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.
The conqueror's castle family quest
Monday 24 February - Friday 4 April | 10am - 4.30pm | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust Members
Can you help a King build a castle on our new family quest? Travel back to 1086 to help William the Conqueror discover how a team of builders go about building a castle. Hunt the castle ruins for quest boards, not down your answers and earn a prize.
For further information, see our upcoming events: The conqueror's castle family quest
Mothers day sunflower planting
Saturday 29 - Sunday 30 March | 10am - 4.30pm | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust Members
Bring your Mum, Grandma or someone special and plant a sunflower seed in your very own eco-pot with the 1,000 year old Corfe Castle as your backdrop. Take your sunflower home and watch it grow together.
For further information, visit: Mothers day sunflower planting
Easter egg hunt in the ruins
Saturday 5 - Monday 21 April | 10am - 4.30pm | £3.50 per trail which includes an activity sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan or Free From* chocolate egg | Normal admission applies | Free admisison to National Trust Members
This Easter, hop in to a fun filled day of spring themed games and activities as you explore the ruins of Corfe Castle. Get involved with some garden games, test your aim with a spot of archery, challenge your friends and family to a traditional egg and spoon race and much much more..
* Suitable for people with milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergies.
For further information, visit: Easter egg hunt at Corfe Castle
May half term
Saturday 24 May - Sunday 1 June | 10am - 5.30pm | Normal admission applies | Free admisison to National Trust Members
This half term, go back in time to WW2 at the castle with our fun and interactive storytelling tour and learn about the birds that call Corfe Catle home.
For further information, visit: May half term
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 audio trail and wildlife spotting in the surrounding hills. Find out more.