Knaveswell farm, Corfe Castle, Dorset.
The farm and surroundings
Knaveswell farm is situated between the beautiful village of Corfe Castle and the Victorian seaside resort of Swanage in an area known as the Isle of Purbeck. Corfe Castle is a ruined castle, village and civil parish in the English county of Dorset. The castle dates back to the 11th century, and commands a gap in the Purbeck Hills on the route between Wareham and Swanage. The oldest surviving structure on the castle site dates to the 11th century, although evidence exists of some form of stronghold predating the Norman Conquest. Edward the Martyr was assassinated at the site on March 18, 978. Construction of a stone hall and inner bailey wall occurred in the 11th century and extensive construction of other towers, halls and walls occurred during the reigns of Henry I, John and Henry III. By the 13th century the castle was being used as a royal treasure storehouse and prison. The castle remained a royal fortress 
until sold by Elizabeth I in the 16th century to her Lord Chancellor, Sir Christopher Hatton. The castle was bought by Sir John Bankes, Attorney General to Charles I, in 1635. During the English Civil War, the castle twice came under siege by Parliamentarian forces. Sir John Bankes was away from his estate attending to Charles I so defence of the castle was led by his wife Lady Mary Bankes — "Brave Dame Mary" as she became known.
The first siege, in 1643, lasted for six weeks before the Parliamentarians withdrew with the loss of 100 men. The second siege, in 1646, was resisted for two months before the castle was betrayed by a member of the garrison. After its capture, the castle was destroyed with some explosives and mainly by undermining to ensure that it could never stand again as a Royalist stronghold.
In the centuries that followed, the local populace took advantage of this easy source of building material and masonry, door frames and other items originally from the castle can be seen in a number of nearby houses. Even to this day, all road traffic to and from the Swanage area must pass below the battlements of the castle. The name "Corfe" is derived from the Saxon word for gap.
The picturesque village of Corfe Castle lies in the gap below the castle, and is some eight kilometres (five miles) south-east of Wareham, and the same distance west of Swanage. Both the current main A351 road to Swanage, and the Swanage Railway, thread their way through the gap and the village.
The farm itself nestles under the Purbeck Hills within an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The majestic 1000 year old ruins of Corfe Castle lie 3 miles north of the farm,with the golden sandy beaches of Studland and Swanage lying 3 miles to the south. Why not walk through the farm fields and climb Nine Barrow Down for a spectacular view of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, the coast of Bournemouth and, on a clear day, the Isle of Wight! 
The footpath on top of the down is part of the South West Coast Path which runs from Dorset to Devon.
The farming at Knaveswell farm
Knaveswell is a 156 acredairy farm with a herd of about 80 Holstein Friesian cows. On the farm there is an all year round breeding programme, meaning there will usually be young calves on the farm. Knaveswell has entered into the Environmental Stewardship Scheme, ensuring that the farm’s landscape and environment is managed effectively and promoting the abundance of wildlife on the farm.
The Knaveswell farm family
The farm is run by husband and wife team Paul and Joanna Dyer, with a little help from our three daughters Issy, Caitlin and Georgie. Whilst Paul and Jo tend to the cows, the girls look after Star the pony, Ginger the Hampshire pig, KitKat and Tabby the cats and lots and lots of chickens!
Pets allowed
Pets are welcome, but please keep them under close controlnear livestock.
The location of the Feather Down tents
The tents are sited in woodland on a secluded field. They are
perfectly placed to enjoy the most beautiful 'Dorset’ Countryside. Children will enjoy playing in the ‘adventurous' but very safe surrounding woodland. Through the woodland on the site runs a gentle stream. The ideal place to play a 'water works' game with the children or to cool down in Summer.
Special on Knaveswell farm
The Knaveswell family are passionate on dairy farming, they love to pass their farming knowledge on to others.
EXTRA IN 2010
•Camp Fire Facilities
Gather your friends and family together for an evening beside the camp fire telling stories and toasting marshmallows! Available on most farms.
>> Click here to make a reservation at Knaveswell farm.
Trips in the area of Knaveswell farm:
- The magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle and its picturesque village - the inspiration for Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books.
- The huge beaches and sand dunes of Studland Nature Reserve.
- Take a nostalgic trip back in time on Swanage’s Steam Railway which runs through the beautiful countryside from Swanage to Corfe.
- There’s an abundance of local footpaths and cycle trails to explore within Purbeck, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- The Tank Museum at Bovington, home to the greatest collection of armoured fighting vehicles in the world.
- Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, a great family day out with a superb children’s play area.
- 17th century Lulworth Castle and and the incredible horse-shoe shaped Lulworth Cove where the sea has eroded the cliff to form “Durdle Door”.
- The county town of Dorchester and the towns of Poole and Bournemouth are a half hour drive from the farm.
