
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…
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.
Located on the Square, Corfe Castle, BH20 5EZ.
Located at 1, West Street, Corfe, BH20 5HA
There are stations at Swanage, Harman’s Cross, Corfe and Norden
Eating out in Corfe…
Bankes Arms Hotel
Bankes Arms Hotel
25 East St, Corfe Castle, Wareham,
BH20 5ED. Tel: 01929 288188
The Castle Inn
The Castle Inn
63 East St, Corfe Castle, Wareham,
BH20 5EE Tel: 01929 4800208
Courtyard Cafe & Model Village
Courtyard Cafe & Model Village
The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham,
BH20 5EZ. Tel: 01929 481234
Moretons House Hotel
Moretons House Hotel
45 East Street, Corfe Castle,
BH20 5EE. Tel: 01929 480 988
The Fox Inn
The Greyhound Inn
The Greyhound Inn
The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham,
BH20 5EZ. Tel: 01929 480205
The Pink Goat
The Pink Goat
5 West Street, Corfe Castle, Wareham,
BH20 5HA. Tel: 01929 480 399
The Tea Rooms
The Tea Rooms
Corfe Castle, The Square, Wareham,
BH20 5EZ. Tel: 01929 481294
The Halfway Inn
The Halfway Inn
Norden, Corfe Castle, Wareham,
BH20 5DU. Tel: 01929 480402
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).