There’s so much to discover in Purbeck that it’s hard to select
a few highlights – but here are some places and things to do which
we know our visitors particularly enjoy and return to year after
year:
Purbeck is a walker’s paradise; there is a
myriad of walking trails which take you through the area’s
stunning countryside and coastline. The South West
Coast Path takes its course along the whole coastline in the
district. Walking or cycling in Wareham Forest takes you through the exceptional
heathlands and forests of this area. Leave your car behind and travel around
Purbeck the environmentally friendly way.
Swanage retains
its character as a Victorian seaside resort; its
Blue Flag beach enjoys more hours of sunshine than average due to
its location nestling in the Purbeck hills. The town has a unique
place in the quarrying history of the country; travel into the town
by the famous Steam
Railway.
Wareham
offers a traditional Dorset market town; markets are held on
Thursdays and Saturdays and the twice monthly farmers’ market
allows you to enjoy the fantastic local produce.
With their thatched cottages, tea rooms, cosy pubs and intriguing
histories, many people enjoy exploring the villages of
Purbeck – Corfe Castle, West Lulworth, Worth Matravers, Moreton and Tyneham are some of the favourites. |
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With sandy beaches such as at Studland and Swanage, and
coves such as Lulworth, it’s a perfect place for the whole family
to enjoy the mild climate.
The eastern end of England’s only UNESCO natural World Heritage
Site is in Purbeck. Known as the Jurassic Coast,
the area is recognised for its unique geology. The Heritage Centre
at Lulworth Cove, gives a revealing insight into a world of
dinosaurs and fossils.
Purbeck has a wealth of family attractions; Monkey
World and The Tank Museum are world-famous, Enid Blyton fans will
recognise many of the real-life locations which inspired her novels
and the farm parks at Farmer Palmer’s and Putlake Adventure Farm
give children the chance to get close to animals.
TE Lawrence
was one of the area’s most famous residents. Lawrence of Arabia, as
he became known, lived at Moreton; his home Cloud’s Hill is preserved by
the National Trust and his grave can be seen at Moreton Cemetery;
in the village are also delightful gardens, a tea shop and St
Nicholas church with its famous windows designed by Laurence
Whistler.
Another of Purbeck's famous visitors was Enid Blyton who used
Corfe Castle and Brownsea Island as inspiration for her Famous Five
books.
We have a number of National Nature Reserves in Purbeck where you
can discover the area’s exceptional wildlife. Durlston County
Park recently received this designation; other reserves include
Arne,
Studland,
Hartland
Moor and Stoborough Heath.
| Taking a boat trip to Brownsea Island is an ideal day out and perfect
place to have a picnic. The Island was where the first Boy Scout
camp was run by Lord Baden Powell; currently managed by the
National Trust, the island is one of the few places in England
where you can see a red squirrel! |
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Purbeck’s rich heritage is typified by Corfe Castle, the iconic
ruin which dominates much of the landscape in the east of the area
and the imposing Lulworth Castle set in extensive parklands where
annual jousting shows take place. Find out more on our
attractions
pages.
Many people time their visit Purbeck to coincide with the numerous
festivals and
events throughout the year: Swanage Carnival is wonderful for
family fun, the area’s wealth of artists are showcased by the
Purbeck Arts Week and the area is particularly well known for its
music events including the Swanage Jazz and Blues festivals.
Contact Details:
For further information,
speak to someone in our Tourist Information
Centre, by calling 01929 552740 or emailing tic@purbeck-dc.gov.uk.