The ruins of Corfe Castle stand between Wareham and Swanage, over the gap in the Purbeck Hills. The picturesque village is packed with independent shops, pubs, and tea houses as well as a model village and artist studios. All sitting in the shadows of the imposing thousand-year-old castle.
We parked up in the small National Trust's car park at Castle View. From the visitor centre situated there, we took the short walk along the river to Corfe Castle itself. It was a blindingly bright day with the sun beating down on us. Yet the trail, and even the castle itself, offered shadey patches to cool off in.
Corfe Castle is impressive. The keep was built in the early 12th century for King Henry I, William the Conqueror’s son. It stands on top of a 55m high hill and can be seen from miles. When the castle was ordered to be destroyed, gunpowder was packed into deep holes dug around the tower and ramparts. The ruins left are what we see today.
Despite at one time the castle being in such a dangerous condition that it was closed to visitors; the National Trust's extensive conservation efforts have managed to restore the castle to an incredible standard. Corfe Castle provides some of the most majestic ruins you can visit.
Dogs are most welcome to visit Corfe Castle. They are free to roam the grounds as well as the ruins themselves. A rare treat especially at National Trust properties. There were plenty of opportunities to rest in the shade as we moved through the ruins. As well as water bowls right by the castle entrance.
The village is dog-friendly too. Even the Corfe Model Village allowed dogs inside to experience the pretty gardens and miniature houses. We stopped by The Pink Goat for a light lunch, and found them to be incredibly welcoming to our companion. He got some treats and we had the most delicious meal of our entire trip.
