 
Standing on top of a hill, guarding a gap in the chalk ridge of the Purbeck hills, the shattered remains of Corfe Castle still manage to convey
an impression of the power and size of what was once one of the strongest and most powerful castles in the country.
Building first began in the 1080's and over the centuries several kings contributed to its development, adding a large keep, defensive ditches
and curtain walls around the inner and outer baileys. The castle was a favourite of King John (1167-1216), who made many improvements, including
the building of the 'gloriette', which provided more lavish accommodation than the keep could provide.
The castle came under attack on at least four occasions, most notably during the Civil Wars when in 1643, Lady Bankes successfully led a defence
of the castle against Parliamentary forces. In 1646 a second siege was brought to an end by an act of treachery that allowed Parliamentary troops
disguised as Royalist reinforcements to enter the castle. The slighting that Parliament ordered be carried out at Corfe was far more severe than
at most other castles, with the walls and buildings extensively demolished.
|
 |
Information |
 |
Please contact the
property or visit their official website for the latest opening
times and price of admission www.nationaltrust.org.uk |
 |
Tel: 01929
481294 Fax: 01929 477067 |
 |
corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk |
 |
NT car park at Castle
View just before the village and another non-NT car park in the
village |
 |
There are toilets and
baby changing facilities |
 |
There is a shop |
 |
There is a tea room |
 |
Castle suitable for picnics |
 |
Dogs allowed on leads
only (livestock in castle grounds) |
 |
Guided tours often available |
 |
No audio tour |
 |
Only Castle’s outer
Bailey through main gatehouse accessible for wheelchair users, but
bumpy; remainder of ruin presents a steep and uneven climb, with
steps.
Visitors with impaired mobility may be set down near Castle.
Orange 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.
Accessible shop and exhibition centre with interactive displays.
Tea-rooms have thick-handled cutlery.
Adapted WC at Castle entrance and Castle View Visitor Centre (R
A D A R lock; keys at ticket office and visitor centre).
A Braille guide is available. Many items and surfaces can be enjoyed
by touch. |
| |
 |
|
