The Best Hotels to Book Near Corfe Castle

Soak up the historic atmospheric around Corfe Castle in Dorset with a stay nearby | © Graham Hunt / Alamy Stock Photo

20 September 2021

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Rising out of the Dorset countryside on the Isle of Purbeck, the sprawling ruins of Corfe Castle in England have been shaped by Normans, Tudors and the Civil War. The idyllic villages and rolling countryside surrounding the castle are packed with cosy boltholes and country manors turned hotels. Here’s our pick of the best, all bookable on Culture Trip.

The Priory Hotel

This boutique hotel sits on the banks of the River Frome in the idyllic village of Wareham. Rooms with gold trim and exposed brick walls whisper of the building’s former life as a priory and are warm and inviting. They’re split across the main house and boathouse – the latter of which sits directly on the river bank so you can fall asleep to the sound of rushing water. The main pull to the Priory Hotel is the fine-dining restaurant that serves contemporary, locally sourced British cuisine.

The Bear, Wareham

Dating back to the 18th century, this former coaching inn has been much upgraded since its days welcoming weary travellers on horseback. It’s a far cry from the old leg of mutton at the panelled bar these days, with charcuterie boards piled high with local artisan cheeses and meats washed down with craft cocktails. Each room is named after a famous bear and has its own charm, like freestanding tin baths in the ensuite.

The Dorset Resort

The Dorset Resort | Courtesy of The Dorset Resort / Expedia

A championship golf course, private fishing lakes and plenty of woodland walks and bike trails – the Dorset Resort is packed with things to do without leaving the grounds. Wooden chalet-style cabins and brick cottages in the woods make up the accommodation, and you can choose to cook in fully equipped kitchens or head to the Fairways restaurant for a three-course meal of locally sourced cuisine. Return to your cosy cottage and get the wood-burning stove crackling before bed.

Bankes Arms Hotel

This family-run boutique hotel is tucked behind the ruins of Corfe Castle itself. Every type of traveller is catered for with single rooms for solo guests, doubles for couples and family rooms for groups that want to share. Each room retains a hint of period charm, from stained-glass windows to exposed wooden beams, but have been newly renovated for complete comfort. You can enjoy a view of Corfe Castle in one direction or watch the vintage steam train puff past in the other.

The Scott Arms

Honey-brown stone covered with ivy greets you at this traditional country pub. The view from the beer garden stretches across the Dorset countryside to Corfe Castle, which is a five-minute drive away. After a feast of seasonal pub grub – game stews and chunky soups in winter, and jerk chicken from the pop-up shack in summer – it’s just a short plod up the stairs to bed. There are only four bedrooms, keeping things blissfully quiet, all with plush beds and little seating areas.

Kingston Country Courtyard

It’s the views that take the crown at Kingston Country Courtyard. Perched in the countryside between Corfe Castle and Swanage, this hotel is surrounded by woodland walks, beautiful gardens and panoramic views to the crumbling ruin of Corfe Castle. Each bedroom exudes history and charm, with exposed stone walls and timber-beamed ceilings. The Sawmill Restaurant in the lower courtyard serves a menu of local cuisine, like the locally caught catch of the day, and duo of spring lamb with wild garlic.

Spurwing Guest House

The Spurwing Guest House is just a short walk from the Saxon market town of Wareham, right next to the train station and a 10-minute drive to Corfe Castle. The chalet-style bungalow is run by a couple who offer exceptional service, and cook a tailored breakfast in the morning. Each of the four rooms is named after local birds, which can sometimes be spotted in the manicured garden at the front of the guesthouse. This is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a few personal touches to their stay.

Mortons Manor

Hotel

This Elizabethan manor house sits at the bottom of Corfe Castle, and is designed in the shape of the letter E to honour Queen Elizabeth I’s stay here. Wood-panelled lounges are filled with the tick of a grandfather clock or the crackle of a roaring fire. Lavish suites come with four-poster or sleigh beds and roll-top tubs, while the loft suite has a view of the castle. When it comes to dinner time, a two AA Rosette restaurant awaits with local lobster on the menu, and pre-dinner drinks can be taken on the rose-filled terrace.

For more excellent places to stay in rural Dorset, see the best boutique hotels and best luxury hotels in the county. They’re all bookable through Culture Trip.

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