Christmas events at Corfe Castle and new Winter Trail
Enjoy this year’s Christmas events at Corfe Castle plus a new trail running for the winter!
Winter Traditions on the Bankes Estate Family Trail
26 Nov-6 Jan
Explore the castle and follow the trail as it winds up through the ruins, and learn about different winter traditions such as plays, decorations, food, songs and feasting from the Stuart era. When the English Civil War of the 1640s brought a puritan-led government to power they quickly passed laws to ban ‘sinful’ Christmas celebrations, many of which they said were pagan in origin. Discover the changing Christmas traditions during this turbulent time and think about how the Bankes family of Corfe Castle, loyal royalists, might have defied Parliament and celebrated Christmas despite the restrictions.
Lord of Misrule Storytelling tours
Weekends in December 3+4, 10+11. School holidays in December 17-23 and 27-1 Jan
Tours will begin at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1pm and 2pm
(New Year’s day 11:30am and 1pm)
Far back in the mists of history, at the darkest time of the year the Lord of Misrule was chosen to oversee the fun and frivolity of the Christmas feast. Swapping places with the lord of the manor, they had complete power over all the guests in choosing the games, dances and other entertainments. Take a step back to the 17th century where our very own Lord of Misrule will take you on an interactive journey through the ruins of the castle and teach you the games, dances, stories and Christmas traditions of days gone by.
Christmas Festivities at Corfe Castle
Weekends in December 3+4, 10+11. School holidays in December 17-23 and 27-1 Jan
Take time to relax and enjoy a winter warmer in the seasonal setting of Corfe Castle. Gather around a fire pit with a hot chocolate or a mulled wine and toast marshmallows; or step inside one of the festive ‘igloos’ to catch up with friends and family and enjoy views over the 17th century village below. Natural decorations will be sprinkled around the castle, collected from across the Purbeck estate, and you can make a Christmas pledge for nature on the wishing bridge at the south west gate house.
More details can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle or for more local Christmas events, see our What’s On Guide
