ANYBODY who lives in Purbeck can back up my claim that it is truly Dorset’s gem. 

With its rolling green hills, soft sandy beaches and the fascinating Jurassic coast, Purbeck has plenty to offer.  

And among the stunning scenery, standing above everything else, is Corfe Castle. 

For the first time in 500 years, the public can now stand in the same place as William the Conqueror's son King Henry I to admire the countryside. 

Purbeck hills seen from Corfe CastlePurbeck hills seen from Corfe Castle (Image: Daily Echo) Viewing platform Viewing platform (Image: Daily Echo)

The National Trust is hosting two types of tours – the first being a guided tour and kings’ view experience.  

Lasting 90 minutes, an experienced guide takes visitors on an upbeat historical tour of the castle followed by the kings’ view platform.   

Available Monday to Friday (except Wednesday afternoons) in term time, tickets are £15 and can be booked in advance via the National Trust website. 

And the second tour is The Kings’ View experience, which lasts around half an hour and gives visitors access to the viewing platform while on a standard visit to the castle. 

It costs £5 and can be booked in person on the day, and is available on weekends, Wednesday afternoons and during school holidays. 

(Image: Daily Echo) (Image: Daily Echo)

Corfe CastleCorfe Castle (Image: Daily Echo)

The platform, standing 23 metres tall on top of a 55-metre-high hill, offers exceptional views of Purbeck’s stunning countryside and hills. 

On a visit on December 2, I was told it was used by the king as a royal ‘appearance door’ much like what they have at Buckingham Palace. 

And, much to my interest, that it was used as an en suite toilet for the king, too. What a place to do your business. 

Corfe Castle was a favourite royal residence during the reigns of several kings, I was told. 

King John, an unpopular king due to his excessive taxation, used Corfe Castle as a refuge, along with a convenient place to lock up political prisoners.  

Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, out of materials from the land it commanded, it remained a royal castle until the reign of Elizabeth I. 

It was destroyed by the Parliamentarians in 1646 during the Civil War, with the fallen castle’s stones later being used to refurbish the village, turning royal apartments into cottages and houses.