Top 4 Castles around Wareham St. Martin

While the original Wareham Castle is now mostly earthworks, the area is rich in history. You can explore the extensive Anglo-Saxon Wareham Town Walls, built by King Alfred the Great. Also, visit St. Martin's Church, an ancient Saxon church over 1000 years old, featuring Anglo-Saxon architecture, fascinating fresco fragments, and an effigy of T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia).

The dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle, towering above the village, were originally built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. It was strategically important, commanding a gap in the Purbeck Hills. During the English Civil War, it served as a Royalist stronghold but was ultimately blown up by Parliamentarian forces in 1645. Today, it is owned by the National Trust and is said to have inspired Enid Blyton's 'Famous Five' books.

Lulworth Castle, a prominent 17th-century structure, originally served as a hunting lodge for aristocracy and royalty. After the French Revolution, it provided refuge for members of the French royal family. Though it suffered a devastating fire in 1929, it has since been restored and is now open to the public, offering a glimpse into its rich past and beautiful grounds.

Yes, both Corfe Castle Ruins and Lulworth Castle are considered family-friendly. Corfe Castle offers an engaging historical experience with its dramatic ruins and village, while Lulworth Castle provides extensive grounds and events suitable for families. The village of Corfe Castle itself, with its unique Town Hall, is also a delight to explore.

The area around Wareham St. Martin offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including traffic-free bike rides like the 'Sika Trail – Wareham Quay loop' or road cycling routes such as the 'Entrance Road to Corfe Castle – Wareham Quay loop'. There are also easy hikes available, for example, the 'Wareham Forest – Sika Trail loop'. For more options, explore the guides on traffic-free bike rides, road cycling routes, and easy hikes around Wareham St. Martin.

Yes, parking is available at Corfe Castle. The village itself is built from characteristic grey Purbeck limestone and offers various amenities, including parking options for visitors exploring the castle ruins and the surrounding area.

The region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn often offer pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins and grounds without the peak summer crowds. Winter can also be atmospheric, especially at Corfe Castle, though some facilities might have reduced hours. Always check specific opening times for attractions like Lulworth Castle before your visit.

Absolutely. The View of Corfe Castle from various points along the Purbeck Hills, such as the Purbeck Way, offers spectacular panoramic views of the ruins. This perspective truly highlights its strategic setting on a knoll between two spurs of the hills, making for excellent photography and a sense of its historical significance.

The original Wareham Castle was a motte and bailey castle, and while no longer standing as a complete structure, its site is a crucial part of Wareham's history. Today, an Edwardian house and garden cover the remains. You can take a boat trip along the River Frome to see the 'earth wall' where the castle was originally sited, which forms part of the ancient Anglo-Saxon defenses.

Yes, the village of Corfe Castle is well-equipped with places to eat and drink. You'll find a wealth of pubs and cafes built from characteristic grey Purbeck limestone, perfect for a refreshment after exploring the castle ruins. There's even a bakery by the castle grounds entrance that comes highly recommended by visitors.

Corfe Castle is accessible by public transport. Local bus services connect Wareham with Corfe Castle and other nearby towns. Additionally, during certain seasons, the Swanage Railway, a heritage steam railway, operates between Swanage and Norden, with a stop conveniently located near Corfe Castle village.