Are you thinking of visiting Corfe Castle National Trust? Are you wondering if it would be suitable to take the children? Take a look at our visit to Corfe Castle Dorset to see what our children thought of it, and our top tips.
Whilst on holiday in Dorset this year we visited a few places, mostly National Trust locations as we became members this year. We ticked another place off the list and visited Corfe Castle, a 1,000 year old castle which was partially demolished in 1646.
Yes, I am sure you noticed those black clouds, it was sunny when we left the house! However, we didn’t get wet at all, although it wouldn’t have surprised me if we had though, as Corfe Castle is sat right on top of a huge hill, looking down over the village of Corfe Castle, and would easily get hit by the rain!
As we visited in the school holidays Corfe Castle had put on some activities to get the kid’s interest. They were really well done, from old games, cooking, tool making and dressing up.
They also had a trail around Corfe Castle, the children were given information on different people who worked around Corfe Castle at the time, like Sir Christopher Hatton who lived there. The children had to read each bit of information and then pick who they think was the person who was behind the plot to kill him. This was ok for my son who is 12 but my twin girls aged 7 found it a bit hard and a lot of information. I would imagine different holidays they would have different activities on.
This trail got the kids running around Corfe Castle and exploring the area. Which gave me a chance to capture some photos and take in the views.
My kids love climbing around old buildings, and exploring new places, as my son is older he enjoys learning the history behind the places.
If Corfe Castle couldn’t be any more picture perfect, there is a steam train running through the hills!
Being a National Trust member you get to park in the car parks for free, the car park is situated across the road and about a 10-minute walk away from Corfe Castle. However keep an eye out for the Play Trail, it runs alongside the normal path but is a little different and the kids will love it!
Make sure you put Corfe Castle on your to visit list, it is well worth a visit. Whilst you are at Corfe Castle you can extend your visit by visiting the shops and pubs in Corfe village, it’s a pretty village with plenty of little shops. We’ve eaten at The Greyhound Inn in Corfe village and the food was really nice.
Pictures Taken 2016
Tips For Visiting Corfe Castle
- Dogs allowed on short leads
- Very uneven grounds
- Toilets at the welcome centre
- Car park 10 minute walk away
- Children’s activities on during holidays
- Tea room at the welcome centre
- Corfe village is right at the entrance to Corfe Castle
14 Comments
Corfe Castle looks truly epic! The dark clouds make it look even more so. I’m hoping to do a few more National Trust places this Autumn. Sarah #WhateverTheWeather
We took our girls to a castle for the first time over the summer and they loved it. My eldest (5) was particularly impressed! she thought it was magical to be in a real life castle! My parents are National Trust members so we’ve visited quite a few NT places with them, but there aren’t many places near where we live unfortunately. #whatevertheweather
I have seen a few pics of Corfe Castle before and it looks amazing, even the dark clouds add a nice bit of atmosphere! I love our NT membership, can’t wait to discover some new places this year. And another reminder I really need to put Dorset on our list for next year! #whatevertheweather
this looks fab – love it when there are some more ‘hands on’ things for kids on trips out x
Dorset really does look stunning and you have got some lovely captures of it too.
We have been thinking about joining the national trust , I’m going to pop over to their website in a minute for a nosy x
Corfe Castle is brilliant. The view is amazing and it’s great seeing the steam trains too. I haven’t been for nearly 20 years, so long before I had children. We must plan a visit to Dorset soon.
#countrykids
What a beautiful location! The stepping stones through the water looks like great fun xx
We stayed in a hotel that looked into here on our first ever Dorset trip over 10 years ago! It’s right next to such a gorgeous little town isn’t it? Dorset is my favourite place EVER!
I love being a NT member because they really do make great days out for kids.
You’ve captures so much history in a few photo’s, fab photography. Never been but it looks like somewhere we’d visit. I love the stepping stones.
It’s such an iconic castle isn’t it and I love the stormy skies in that picture, it makes it so atmospheric! It’s great when they put on so many different activities over the summer, so much easier to learn through ‘doing’. How fab that they have made a play trail to follow too, it’s the little details like that which really make a day out! Thanks so much for linking up to #Whatevertheweather 🙂 x
I’ve never heard of this castle. It looks lovely. The steam train is an added bonus too. We’ll have to try and visit next time we’re in the area x
I am not a bit fan of history. I sucked at it in school but I do love visiting old castles. This one looks amazing. Look at the landscape.
Wow this looks absolutely stunning!! I love the idea of activities for the kids that’s brilliant! Glad you had a good time xxx