Panorama taken from the West Bailey of Corfe Castle in Dorset. This picture shows parts various parts of the ruins and path down to the Southwest Gatehouse.

Corfe Castle West Bailey - Corfe Castle visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Corfe Castle West Bailey' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Dorset.

The ruins of Corfe Castle, managed by the National Trust, are a popular tourist attraction in Dorset. The castle ruins stand on a 62m hill in a gap in the Purbeck Hills (between West Hill and East Hill). Entrance to Corfe Castle is from Corfe Castle village and the path ascends up the Outer Bailey providing increasingly dramatic views over the surrounding area.

Within the West Bailey are the remains of the North Tower, South Tower and Butavant Tower, built in the 13th Century. These are clearly visible in the satellite image on the Goolge map of Corfe Castle. The ruined keep, seen at the top of the castle, was built around the 11th Century. Also here are the remains of the Old Hall, the walls of which contain 'herringbone' brickwork often used by Saxon builders before the 11th century.

Corfe Castle was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in 1646 after the occupying Royalist forces, led by Lady Mary Bankes, were betrayed by one of the garrison members. On the far side of the Keep is the Inner Ward and Gloriette.

Corfe Castle is open to the public, entrance fees apply to non-members of the National Trust.

Corfe Castle
The Square,
Corfe Castle, Wareham,
Dorset BH20 5EZ
Phone: 01929 481294

Train: Steam train from Swanage.
Road: Corfe Castle lies on the A351, 5 miles west of Swanage and 4 miles south east of Wareham.