Corfe Castle Ruins
14 May 2019
High on a windswept hill, this atmospheric castle is a dark and brooding place indeed.
Things to do near Corfe Castle
1
Corfe Castle Ruins
High on a windswept hill, this atmospheric castle is a dark and brooding place indeed.
2
Rockley Sands Beach
Rockley Sands beach in Poole is a small sand and mud beach, with facilities including a cafe, shop, toilets, equipment hire and parking. There is also disabled access and the beach is dog-friendly all year. Swimming at low tide should not be attempted due to strong currents.
3
The Square and Compass
A gem of a country pub, the Square and Compass has heaps of character. Award winning beers and ciders are served through old serving hatches and food consists mainly of good old home-made pasties. There are lovely views across the fields to the sea and some great stretches of the South West Coast Path to walk nearby.
4
Swanage Railway
Get all Brief Encounter' with a steam train trip on the Swanage Railway.
5
West Holme Farm
Set in 15 acres in the lovely Isle of Purbeck region of Dorset. This family-run pick your own farm has been growing fruit and veg since the 1970s. There's also a farm shop, plant nursery and tea room here where you can enjoy a cream tea made with Holme made jam.
6
Studland Bay and Nature Reserve
A National Trust nature reserve, this three-mile curve of sand is home to many breeds of rare bird. Voted the UK's 4th top beach by Which? Magazine - though locals would probably place it higher. Studland Bay is also famous for its nudist section at Knoll Bay, the National Trust's only designated naturist beach. You will find safe shallow waters here and National Trust members can park for free.
7
Corfe Castle
Home to some of the country's most significant ruins, the village of Corfe Castle is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Isle of Purbeck, a peninsula that stretches across a large part of Dorset. History lovers will find the castle itself fascinating – a dramatic hilltop ruin over 1,000 years old. Corfe Castle has a lot more to offer, though; good shopping, some great places to eat, fantastic walking in every direction and even a model village complete with a reconstruction of the castle as it would have looked before it was destroyed.
8
Arne Heath
Enjoy walking through open heathland and old oak woodland here with views overlooking Poole Habour. Park in the RSPB car park and choose from a one mile easy flat walk called the Coombe Trail or the two and a half mile Shipstal Trail (or even put the two together for a more adventurous four mile walk!). Look out for the rare Dartford Warbler and if you are lucky you will see roe and sika deer.
9
Arne Nature Reserve
Head to Arne Nature Reserve and enjoy woods, heathland and wetland, a haven for wildlife and flora and fauna.
10
Bankes Arms
A traditional Dorset country inn with the Isle of Purbeck Brewery on the premises. A cosy bar is warmed by log fires in winter and the extensive gardens are perfect for alfresco dining in summer. Dogs are welcome.
Things to do near Corfe Castle
A few years ago, the Classic Cottages team started writing about where we live and why we love it. Over time these have evolved into the Classic Guide.
Rockley Sands Beach
22 April 2019
Rockley Sands beach in Poole is a small sand and mud beach, with facilities including a cafe, shop, toilets, equipment hire and parking. There is also disabled access and the beach is dog-friendly all year. Swimming at low tide should not be attempted due to strong currents.
The Square and Compass
28 June 2013
A gem of a country pub, the Square and Compass has heaps of character. Award winning beers and ciders are served through old serving hatches and food consists mainly of good old home-made pasties. There are lovely views across the fields to the sea and some great stretches of the South West Coast Path to walk nearby.
Swanage Railway
18 March 2013
Get all Brief Encounter' with a steam train trip on the Swanage Railway.
West Holme Farm
27 April 2010
Set in 15 acres in the lovely Isle of Purbeck region of Dorset. This family-run pick your own farm has been growing fruit and veg since the 1970s. There's also a farm shop, plant nursery and tea room here where you can enjoy a cream tea made with Holme made jam.
Studland Bay and Nature Reserve
31 July 2009
A National Trust nature reserve, this three-mile curve of sand is home to many breeds of rare bird. Voted the UK's 4th top beach by Which? Magazine - though locals would probably place it higher. Studland Bay is also famous for its nudist section at Knoll Bay, the National Trust's only designated naturist beach. You will find safe shallow waters here and National Trust members can park for free.
Corfe Castle
23 January 2009
Home to some of the country's most significant ruins, the village of Corfe Castle is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Isle of Purbeck, a peninsula that stretches across a large part of Dorset. History lovers will find the castle itself fascinating – a dramatic hilltop ruin over 1,000 years old. Corfe Castle has a lot more to offer, though; good shopping, some great places to eat, fantastic walking in every direction and even a model village complete with a reconstruction of the castle as it would have looked before it was destroyed.
Arne Heath
Enjoy walking through open heathland and old oak woodland here with views overlooking Poole Habour. Park in the RSPB car park and choose from a one mile easy flat walk called the Coombe Trail or the two and a half mile Shipstal Trail (or even put the two together for a more adventurous four mile walk!). Look out for the rare Dartford Warbler and if you are lucky you will see roe and sika deer.
Arne Nature Reserve
Head to Arne Nature Reserve and enjoy woods, heathland and wetland, a haven for wildlife and flora and fauna.
Bankes Arms
A traditional Dorset country inn with the Isle of Purbeck Brewery on the premises. A cosy bar is warmed by log fires in winter and the extensive gardens are perfect for alfresco dining in summer. Dogs are welcome.