the English Government.
The Ruins of Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle now lays in ruin. Massive stone walls leaning along the hillside. High towers still standing straight and strong into the sky. While this mighty fortress was damaged, not through neglect but intentionally, she is still proud, majestic and strong.
Despite laying in ruin there is still a lot to see at the castle. Walking around it is the only way to truly take in the sheer size the of the castle. Corfe Castle was a monster of a castle. While some of the stone was used for other purposes, most of the castle still remains. Including gates that date from the 13th century and a bridge.
Admission to Corfe Castle
Admission during peak times is: Adults £10.40, Children £5.20 and Family Admission is £26.00. Off peak times are slightly less. They also have group rates as well posted on their website at Corfe Castle.
Have you ever visited Corfe Castle or stayed in the Village? I’d love to hear about your visit! There are so many things to do around Corfe and other nearby villages to see.
