Trains to Corfe Castle
Built following the Norman conquest of 1066, Corfe Castle is a place with both historical and architectural significance. Its position in the Purbeck Hills leads many to believe that it was a fortified site prior to William the Conqueror’s arrival, although it was in fact he who founded what we still see today. Since then, the Norman castle has been a major part of English history, through the English Civil War and hundreds of years of history.
Partially demolished by Parliamentarians during the English Civil War, Corfe Castle now stands as ruins on the top of a hill. Casting a regal and historic shadow over the hills surrounding, Corfe Castle is an interesting historical monument with a rich history, and a great semi-natural environment to wander around. Whether you’re fascinated by English royal history or love going for hillside walks, discover trains to Corfe Castle with CrossCountry for a great day out.
How to Get to Corfe Castle by train
Bournemouth station is the nearest CrossCountry station to Corfe Castle, from which you can travel to Wareham before taking a fifteen-minute bus ride. Simply locate the Purbeck Breezer 40 bus and you will be one step closer to exploring a historic English site. Purbeck Breezer buses accept both contactless payments and cash.
Things to do in Corfe Castle
First and foremost, Corfe Castle itself. This historical site’s history stretches all the way back to the time of William the Conqueror and no visit to Dorset is complete without ticking this off your list. Also, the hillside was settled by Saxons, Vikings, and Romans even before the Norman conquest – a fact that only adds to the appeal. Now cared for by the National Trust, Corfe Castle is one of the charity’s many sites in Dorset, underling the county’s importance for conservationists.
Once you’ve visited the ruins, you can explore it in miniature by visiting Corfe Castle Model Village. Featuring a scale model (1/20) of Corfe Castle as it was in the mid-16th century, this adds historical context and intrigue to the ruins. It has been welcoming the public since 1966 and continues to inform visitors thanks to the site’s resemblance to its pre-English Civil War state. Many of the houses feature Purbeck stone roofs, as well as handcrafted tiles – another reason for those interested in architecture and design to add this to their itinerary.
If history or architecture isn’t your thing, look no further than Dorset Adventure Park. Its main attraction is a water park, complete with floating obstacles. Some say it is impossible to visit without getting soaked, so why not put that theory to the test? For those who like to keep their feet on the ground but are unfazed by dirt, the mud-covered obstacle course is a suitable challenge. You will find yourself on all fours, balancing on beams and even swinging on ropes – all before refuelling with some hot food at the park’s Snack Shack.
History enthusiasts also have another opportunity to satisfy their curiosity at Purbeck Mining Museum, a place focusing on an incredibly important regional industry. Ball clay is a rare white variety found only in a small number of places across the globe and since prehistoric times, it has been used in Dorset. During the 17th century, mining of this mineral began on a larger scale and the clay industry employed many local people. Now, the museum provides a useful insight into the lives of previous generations. There really is no better way to learn about a place and its people than exposing yourself to its most important industries.
About Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle is a village in Dorset with a ruin that shares the same name. It is a place popular with both adults and children, primarily because of the connection between history and architecture. Also, such picturesque beauty makes the area ideal for long walks, whether that be to appreciate its unique coastal features or the local wildlife.
If you are so inclined, there are many places to stay near Corfe Castle, while pubs and restaurants provide ample opportunities to sample local food and drink. The Isle of Purbeck also borders Poole Harbour, one of the world’s largest now cared for in a collaborative effort between the National Trust and the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Some may argue that you need more than a single day to fully appreciate all that this natural harbour has to offer, such as its quaint old town or the world-famous Sandbanks Beach, so why not make it a mini UK staycation?
If you’re planning on visiting Corfe Castle, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or the CrossCountry app. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
