Family-friendly things to do at Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle is the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled family day out. Explore the castle ruins and join in with a jam-packed programme of events.
Rooted in the ruins family quest
Corfe Castle is not only a historic ruin but also a haven for wildlife and wildflowers. On this family quest discover the positive and negative impacts these plants can have on a 1000 year old castle ruin.
This family quest will take you on a hunt all around the ruins to see if you can earn a coveted conservation coin.
Rooted in the ruins family quest | National Trust
Early May bank holiday
On the 4th, 5th and 6th May, Burngate Purbeck Stone Centre are hosting talks and demonstrations of the heritage skill of stone carving in the castle. Visitors will have the opportunity to get hands on with carving Purbeck stone while contributing to a larger piece that when finished, will be put on display by the National Trust team.
Stone Carving with Burngate Purbeck Stone Centre | National Trust
May half-term
Watch our replica medieval siege machine in action! We'll be firing large balls of water towards the castle every day in half-term with our Trebuchet. Enjoy fun, interactive storytelling tours taking visitors on a journey throughout the castle and hunt the clues on our family quest ‘Rooted in the ruins’
Family-friendly things to do at Corfe Castle
Climb up through the Castle ruins to discover one thousand years of Corfe Castle's history as a royal palace, fortress and family home.
Spot the ‘murder holes’, count the arrow loops and feel history come to life as you explore the ruins. Once at the top of the mound, you can enjoy panoramic views of Purbeck and if you time it right, you can see the heritage steam train winding through the countryside.
Watch birds soar overhead and spot the wildlife that has now set up home here – from bees and butterflies to lizards and grazing cattle.
Don’t forget to look out for the ravens as you go. An old legend claims that if the ravens ever leave Corfe Castle, something terrible will happen. It's said that they disappeared for a time shortly before the castle was captured during the English Civil War, but since then they've been nesting here quite happily for hundreds of years. Their nest is high up in the stonework – you might see them come and go.
Planning your family visit
- There are baby changing facilities in Castle View Welcome Centre and next to the Ticket Office.
- Buggies are welcome across the site but please note the paths are uneven and there are multiple step areas. We recommend you using the buggy park in the Outer Gatehouse and bringing a baby carrier.
- High chairs are available in Castle View Welcome Centre and the Tea-room.
The Tea-room offers a children’s menu for food and drinks, and can provide gluten or dairy free alternatives on request. - There are outdoor picnic areas by Castle View Welcome Centre and at Old Mill picnic area.
- From the car park to the castle entrance it is about a 15 minute walk on a step free path.
Eating and shopping at Corfe Castle
Situated in an 18th century former cottage, the Tea-room at Corfe Castle serves a delicious menu of hot and cold food, drinks, cakes and bakes. Afterwards, stop off at the Shop to discover beautiful collections of homewares, gifts and locally made ranges to take home with you. The second-hand book shop located in Castle View is also filled with literary treasures.
Things to see and do at Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle offers plenty to see and do, including walks around the ruins, a story trail and wildlife spotting in the surrounding hills. Find out more.