Knights in Training at Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle has to be one of our favourite spots to visit in Dorset.
Owned by the National Trust, Corfe Castle is one of Britain’s most iconic survivors of the English Civil War and once at the top of the hill, offers amazing views over the Purbeck Hills.
There is a small car park at the bottom of the hill and an easy to follow path up to the castle with information posts for the kids to find with details of local wildlife they can see on the walk.
We haven’t visited the castle for a while and half way along the path we spotted a sign for a playtrail, so took a detour and found a set of fun wooden activities for the kids to try.
There were balance beams, stepping stones and a fun wobbly bridge to really test their balancing skills.
The path then led back to the main path and a bridge to cross the river, or you could choose to go across on stepping stones. I headed for the bridge with Sebby whilst Hubby and Isaac chose the stepping stones to get across.
We continued up the path, listening to the sound of the Church bells which were pealing loudly and stopped to watch a wedding party arrive at the church, whilst Isaac studied the history of the castle before heading into the castle grounds.
We spotted some knights costumes to try on as we came in but Sebby isn’t keen on dressing up so picked up a kids challenge sheet and continued up to the castle.
It is quite a steep walk up to the top but the boys managed and were soon exploring all the nooks and crannies and climbing up the walls.
I am always astounded by how the slighted walls stay standing, but they are perfect for a photo op with Isaac.
Train loving Sebastian got very excited by the sight of a steam train below.
Isaac found all the shields with the answers to the questions on whilst we took in the sights below……
……..and then enjoyed playing the fool.
On the way back down the hill, Isaac claimed his prize for getting all the answers and persuaded Sebby to get dressed up.
Give a child a sword and shield and they immediately launch into battle.
Sebby took his role as a Knight very seriously!
I think we actually spent more time playing than we did exploring the castle.
It was lovely to see the boys bonding without having their sister, who was on a Rainbows trip, interfere with their game.
I am hoping that Sebby now realises that it is fun to dress up, which will encourage him to do it again in the future.
Once we finally managed to prise them out of their costumes, we stopped for an ice cream before heading back the way we came and to the carpark……..
…. and headed home aboard the Sandbanks chain ferry.
Have you been to Corfe Castle before?
Jon
This looks like a fantastic day. I would have loved doing this when I was at that age!
Anne
I love your photos! It looks like a fantastic place for a great day out. I’d love to visit Corfe Castle. The boys look like they were having so much fun dressed up as Knights.
Talya
What a majestic place to explore with the family. They look like fierce knights to me!
Laura
Oh wow this looks like such a great castle to explore with the kids – we love National Trusts properties as well. Also how much fun to dress up as a knight and do some training
Laura x
Anosa
Not even heard of Corfe Castle so thanks for putting it on my radar now. It looks like you guys had the best of time.
Alan Herbert
That’s looks like such a brilliant day out. I’d never even heard of it before.
Will definitely add it to my list for if we are ever down in Dorset.
Nikki Thomas
When we visited a couple of years back, we drove past Corfe Castle but didn’t have the chance to visit which was a real shame. It looks like a brilliant place to explore and how amazing that the kids can dress up as knights?? Amazing views too.
Laura Davies
Looking at your photos makes me want to invest in a National Trust membership. Maybe in the summer!
five little doves
We love a good castle, I’ve never heard of this one though! Gorgeous photos!
Ana De- Jesus
Wow this takes me back. I remember going to Purbeck when I was in Year Six and on the Monday that we arrivd we walked to Corfe Castle. It was so beautiful x
Sara-Jayne Jones
Ha ha – I LOVED this post because we were here last month and have so many of the same posed photos [holding up the walls, the gate, the stocks…]. We LOVED it and can’t wait to go again, I had no idea it was so close to us!
Suzy McCullough
Wow what a backdrop. I have never been. It looks lovely. How on earth do those walls stay up, amazing! Lovely photos
Natalia
what a lovely place! I’d love to visit it, it looks like there are many things to explore x
Musings of a tired mummy...zzz...
We haven’t been to Corfe Castle but it is certainly on our list after this post 🙂
Fashion and Style Police
This place looks amazing. I would love to explore it with the family. The kids would love it.
Zena's Suitcase
What a beautiful place to spend time together as a family. Sebby looks adorable as a little knight!
Shirley
I love the photographs, they all are so beautiful. It is a lovely place to go out with family.
Baby Isabella
Absolutely fantastic photos! Even though we are National Trust members we’ve yet to visit Corfe Castle. They boys look like real miniature knights!
Stephanie
We love Corfe Castle, we visited last summer and had a great time. I love the activities they put on too.
Emma
This looks amazing. I love the little play areas dotted around. We used to visit an old castle ruins when I was little and me and my cousins would race each other up the tower… I actually got stuck one year and my Dad had to come and get me. He never lets me live it down!
Penny
Brings back fond memories of a trip pre kids! May dig out the photos. I love yours, would love to go back with kids!
Lindsey london mumma
What great adventurous day you and the boys had! I am loving the photo of the steam train, and your little men dressed up as knights.
Sonia
It looks like an incredible place to visit. We really need to visit Dorset x
Emma
We’ve never been, but it’s on my list for this summer!
Jen Walshaw
Wow, what a beautiful place. I have never been before, but it looks like a great place for the kids to play
Emma Raphael
A friend of mine just spent a week camping at Corfe Castle, and I was intrigued as to what it looked like… Now I know! Sounds like a great place for a spot of Knight’s training too! 🙂
Jordan Adkins
I had only been to Dorset for the Jurassic Coast line but not I want to go back and do this – I know the knights training is probably only for children. But come on – Im sure they will make an exception for me! Thanks for sharing and adding to my ever growing travel bucket list!