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A Thousand Years of Turbulance in Dorset (with car)
Visit Corfe Castle, first built by William the Conquerer in the 11thC and demolished following the Civil War in 1646. In the afternoon, visit Kingston Lacy House which the Bankes family to moved after the Castle was no longer inhabitable. Hear the stories of Kings, Queens and battles associated with the Castle and of Lady Bankes who survived two long sieges in the Civil War before moving to Kingston Lacy. As an optional extra, take a return ticket on the steam train to Swanage and back.
Meeting Point
In the Dorchester area
Dorchester area
Guided Drive to Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle
Walk around the Norman Mott of the castle and up into the picturesque village built of stone cottages with their characteristic stone roof tiles. Visit the Castle ruins and see evidence of nearly 600 years of occupancy. Marvel at the unique defensive position and views of the surrounding countryside of Dorset.
Free time in the village of Corfe Castle
Wander around the village, buy some souvenirs and have a cup of coffee. This time can be extended if you want a ride on the steam train.
Leave Corfe
Drive to Kingston Lacy Estate near Wimbourne
Arrive Kingston Lacy, the former home of the Bankes family of Corfe Castle until 1982.
Free time to visit the splendid gardens and the house. There are several self-guided walks in the grounds of the house as well as the more formal gardens which have year-round interest. A light lunch is available at The Stables Cafe. Entry to the house is by timed ticket at your convenience.
Leave Kingston Lacy
Retrurn to Dorchester or other agreed end point
End of the tour
Ending Point
In the Dorchester area
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
transportation fee, entrance fees and refreshments
Tour Important Information
Both Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy are owned by The National Trust and so it is free entry to members. Non-members will be charged £10 for entry to Corfe Castle and £18 for entry to Kingston Lacy.
There are occasions when the house at Kingston Lacy is not open to the public. This will be checked when the tour is booked and entry charge to the estate will be reduced.
Important message from the guide
I have limited availability especially as the season progresses as I often work for the cruise companies from Southampton, Portsmouth and Portland[Dorset]. I will accept bookings while those tours [usually single days] are still provisional.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Dorset Tour Reviews
“A wonderful tour”
Joy is an excellent guide! She is very knowledgeable and kind. We had a big group and every one of us liked her. She tried her best to show us the best of Jurassic Coast. There was a very heavy traffic in one of the places we visit. Joy took us on an alternate route to get there. She is the best!
“Joy is an absolute Joy!”
Totally loved our day touring Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral with Joy. All communication was both timely and clear. She arrived well prepared and presented her tour information thoroughly and passionately. She’s smart, personable and both responsive and responsible— all you need in a top notch tour guide!