Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle has stood on its chalk knoll in a gap of the Purbeck Hills for around 1,000 years, founded by William the Conqueror as a royal fortress, then partially blown up by Parliament in 1646 after the Civil War, leaving the leaning towers and tumbled walls seen today. Inside there are murder holes to spot, arrow loops to count and an audio tour following eight historical characters, while the Purbeck Ridgeway runs from the castle along the hills to the coast at Old Harry. Dogs on short leads are welcome throughout. Reviewers say it still feels like a proper ruin rather than a polished attraction, and rate the storytelling tours led by the castle's Keeper and the pubs and tea rooms in the village below. Tips from visitors: the car park is at the bottom of the hill and fills quickly on busy days, so come in the afternoon or use the Purbeck Park car park at Norden, and wear decent shoes, as the paths are steep and uneven.