Corfe Castle on screen is a place that stirs the imagination. It's towering ruins, perch dramatically on it's own mound between two ridges, whisper tales of knights, battles, and lost kingdoms. But did you know that Corfe Castle has also played a starring role in film and television?
For our film-loving guests, especially those who enjoy classic British cinema and television, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore Corfe Castle’s role on screen.
A Magical Setting: "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" (1971)
Though often mistaken for the real filming location, Corfe Castle is widely believed to have inspired Mary Norton’s novel "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" published in 1943.It was later adapted into the much-loved Disney film. While the movie was largely filmed in studios and on location elsewhere, the book describes a crumbling old castle that bears a striking resemblance to Corfe.
For those unfamiliar with the film, it’s a delightful mix of live-action and animation, following three evacuee children who are sent to the countryside during World War II. They soon discover that their host, played by Angela Lansbury, is an apprentice witch. Together, they embark on a magical adventure, even bringing suits of armour to life—a scene that would fit perfectly among Corfe Castle’s ancient walls!
A Quintessentially British Comedy: "Nuts in May" (1976)
If you enjoy classic British television, you might remember "Nuts in May", a beloved 1976 BBC Play for Today. This quirky comedy-drama follows Keith and Candice-Marie, an earnest, rule-following couple on a camping holiday in Dorset. Their journey through the countryside leads them past Corfe Castle, which serves as a beautiful backdrop to their increasingly awkward and hilarious interactions with fellow campers.
The film is a time capsule of 1970s Britain, with its gentle satire of middle-class sensibilities and love of the great outdoors. For visitors to Dorset, it’s also a nostalgic glimpse of how the area looked nearly 50 years ago! Search for it on YouTube to see for your self!
A Literary Classic on Screen: "The Mayor of Casterbridge" (1978 & 2003)
Thomas Hardy’s "The Mayor of Casterbridge" has been adapted for television multiple times, and Corfe Castle has often been used to bring Hardy’s Wessex to life. The 1978 BBC adaptation, starring Alan Bates, includes scenes set against the ruins of Corfe, helping to capture the novel’s themes of fate, regret, and redemption.
A later version, made in 2003 and starring Ciarán Hinds, also showcases Dorset’s stunning landscapes, reinforcing the deep connection between Hardy’s works and the region’s dramatic scenery.
Corfe Castle: A Timeless Star
With its striking silhouette and rich history, it’s no wonder Corfe Castle continues to capture the imagination of filmmakers and storytellers. Whether inspiring magical adventures, providing the perfect setting for a classic comedy, or lending its atmosphere to literary adaptations, Corfe Castle remains a true icon on and off the screen.
So next time you wander through its ancient ruins, take a moment to imagine the scenes that have played out here—both real and fictional. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be inspired to watch (or rewatch) one of these classic films during your stay!
Have you seen any of these films or TV shows? Or do you remember others featuring Corfe Castle? We’d love to hear your thoughts over a cup of tea in the lounge! ☕🎬
