Rank : 9.0 (average on 1 votes)Coordinates : 50.639642, -2.057722 (
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Subjects : Nestled between two steep hill ridges lies one of the most beautifully positioned castle ruins in all the UK. The distinctive outlines against the sky make for a romantic and wonderfully photogenic backdrop.Spanning one thousand years of history, the site has been in a prominent position in a small gap between the rolling Purbeck Hills. The battle damaged ruins today are all that's left from William The Conqueror's 11th century fortress. During the English Civil War, it was twice under fire in 1645 which left the ruins and even parts at crazy angles. It is now managed by the National Trust.The village of Corfe itself that the castle overlooks is also a very attractive time capsule, old, hilly streets and for the tourists that so flock in their thousands in the summer, plenty of attractive old shops, restaurants and cafes. There's also plenty of excellent walking from and to Corfe. The Swanage Steam Railway http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/ line runs beautifully preserved steam trains regularly from Swanage, under Corfe Castle's imposing ramparts and down further a few kms. (and back to Swanage) This is THE way to arrive and to visit Corfe Castle but sadly, for this unemployed Juza member, the cost is far too high! However, seeing the puff of steam threading through the landscape below from the top of the castle ruins is a real highlight.
Recommended equipment : To get a scale of the ruins, which are huge and often looming above (or below) you, an ultrawide lens is best, with more normal lenses for details and things like framing the arches and windows. A long lens is good for getting the distant views and landscape, which are quite impressive. The ground is often steep and undulating and often gets crowded so tripods would not be allowed.
Best months : Again, the UK weather is your constant consideration and being high up and exposed, it can get windy and cold, so spring or autumn might be best. Peak summer can mean thousands of visitors, all jostling for the best lookouts and positions, spoiling photos whilst every young boy wants to run around and make as much noise as possible! Therefore, unless you are already there or in the area, avoid summer!However, it is the distant outline and view of the castle that make the best photos and then any weather condition is suitable. I've seen the most beautiful photos in a dawn mist or under a moonlit sky.
How to get there : Corfe is in the centre of the Isle of Purbeck (actually a peninsular) and is best approached on the main A351 from Swanage. This is often not an easy journey and often it is when everybody else is going there and the vehicle ferry from Sandbanks can suffer huge delays and tailbacks in summer, though it is also possible to approach from the west from Wareham, it is still a long route and the roads are often narrow and hilly.
Visits : The Castle is open almost every day of the year, from 10.00 to 17.00. Prices for adults are between about £9 and £10, (12 Eu) depending on season. There is plenty to see and explore on the site and nearby for at least several hours, so is worth the effort and expense, in my opinion.
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