23 East Street
Corfe Castle
Dorset
BH20 5ED
01929 288188
The Bankes Arms Hotel in the centre of the village of Corfe Castle has parts dating from the 1700s but its imposing appearance is due to an early 20th century rebuild in the local Purbeck stone. The dramatic two storey gabled porch adds a distinctive character.
The castle itself stands above the village square and is clearly visible from the pub. A recent refurb has kept the bare stone walls, oak beams and white plaster ceiling, and a separate drinkers bar at the front. Meals are served lunchtimes and evenings and it also has accommodation with all bedrooms ensuite. The regular beers are from the long established Palmers Brewery of Bridport, further along the coast.
The hotel name comes from the Bankes family who were major landowners in Dorset from the 1500s right up to the 1980s. Their first home was Corfe Castle until it was destroyed by Cromwell’s army during the civil war.
