Panorama taken from the platform of Corfe Castle railway station. This is a branch line served by a Steam train from Swanage. This picture was taken in September 2009.

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

Many visitors to Corfe in Dorset arrive via steam train from Swanage. This steam train, managed by the Swanage Railway Trust and Swanage Railway Company, also stops at Herston Halt and Harman's Cross before reaching Corfe Castle. It then continues to terminate at Norden where there is a park and ride facility.

The line was built in the 18th century and then closed in 1972. License was granted to the Swanage Railway Society in 1975 who then began restoration of Swanage Station and the rest of the line. In 1995 the line was relaid as far as Corfe Catle, allowing visitors the pleasure of travelling through the Isle of Purbeck on steam trains to the village. At Corfe Station there are a number of exhibits and a small, free, museum. The fees charged for the ride cover a small portion of the running costs.

An old Railway Bridge crosses the tracks of the station and next to the line are a pottery workshop, masons shop and art gallery showing local works. There is easy access from the station to walking in the Purbeck Hills.

The most popular attraction here is Corfe Castle itself, the ruins of which stand on top of the hill overlooking the village. The castle was built in the 11th century and destroyed during the English Civil War. Corfe Model Village attraction nearby shows how the castle may have looked intact. The castle and much of the surrounding land is managed by the National Trust. It is open to the public and is free to National Trust members. Non-members must pay.

Swanage Railway
Station House
Swanage
Dorset BH19 1HB
Phone: 01929 425800
Swanage Railway Website.

Train: Steam train from Swanage to Corfe Station.
Road: Corfe Castle lies on the A351, 5 miles west of Swanage and 4 miles south east of Wareham. Parking is very limited in the square, paid parking is available nearby.