The castle buildings date back to the time of William the Conquerer when the Old Hall in the West Bailey was built. The remaining walls of this building are recognisable by their distinctive herringbone stone work. Three later kings are responsible for building much of the rest of the castle, Henry I who built the keep, King John who built the Gloriette and Henry III who built the South-West Gatehouse. In 1981 HJR Bankes bequeathed the castle to the National Trust.

The Castle Today The National Trust is undertaking a programme of conservation work at the castle to preserve the ruins, prevent further damage and to also provide visitors with a clearer understanding of this sometimes confusing site. Education The castles long and dramatic history makes it a popular site for school visits, Recent developments to further improve the service available to schools include a ' Teachers Resource Book ' and a Study Room located at Castle View. The study room has a wide range of ' hands on ' material including archaeological finds, replica documents and armour. Castle View Visitor Centre An exciting interactive display ' A strong Castle in Purbeck ' is located at Castle View and provides information on the Isle of Purbeck as well as the Castle's history.

Compton Acres invites you to escape to ten different worlds. Ten individual gardens in one, set in ten acres with spectaular views over Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills. It's a uniquely beautiful journey of discovery - from the classic formality of the Mediterranean to the mystical luxuriance of the Orient, from the wild Canadian woodlands to the Indian tropics. There's surprise, drama, romance, delight at every turn. Sweeping vistas and quiet corners - with waterfalls, lakes and sparkling streams, fountains, little bridges and stepping stones. Impressive sculptures, magnificent bronze and marble statuary and original artefacts imported from around the world enhance each garden. Every garden changes in appearance and ambience as the seasons change, ensuring each visit a unique experience.

Compton Acres is the realisation of one man's dream. Eight decades ago, the late Thomas William Simpson spent the equivalent of £10 million today creating totally independent, themed gardens, each separated by paths, rock walls and terraces. Pledging to continue the founder's work, the new owners are creating landscapes from around the world by introducing many new natural and man made features and revealing thousands of rare plants discovered over the years by the world's great plant hunters.