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Corfe Castle, England

Where – Corfe Castle, England

Last month we visited Airlie Beach, Australia; a bustling town by the sea and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This month we’re going to travel half way around the world to a quaint English village called Corfe Castle.

Corfe Castle is located on the south coast of England in the Shire of Dorset. It's quite often referred to as being situated in the Isle of Purbeck which is misleading because it's not an Isle but rather a peninsula.

Within only a few miles are the seaside towns of Studland and Swanage. Bournemouth, a favorite holiday spot for many, can be reached either via a ferry that leaves from Studland or by driving around Poole harbour.

If you hire a rental car it's fun to take the ferry one way and drive the other. If you don't you'll miss out on some very pretty scenery.

Castle History

As the name implies, there is indeed a castle perched on top of a hill towering over the village. The ruins of this medieval castle are situated in a gap between the Purbeck Hills. It was built in the gap so as to give soldiers a commanding view of enemies who had to use the gap to travel back and forth.

The castle was built in the latter half of the 11th century with additional walls and towers being added during the 12th and 13th centuries. During the Civil War it was besieged twice in 1643 and again in 1646.

The latter attack lead to the castle falling into the hands of parliamentary soldiers. Parliament later voted to demolish the castle and used mines and gunpowder to reduce the castle to the ruins we see today.

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle is named after its looming castle namesake. As you walk along the quaint, narrow streets lined with limestone houses you can’t help but be drawn into the medieval era. The occasion car navigating through the narrow streets is the only reminder that you’re still in the 21st century.

If you work up a thirst and an appetite while exploring the castle and walking around the village you’d better stop in at the Bankes Arms Hotel and enjoy a pint or two and a good meal. You just can’t beat the atmosphere of a good ole English pub.

Happy and safe travels…