Visit Wareham, A town for all seasons!

A visit to Dorset would not be complete without visiting the picturesque village of Corfe!

Most of the villages attractions are easy to locate on the two main streets, East and West street, which meet together in a small square overlooked by the Corfe Castle entrance.

There are also some good marked walks near the village and castle, many with fantastic views.

Corfe Castle

The village is situated in a gap in the Purbeck hills between Wareham and Swanage, and in fact ‘Corfe’ is the Saxon word for ‘cut’.

The castle we see today that was built to exploit this natural strategic spot never fails to impress; its iconic ruinous remains stand testament to its violent history. It was built just after the Norman conquest from the local Purbeck limestone replacing an earlier timber structure.

Corfe Village

The pretty village was chosen to feature in the Disney film ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ and is well worth exploring, with an interesting collection of independent shops, pubs, restaurants, and cafes. 

Attractions in Corfe…

Corfe Village
Corfe is ancient. There is evidence that the ‘Durotriges’ tribe that had lived in the area for thousands of years traded with the Romans after the 50 AD Roman invasion!

The medieval town plan survives almost completely, and parts of the Church of St. Edward date back to the 13th century. The Church was so named after St Edward the Martyr who was murdered here in 978 on the orders of his stepmother, Queen Alfthryth, in order to allow her son Ethelred the Unready to become King. 
Corfe Model Village & Cafe
'Corfe’s heritage in miniature'

Located on the Square, Corfe Castle, BH20 5EZ.
Corfe Town Trust Museum
Very interesting but tiny town museum, located in the smallest town hall in England! Free entrance.

Located at 1, West Street, Corfe, BH20 5HA
Swanage Railway
'One of Britain’s most popular heritage railways'

There are stations at Swanage, Harman’s Cross, Corfe and Norden
Walks near Corfe Castle
Enjoy fantastic views of Corfe Castle and the surrounding countryside such as the Corfe Common History Walk or the Purbeck Ridgeway Walk.
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Eating out in Corfe…

Bankes Arms Hotel

Bankes Arms Hotel

'Olde world 16th century manor house pub, restaurant and hotel'

25 East St, Corfe Castle, Wareham,
BH20 5ED. Tel: 01929 288188
Website

The Castle Inn

The Castle Inn

'16th century traditional pub'

63 East St, Corfe Castle, Wareham,
BH20 5EE Tel: 01929 4800208
Website

Courtyard Cafe & Model Village

Courtyard Cafe & Model Village

'Cafe, model village and gardens'

The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham,
BH20 5EZ. Tel: 01929 481234
Website

Moretons House Hotel

Moretons House Hotel

'16th century Grade II Elizabethan Manorhouse Hotel and Restaurant'

45 East Street, Corfe Castle,
BH20 5EE. Tel: 01929 480 988
Website

The Fox Inn

The Fox Inn

'The oldest pub in Corfe!'

West Street, Corfe Castle,
BH20 5HD Tel: 01929 480449
Website

The Greyhound Inn

The Greyhound Inn

'Perched on the side of Corfe Castle'

The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham,
BH20 5EZ. Tel: 01929 480205
Website

The Pink Goat

The Pink Goat

'Modern artistic cafe'

5 West Street, Corfe Castle, Wareham,
BH20 5HA. Tel: 01929 480 399
Website

The Tea Rooms

The Tea Rooms

'Tearoom with views over castle'

Corfe Castle, The Square, Wareham,
BH20 5EZ. Tel: 01929 481294
Website

The Halfway Inn

The Halfway Inn

'A beautiful 16th century thatched pub nestled between Corfe Castle and Wareham'

Norden, Corfe Castle, Wareham,
BH20 5DU. Tel: 01929 480402
Website

Getting to Corfe…

Corfe is a short 9 minute drive from Wareham. There is also a regular bus service from Wareham to Corfe by the No. 40 Purbeck Breezer (timetable here).

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Other Purbeck villages to visit…

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