Corfe is a picturesque village situated in the heart of Dorset, with its most famous feature being the castle that sits atop a hill and looks out over the settlement below. Should you book a holiday here, you will find plenty of things to see and do.

Of course, if you are staying in Corfe Castle cottages, you first stop should certainly be the nearby fortress.

Although only ruins remain, it is easy to imagine how this imposing structure must have looked in its heyday, before it was destroyed during the civil war in the 17th century.

There has been a castle in this location for over 1,000 years, with the buildings originally made of wood before stone was used as a preferred construction material. It has a colourful history, with various monarchs making use of the strategic location that protected the main trade route through the Purbeck Hills.

If you are keen to find out more about the heritage of this fascinating structure, why not visit the Corfe Castle Museum? Here you can learn more about local history, as well as the important role the fortress has played over the years.

Should you wish to get a better idea of how it looked in all its glory, you could spend some time at the Corfe Castle Model Village and Gardens.

At this attraction you can view a 1/20th scale model of the castle, showing it before it fell into disrepair, as well as the surrounding village.

Set in an acre of landscaped gardens, this is a perfect way to spend a day outdoors, while families are sure to find little ones love the giant garden games and enchanting woodland walk where pixies and fairies can be glimpsed among the trees.

When staying in holiday cottages in Dorset near the castle, there are many more exciting things to do on your break.

Exploring the village of Corfe is a must, especially if you enjoy shopping. There are several high-end boutiques, as well as a store dedicated to Enid Blyton and a specialist sweet shop selling traditional treats, where you can splash your cash.

There are also several excellent restaurants and cafes in Corfe should you be in need of some refreshment – try Olivers for some hearty homemade cuisine or book a table at the Bankes Arms Hotel if you fancy some Mediterranean fare.

A firm favourite with children is sure to be the Swanage Railway, where you can board a steam train for a beautiful journey through the Purbeck countryside.

Beginning in Norden, approximately six miles outside Swanage, the line runs through some of Dorset's most picturesque scenery and is sure to be a delightful ride for young and old alike, finishing in the centre of Swanage itself.

One of the top things to do in Dorset is spend a day at the beach and if you stop off here, you will be able to do just that.

The long stretch of sand on the edge of the town holds a Blue Flag award and in the summer, its calm waters are ideal for swimming. You can also hire pedalos or kayaks if you want to explore a little further afield, while deckchairs can be rented if you would prefer to lounge in the sunshine with a book.

With so many wonderful places to visit and activities to try on a break in this part of Dorset, you are sure to find something that ticks all your boxes!