Corfe Castle

Settlement in Dorset

England

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle, located in the county of Dorset, England, is a historic village dominated by the magnificent ruins of its namesake castle. The village is nestled in the Isle of Purbeck, a picturesque area known for its natural beauty and rich history.

Corfe Castle itself is a striking medieval fortress that dates back to the 11th century. Perched high on a hill, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The castle was initially built by William the Conqueror and played a significant role in several historical events, including the English Civil War. Despite suffering extensive damage during the war, the ruins have been remarkably preserved and continue to attract visitors from all over the world.

The village of Corfe Castle, which grew around the fortress, is a charming and idyllic place. Its streets are lined with traditional stone cottages, quaint shops, and cozy tearooms, creating a delightful atmosphere for visitors to explore. The village also boasts a rich heritage, with historical landmarks such as St. Edward's Church and the Corfe Castle Museum offering further insight into the area's past.

Surrounded by lush countryside, Corfe Castle is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby Purbeck Hills provide ample opportunities for hiking, while the stunning Jurassic Coast is just a short drive away, offering stunning cliffs, beaches, and fossil hunting.

With its captivating castle ruins, picturesque village, and natural beauty, Corfe Castle is a must-visit destination for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of Dorset.

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Corfe Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.638452/-2.0574454 or Grid Reference SY9682. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Vineyard Farm Cottage from the Castle, Corfe Castle

Grade II Listed late 17th or early 18th century farmhouse. The house has an attached 19th century stable and rear extension. The National Trust cottage takes its name from the castle’s vineyard, which was located in field nearby. It is currently (2021) available as a holiday let.

Jo and Steve Turner

17 and 19 West Street, Corfe Castle

Grade II Listed pair of cottages. Probably one house of 17th century origin. 19 strangely has a chimney stack over the door and entrance hall that may account for the diminutive front door.

Jo and Steve Turner

50 and 50A West Street, Corfe Castle

Grade II Listed early 18th century pair of cottages originally one house with 50A as an outbuilding. Extensively modernised about 1985.

Jo and Steve Turner

Furzeman's House, 51 West Street, Corfe Castle

Grade II* Listed late medieval open-hall house modified with chimneys and upper floors around 1600. It was previously known as Old Cottage.

Jo and Steve Turner

West Street

West Street passing The Old Bakery

Shaun Ferguson

Path across Corfe Common

Path across Corfe Common heading down to the B3069

Shaun Ferguson

B3069 down to Corfe Castle

B3069 beside Corfe Common heading down to Corfe Castle

Shaun Ferguson

Path heading into Centre of Village

Path heading into centre of village with Corfe Castle in the distance

Shaun Ferguson

Corfe Castle Station

Corfe Castle Station with the castle in the distance

Shaun Ferguson

Bridleway on New Mills Heath

In between the road and the gate there is a narrow bridle path which does not appear to be used much but leads to New Line Farm

Nigel Mykura

Corfe Castle Station - summer Saturday train

A steam train arriving at Corfe Castle on the preserved Swanage Railway. Locomotive No. 30053 is a class M7 0-4-4T of the LSWR and designed by Dugald Drummond. This example was built in 1905 and withdrawn in 1964. In addition to smaller Victorian locomotives, like the M7, the Swanage also has a magnificent air-smoothed Bulleid pacific (spam-can) in the form of Manston.

Chris Allen

Museum at Corfe Castle Station

On the preserved Swanage Railway. The main exhibit in this building is a narrow gauge locomotive by the Birmingham firm of Belliss & Seekings that was once on display in the Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry.

Chris Allen

Drummond M7 waiting to depart Corfe Castle Station

Locomotive No. 30053 is a class M7 0-4-4T of the LSWR and designed by Dugald Drummond. This example was built in 1905 and withdrawn in 1964. In addition to smaller Victorian locomotives, like the M7, the Swanage also has a magnificent air-smoothed Bulleid pacific (spam-can) in the form of Manston.

Chris Allen

Footplate crew at Corfe Castle Station

The driver and fireman of No. 30053 ready to depart from Corf Castle on the preserved Swanage Railway. Locomotive No. 30053 is a class M7 0-4-4T of the LSWR and designed by Dugald Drummond. This example was built in 1905 and withdrawn in 1964. In addition to smaller Victorian locomotives, like the M7, the Swanage also has a magnificent air-smoothed Bulleid pacific (spam-can) in the form of Manston.

Chris Allen

Locomotive Secundus in the museum at Corfe Castle Station

On the preserved Swanage Railway. This is the last surviving locomotive built in Birmingham and is on loan from Birmingham Museums Trust. It was built by Belliss & Seekings as an 0-6-0 well tank in 1874 and sold to Pike Brothers to work the Purbeck clay lines. Rebuilt in 1880 by Lewins of Poole and given a new boiler by Peckett of Bristol in 1937. Retired in 1955 and displayed at the original Birmingham Museum of science and Industry in Newhall Street.

Chris Allen

Swanage Railway - Corfe Castle Station

On the preserved railway on the Isle of Purbeck.

Chris Allen

Train arriving at Corfe Castle Station

Seen from Corfe Castle with a degree of zoom. The locomotive is T9 No. 30120. No. 30120 is the only surviving member of the 66 strong T9 class of 4-4-0 engines designed for the LSWR by Dugald Drummond and built from 1899-1901. This is part of the National Collection and has had a peripatetic existence in preservation. It is currently (2016) based at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway but was obviously on its summer holidays in Swanage. 2021 update: - The locomotive has again been at Swanage since 2017 but was withdrawn from service in July 2020 after failing its steam test. It is currently stored but is due to have a boiler lift to assess whether it can be returned to steam due to corrosion of the cylinder block. It would be a shame if this venerable locomotive was to become a static exhibit but all good things come to an end or require major changes to the historic material.

Chris Allen

T9 No. 30120 departing Corfe Castle Station

On the preserved Swanage Railway and seen from a high point in Corfe Castle. No. 30120 is the only surviving member of the 66 strong T9 class of 4-4-0 engines designed for the LSWR by Dugald Drummond and built from 1899-1901. This is part of the National Collection and has had a peripatetic existence in preservation. It is currently (2016) based at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway but was obviously on its summer holidays in Swanage. 2021 update: - The locomotive has again been at Swanage since 2017 but was withdrawn from service in July 2020 after failing its steam test. It is currently stored but is due to have a boiler lift to assess whether it can be returned to steam due to corrosion of the cylinder block. It would be a shame if this venerable locomotive was to become a static exhibit but all good things come to an end or require major changes to the historic material.

Chris Allen

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Corfe Castle is located at Grid Ref: SY9682 (Lat: 50.638452, Lng: -2.0574454)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset