James Clay Stuff

After visiting Kingston Lacy, the weather was holding and I realised I had some time, so made the last minutes decision to head to Corfe Castle, which was just twenty miles away.

As I drove the weather did start to deteriorate and by the time I arrived at Corfe Castle there was mist and drizzle. So, much so, that as I arrived the castle almost appeared out of the of mist.

I parked in the National Trust car park, and was pleased to see they also had EV chargers. I didn’t put the car on charge, but with hindsight, it might have been a good idea. At the time I had given the car a 100% charge at Kingston Lacy and hadn’t used that much driving to Corfe Castle.

After sorting out a parking ticket, I headed to the castle. There is a nice scenic route around the castle mound, but it was looking like it might be quite muddy.

Having walked through the village I headed to the castle entrance.

Corfe Castle

Royal castle established by William the Conqueror and partially destroyed in the English Civil War. Now a majestic ruin.

Current saving £33.70
One adult £14.00
Parking £5.00
Total saving £19.00
Cumulative saving £148.70
Membership cost £96
Net cumulative saving £52.70

I had been to the castle before in March 2018. I had also seen it from a steam train back in May 2004. The weather had been quite good in March, dry and clear and the views from the castle were incredible. This time, it was just misty.

This is an incredible ruined castle, you can see where parts of the gatehouse shifted down the hill caused by the work of sappers attempting to breach the fortifications.

The castle is undergoing a three-year, £2 million conservation project looking at the stonework and preservation of decorative and historic elements.

I really enjoyed walking up to the castle and exploring the ruins. I quite liked how you can just explore the ruins and, well apart from the areas undergoing conservation, you can pretty much go anywhere within the ruins.

I would guess the views are pretty impressive, however on this visit it was just mist and cloud. I might head back there in the summer.

February 23, 2026

St Thomas Street #365photos2026

February 22, 2026

Kingston Lacy #50places2026

Having looked at various National Trust properties, many were still closed for the winter, one which was open and I had never visited before was Kingston Lacy down in Dorset. It was about two hours away so wasn’t going to be a quick visit.

The flooded Somerset levels were quite incredible, I was a little concerned that I might find myself on a flooded road, but I was lucky and there was no serious flooding.

Having arrived at Kingston Lacy, the entrance road was flooded. I headed to the EV charging and I put the Funky Cat on charge. I went to reception and got my membership card scanned and headed to the house.

Kingston Lacy

A lavish family home, re-imagined as a Venetian Palace, in the Dorset countryside. Classic English garden with Fernery, herbaceous borders, formal Parterre and Kitchen Garden, surrounded by Japanese-inspired planting and colourful woodland.

Current saving £12.70
One adult £21.00
Parking Free
Total saving £21.00
Cumulative saving £129.70
Membership cost £96
Net cumulative saving £33.70

This was an incredible house. Most of the ground floor was open. Sadly, the upper floors were closed, which was a pity. I may have to make a return visit.

Many of the rooms impressed me, though the huge windows by the stairs were amazing, inspired by the Great Exhibition in London, these had huge panes of glass made by Pilkington. Went around the house again.

I liked the library and the main salon with the piano. The grand hall was very grand The double height room was very impressive.

Did think about going for lunch, but the café was very busy and there was a long queue.

Went for a walk in the grounds instead. Walked through the woodland to the Kitchen Garden. Had a coffee from the coffee kiosk and it was warm enough to sit outside on the picnic tables.