Easy hikes and walks around Church Knowle

Meandering 220 miles through Dorset’s rolling countrysides and quiet hamlets, The Hardy Way is a total delight. Inspired by Thomas Hardy’s novels, this trail trades intense mountain ascents for gentle heathlands, sweeping coastal paths, and cozy village pubs. You don't need to rush—it's best enjoyed in leisurely stretches. Think damp earth underfoot, historic stone cottages, local cider along the route, and soaking in the timeless charm of England’s classic literary heartland.

The Parish Church of St Edward the Martyr sits prominently in the square at the heart of Corfe Castle village, Dorset. Granted Grade II* listed status, this historic Anglican church is named after the teenage Saxon King, Edward the Martyr, who was murdered nearby in 978 AD on the orders of his stepmother, Queen Alfthryth. Local folklore asserts that the church stands directly on the site of a blind woman's hovel where the king's body was initially concealed, miraculously restoring her sight upon its discovery. While the first stone church on the site was constructed during the 12th century and later expanded in the 13th century, the building has survived immense turmoil. During the English Civil War (1642–1646), Parliamentary troops besieged the nearby royal fortress and used the church to billet men and stable horses. The soldiers caused severe damage, using the masonry for target practice, burning parish records, and stripping lead from the roof to melt into musket balls. Musket shot marks are still visible on the stone walls today. Between 1859 and 1860, architect T.H. Wyatt oversaw a major Victorian reconstruction because the medieval walls were bulging severely. Apart from the majestic 15th-century West Tower built by the Beaufort family, the entire church was pulled down and rebuilt. Notable surviving interior treasures include a 15th-century font carved from local Purbeck Marble and ten intricately carved medieval roof bosses preserved over the sanctuary.

The Old Mill Picnic Area in Corfe Castle is a tranquil, riverside haven managed by the National Trust. Tucked away on the west side of the Corfe River near the historical ruins of West Mill, this picturesque green space is outfitted with standard picnic tables. It offers visitors a peaceful atmosphere where they can relax to the gentle sound of the streaming water. Strategically positioned at the base of the chalk downs, it provides unique, close-up viewpoints looking directly up at the towering medieval castle ruins, making it an ideal spot to unpack a lunch after a long ridge hike.

Purbeck Way is a scenic long-distance walking trail that passes right through the historic village of Corfe Castle, offering dramatic views of the 1,000-year-old royal castle ruins.

The Old Town Hall in Corfe Castle, Dorset, is famous as the smallest town hall in England. Rebuilt around 1774 following a fire, its ground floor utilizes stone salvaged from the historic castle ruins. The tiny building features a 350-square-foot former council chamber on the first floor. Today, it is managed by the Corfe Castle Town Trust and houses a free local history museum on its ground floor.

Corfe Castle offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the Purbeck Hills and rolling Dorset countryside. From its hilltop ruins, you can see the historic Swanage Railway steam trains passing below. On clear days, the vistas stretch across the vibrant heathlands all the way to Poole Harbour and the distant sea.

On June 15, 1945. A RAF Liberator JT985 flying to India crashed into a ridge in the Purbeck Hills shortly after takeoff from RAF Holmsley South, killing all 27 occupants (24 passengers, 3 crew) on board. The cause was likely the pilot flying too low in poor visibility.

Beautiful cemetery with Corfe Castle in the background