The Famous Five adventure returns to Purbeck for the first time in 80 years

The Famous Five are back in Purbeck for the first time in 80 years, as Corfe Castle and Studland Bay team up with Blyton Books to bring The New Famous Five adventures to life.

Corfe Castle and Studland Bay have teamed up with Blyton Books to bring The New Famous Five adventures to life.

Free entry to Corfe Castle for residents of BH19 and BH20 for a May Village Fair Bank Holiday Monday 25 May  

The National Trust team in Purbeck has teamed up with Blyton Books for the release of The New Famous Five books. The books, written by Chris Smith and inspired by the original Enid Blyton stories reveals a new generation of characters fifty-five years after the original adventures.  
  
Corfe Castle is known as the primary inspiration for Kirrin Castle in Enid Blyton’s original books and a quest installed around Corfe Castle for the beginning of May half term, centres around The New Famous Five and the Forgotten Treasure book with families invited to solve clues, crack puzzles and uncover hidden secrets throughout the ruins.
    
The adventure continues at Studland Bay with The New Famous Five and the Smugglers Code being translated into a fun, family trail around the beach and woodland.  Starting at Knoll Beach, the trail invites families to follow a treasure map, crack codes, try pirate yoga and discover some secrets.  There will also be a trail at Brownsea Island in October, with a small prize for families who complete all three.  
 
Corfe Castle is also hosting an annual Village May Fair on Bank Holiday Monday (Monday 25 May). This is organised by the local community but is open to all. The day features family friendly games, crafts, a tombola, raffle, face painting, a dog show and waggy tails competition for visitors’ dogs.  The castle will be free to enter for all residents living in the BH19 and BH20 postcodes with proof of residence required at the ticket office.   

Alison Oakes of the Corfe Castle Festivities Committee, said: “The village fair is a proper, traditional day out. There are lots of activities and fun to be had for every age and the dog show is always a highlight. We're really happy we can extend free entry to all residents in the BH19 and BH20 postcodes and hope to see you there!"  
There will also be immersive storytelling tours throughout the week, taking visitors around the castle and on a journey through time to discover how kings, nobles and everyday visitors were welcomed in medieval times.  Expect lots of eccentric fun through interactive tales, games and hands-on activities.    

Eoin McDowell, Experience and Programming Manager at Corfe Castle, said: “We’re really looking forward to this half term. John Winder, our storyteller is a local legend who brings history to life in such a vivid, fun and imaginative way for all ages to enjoy. It’s a great way to explore the castle and keeps everyone energised”.    

Younger visitors can also plant nasturtium seeds in an eco-pot to take home as a living link to the herbs and plants grown by communities who once lived at Corfe Castle.  

• Corfe Castle Village May Fair | Bank Holiday Monday 25 May | 10am-4.30pm  
• Corfe Castle:  The New Famous Five and the Forgotten Treasure at Corfe Castle | Daily, 23 May – 6 September | Open during castle hours | 10am-4.30pm  
• Storytelling tours with the Keeper of the Castle | Daily, 23 May – 1 June | 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm  
• Nasturtium seed planting | Daily, 23 May – 1 June | 10am-4.30pm  

All activities free with castle admission | Free entry for National Trust members | Free admission on 25 May for non-members in BH19 and BH20 postcodes (proof of residence required).  

• Studland Bay:  The New Famous Five and The Smugglers Code | Daily 23-31 May | 10am – 3.30pm | Starts Knoll Beach visitor reception | Free activity  

www.nationaltrust.org.uk