Destination
• Purbeck is home to one of the South West of England’s most unspoiled coastal and rural landscapes and yet is within easy reach of London and the Midlands, perfect for year-round holidays and short breaks.
• 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
• 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 Centres at Lulworth Cove and Durlston Country Park, recently designated a National Nature Reserve, give a revealing insight into a world of dinosaurs and fossils.
• With sandy beaches such as Studland Beach and Swanage Bay and coves such as Lulworth and Kimmeridge, it’s a perfect place for the whole family to enjoy the mild climate.
• Purbeck has a wealth of family attractions; Monkey World and 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.
• 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 monthly farmers’ market allows you to enjoy the fantastic local food.
• 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 Nicolas’ church with its famous windows designed by Laurence Whistler.
• Durlston Country Park is a National Nature Reserve and is an ideal spot to watch for dolphins; the famous stone Globe weighs over 40 tonnes.
• Exploring the heathlands and forests of Wareham Forest, Arne and Studland Nature Reserves & Blue Pool offers the chance to get close to the district’s exceptional wildlife.
• 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 spot a red squirrel!
• Purbeck’s rich heritage is highlighted by Corfe Castle, the iconic ruin a vestige of the Civil War & the imposing Lulworth Castle set in extensive parklands.
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Getting There
