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.
Monty and Matilda's castle Christmas - family quest
Saturday 7 December - Sunday 12 January | 10am - 3.30pm | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust members
Monty mouse is returning to Corfe Castle this festive season along with his wife Matilda. They are hosting a Christmas party in the castle and need to find suitable gifts for all their mousey friends. Can you help them find some exciting goodies to make it a party to remember?
Follow the family quest as it winds up through the castle ruins. Discover the festive cabins and see what Monty and Matilda are buying for their friends. Complete the quest to earn your festive siege coin.
For further information, visit: Monty and Matilda's castle Christmas
Join a storytelling tour with the Lord of Misrule
December 21- 5 Jan, excluding 24, 25 & 26 December | Tours begin at 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm. New Year's day 12:30pm and 2pm | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust members
Take a step back to the 17th century where our very own Lord of Misrule will take you on an interactive journey through the ruins of the castle and teach you the games, dances, stories and Christmas traditions of days gone by.
For further information, visit: Lord of misrule storytelling tours
Toast marshmallows, warm up by the fire and enjoy the festivities
December 21 - January 5. Marshmallows not available 24, 25 & 26 December | 10am - 3pm | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust Members
Take time to relax and enjoy warming up around fire pits and toasting marshmallows. Natural decorations will be sprinkled around the castle, collected from across the Purbeck estate, and you can make a Christmas wish at our wishing tree.
For further information, visit: Christmas festivities
Winter lights
Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December | 4pm - 8pm. Last entry will be at 7:15pm | Normal admission applies | Free to National Trust members
For two nights only, experience the magic of exploring Corfe Castle at night, under the stars and gather around a fire pit to toast marshmallows.
Braziers and festoon lights will illuminate the paths but we recommend you bring a torch with you for the walk from the car park and to spot uneven ground in the ruins.
For more information visit: Winter lights event
Winter Solstice sunrise at Corfe Castle
Thursday 21 December | 7am | Normal admission applies | Free for National Trust members
Watch the sun rise over East Hill on the shortest day of the year from the top of the castle. Explore the ruins and keep cosy around a fire pit with some roasted marshmallows in the Outer Bailey,
Castle gates open at 7am in time for you to walk up and find the perfect spot to watch the sunrise. Bring a camping chair for added comfort.
For further information, visit: Winter solstice at Corfe Castle
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.