Corfe Castle is a village, mid-way between Wareham and Swanage in an area bordered by hills and the sea known as The Isle of Purbeck. The surrounding countryside includes green farmland, dramatic cliffs, pretty cottages, historic buildings, sandy beaches, protected coves, open heathland, hill-top panoramic views, peaceful villages, and lively seaside resorts.

Corfe Castle is on the A351. Wareham is just off the top of the map: Swanage is just off the bottom. Although the directions below are for journeys starting in West London, just pick up the part you need.

Corfe Castle village is very popular with tourists. However, out of season it's sometimes quiet, and we'll probably only be open occasionally. So, if you're coming specially, please mail or call first.

From Hammersmith, head west on the A4, then the A316, the Chertsey Road, past Richmond and Twickenham. The A316 becomes the M3. When the M3 ends, take the M27 west. Get in the correct lane, as it's very easy to go east by mistake.

Then the A31 to Ringwood and on past Wimbourne Minster towards Bere Regis and Dorchester. At one roundabout, the A31 turns right, so don't go straight on by mistake. Short parts of the A31 are single lane so, in the holiday season, traffic may move slowly.

Continue on the A31. Don't take the first turn to Wareham. About 8 miles after by-passing Wimbourne Minster, probably about 12 miles before Dorchester, there's a very long low brick wall on the left. Soon after, take the B3075 on the left to Morden and Wareham. The B3075 then crosses a main road at an offset crossroad: left and right. Go straight on.

After the open forest land, turn right at the T-junction and join the A351 to Wareham. Go straight on at the roundabout towards Wareham, then over the railway bridge. At the next roundabout, go left-ish into Wareham town centre, down the main street, over the crossroads, over the river bridge, across the pasture, through Stoborough village, and pick up the A351 again bearing left at the roundabout towards Corfe Castle and Swanage.

Although the A351 by-passes Wareham town centre, there's sometimes slow-moving traffic during the holiday season. And it's more pleasant to see Wareham town centre.

You're now entering the map at the top on the A351. Approaching Corfe Castle village on the A351, the castle ruin is on a hill to your right. Pass the castle, and follow the road round to the right, up the short hill, into Corfe Castle village.

At the top of the hill, turn right into the The Square. The Post Office and Church are now on the left, the National Trust Shop is in front, and the Greyhound pub is on the right. Once in the square, West Street turns left, away from the castle.

After about 60 metres, Cherry Heaven, No 14 West Street, is on the right. It's a shop, with two bow-fronted windows.

There's free unrestricted parking on single yellow lines, out of season: check the dates and times on the signs. There's free one-hour parking in the white bays in The Square and West Street. However, if you leave a bay in one zone, you can only repark in a different zone.

There's free unlimited parking on the south side of Sandy Hill Lane, shown on the map, under the railway bridge at the foot of the hill near the village.

Heading south from The Square, the village pay-and-display public car park is about 200m down West Street: there's a sign and a turning to the right. The first small car park is for local permit holders only. There's also the castle visitors car park next to the A351 just off the top of the map.

London Waterloo to Wareham is usually a direct route with no changes. Prices vary depending on the departure time, the number of stops, and how early you book. There might be an open return so you can travel at any time on any day.

If you reserve a seat, the view sitting on the left and facing forward is better, as you can see more of London, then the suburbs, the country. Southampton Docks, The New Forest, the coast, and Poole Harbour.

You need to get on the right platform about 5-10 minutes before departure. If you're not sure, ask a railway employee before getting on, and check that all the carriages go to Wareham as, occasionally, some services split into two.

The journey usually takes a little over two hours. Although there's usually a refreshment trolley on the train, it's better to buy something at the station.

If you haven't reserved a seat, you can walk along inside the carriages until you find one. The four seats at a table are best as there's more room, although some will have a reserved ticket in the slot at the top.

Although Wareham is a small station there are nearly always taxis waiting. Valley Taxis seems popular, so look up their number and take it with you. It's about eight minutes to Corfe Castle.

The Swanage Railway currently runs steam trains from Norden, through Corfe Castle, Harman's Cross, and Herston Halt, to Swanage. British Rail has now agreed that, in the near future, trains will run from Wareham to Norden and then to Swanage, opening up the town to businesses and visitors.