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.
Great family days spent at Corfe Castle this summer
Food and drink festival
We are excited to be hosting Love It Local's inaugural Food & Drink Festival at Corfe Castle. Celebrating incredible food and drink produce from across the Isle of Purbeck, discover local delights and hidden gems along with music, dancing and face painting for our younger guests.
Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July | 10am - 5.30pm | Normal admission applies | Free for National Trust members
Summer of play
Every day of the summer holidays
Enjoy six play zones to get legs and minds racing. There’s archery, slingshots and beanbags to fire, an obstacle course to navigate and a music zone to make some noise. Imaginations can be set free in our loose parts play zone or get your thinking caps on in the garden area.
August 20 - September | 10am - 5.30pm | Free | Normal admission applies | Free for National Trust members
Fun storytelling tours
Every Saturday and Sunday from 20 Jul to 31 Aug. Tours at 11am, 12.30pm. 2pm and 3.30pm. BSL interpreter with tours on August 4,10 and 17.
Discover some the castles’ secrets, participate in interactive challenges and even time travel on this fun and fact filled tour from our supremely entertaining Keeper of the Castle.
There will be also be a BSL signed interpreter providing interpretation alongside the Keeper of the Castle on August 4, 10 and 17.
Storytelling tours with BSL interpreter
Free | Normal admission applies | Free for National Trust members
Treasures of the toolkit family quest
Every day of the summer holidays
Can you become a castle conservator? Hunt the ruins to learn about and collect the tools for your very own castle conservator toolkit. Complete the sheet to get a conservation coin.
Treasures of the toolkit family quest
August 20 - September | 10am - 5.30pm | Free | Normal admission applies | Free for National Trust members
Outdoor theatre
Thursday 3, 8, 15 and 22 August. Gates open at 7pm.
Experience the theatre with a backdrop like no other. With productions of The Tale of Jemima Puddle-duck, Hound of the Baskervilles, Romeo and Juliet and The Secret Diary of Henry VIII, there’s something for everyone.
Picnics, blankets, cushions and camping chairs encouraged.
Booking essential on 0344 249 1895 or via:
The secret diary of Henry VIII
Outdoor cinema
23 and 24 August. Gates open at 8pm
Enjoy a night under the stars watching Harry Potter and the philosophers stone (PG) and Wonka (PG). In partnership with the Purbeck Film Festival.
Picnics, blankets, cushions and camping chairs encouraged. Dressing up is optional but very welcome.
Booking essential on 0344 249 1895 or via:
Harry Potter and the philosophers stone (PG)
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.