When it comes to camping near Corfe Castle in Dorset, there are lots of good options. It’s an ideal location to base yourself in to explore the surrounding area, with plenty to do for kids. Whatever you’re into, there really is something for everyone, from history buffs to train enthusiasts to beach lovers and those who just want to spend time in the great outdoors.

Camping near Corfe Castle

There are lots of farms and campsites surrounding Corfe Castle which offer camping. We opted to stay at Purbeck Valley Farm, which claims to have the best views overlooking Corfe Castle. This was something we would definitely agree with.

When we arrived we were directed to a field which is solely for the use of campervans and we really did have the most amazing view.

If you’re camping at Purbeck Valley Farm with a tent, there are other fields to pitch up in. While visitors are allowed to drive onto site to unload their belongings, all cars must then be parked outside the fields in a designated area.

The campsite has plenty of individual toilets and showers with hot water and a sink area to wash up. It also has good recycling facilities.

Attractions in Corfe Castle and the surrounding area

The main attraction in Corfe Castle is, indeed, self-explanatory. Corfe Castle is owned by The National Trust and you can explore the grounds and ruins. The 1,000 year old castle is a survivor of the English Civil War and was partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians. It is free to National Trust Members and costs £10 for adults and £5 for children. Be aware that the carpark is quite small and does get very busy in the holidays. Alternative Pay & Display parking is available in the village or there is a Park and Ride at Norden.

If you want to see what the castle looked like in its glory days, head to Corfe Castle Model Village. The village is set in an acre of landscaped gardens and has a tearoom. It costs £4.20 for adults and £3 for children.

Of course, no trip to Dorset would be complete without a visit to the beach. While it’s easy to drive or get a bus to nearby Swanage (15 minutes), we opted to take a steam train. The volunteer-led Swanage Railway has been rebuilt from scratch since 1976 and was one of the highlights of our trip.

Our little adventurers absolutely loved seeing the steam train pull into the station and were so excited to sit inside the old fashioned carriages and wave to people we passed.

The trains run back and forth to Swanage quite regularly and tickets cost £16 for adults, £8.50 for children. Under 5s travel free.

Swanage is a great place to spend the day with children. It has a wide sandy beach and even the sea looks tempting for a dip on a sunny day! The small town centre has a number of pubs and teashops and there are plenty of shops selling fish and chips and ice-creams along the seafront.

Getting there and away

If you are driving to Corfe Castle or Purbeck, you will come through Wareham via the A351. Be aware that in the summer and during bank holidays, this route does get very busy. Alternatively you can take a ferry from Poole or Bournemouth to Swanage.

There is a direct train service from London Waterloo to Wareham with an onward bus connection to Corfe Castle.

The local bus service in the area runs quite regularly and doing the short journey from Corfe Castle back to our campsites was actually one of our little adventurers’ highlights of the whole weekend!

Any questions?

I hope you’ve found this guide to camping near Corfe Castle helpful. If you have any specific questions about a trip you are planning please get in touch and I’ll see if I can help.

I’d also love to hear about any good campsites you’ve stayed at recently!

If you like the idea of staying in a campervan, but you’re not sure if you’d enjoy it, check out this post about hiring a campervan. And if you’re wondering what it’s like taking a baby in a campervan read this.