CORFE CASTLE.

Set in the very attractive village of Corfe Castle, this pub is at the foot of the castle and very close to the gate/entrance. Corfe Castle is a busy tourist attraction in the summer and this pub can fill up in a flash, so it is best to get here early if you want to eat. In the winter, there is a still a buzz about the place with walkers and Sunday lunches always sell well. This pub is a 17th century inn at the centre of the village. The pillars in the picture actually hold an upstairs room above the pavement - listen to the floor creak! There is only one bar, but different areas to eat and drink dotted about the pub as you would expect from this original inn. The bar is down steps to your left, though there is access on the level for the disabled. The Purbeck stone bar serves up to four real ales - all kept really well and served perfectly without sparkler. The stone floor keeps cool in summer and a fire warmth in the winter. The lovely nooks and crannies give your visit an air of conspiracy as you half hide from others eyes, and the uneven window frames add a charm that exudes from the entire village. There is food served here from an extensive menu with daily specials, even in winter. Seating at the old dark wood tables and chairs is a t a premium around lunch times, so you need to be here early, but it is worth it as the food is well cooked and service is not too bad. There are plenty of different places to eat - including the garden in summer. Prices are not too bad for a tourist trap, though there are plenty of other pubs in the village to eat at. There is accommodation here, though not seen on this occasion, we are told it is comfortable and as you would expect from a building of this age. Corfe is a place of activity, from walkers to castle visitors, to the Swanage Steam Railway which has a station 500 yards a way. Beer festivals are also held here in the summer.